Review of the new Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 2018

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Shortly after the civilian G 500 was unveiled, Mercedes-AMG presents the G 63. Traditionally the most popular G-Class model, it is, as usual, more powerful and lighter.

The most striking feature of the G 63 is the grille with vertical bars. To make room for larger tyres, the wheel arches have been widened front and rear. Side steps come as standard, along with red brake callipers, perforated discs and a special front bumper. The exhaust exits through side pipes ahead of the rear wheels.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 engine: 4.0 l V8 with 585 hp

The powertrain no longer uses the 5.5-litre V8 of the predecessor, but AMG's all-purpose weapon with 4.0 litres and eight cylinders. The G 63 uses the 585 hp variant with 850 newton metres of torque, which shuts down cylinders to save fuel. With all eight cylinders working under full load, 0-100 km/h takes 4.5 s. Top speed is limited by AMG to 220 km/h. With the Driver's Package it is 240 km/h.

It is paired with the nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic, and to save fuel the engine has been given a function that deactivates half of the cylinders under light loads.

As with the standard G-Class, the AMG version received a new independent double-wishbone front suspension, while at the rear there is a rigid axle with four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod. AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers with several operating modes are standard equipment.

Depending on the selected drive mode, the dampers continuously adapt to the road and the driving situation at hand.

For the drive programmes, Mercedes-AMG takes a slightly different approach from the G 500. The Comfort, Sport and Sport + programmes are complemented by the “Glätte” programme. For off-road use, instead of the G mode there are three programmes: Sand, Trail and Rock. Trail is intended for soft, muddy ground, Sand for sandy tracks or dunes, and Rock for rocky terrain.

As usual, Mercedes offers an “Edition 1” of the G 63 with special features for the market launch. The sides of the car will carry stripes, the AMG Night package is standard, as are the 22-inch forged wheels. The interior also has several red accents and sports seats in red and black Nappa leather. Sales will start in June 2018.

Technical specifications of the Mercedes-AMG G 63

Engine: 4.0 l V8, petrol, biturbo. Power: 585 hp (430 kW)

Transmission: nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic. 0-100 km/h: 4.5 s. Top speed: 220 km/h. Fuel consumption: 13.2 l/100 km

Weight: 2,485 kg. Price: not known

Sales start: June 2018