Insane AMG G63 rises above it flaws

Rising to the pinnacle

The G’s story and rise to immortal fame are well-documented. Commissioned as a military vehicle that obtained civilian status in 1979, and which is still hand-built to this day by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, it made the transition from ‘fatherland’ defender to non-combat world conquer when Benz introduced the 463 generation in 1990 as a replacement for the original 460.

Very much the three-pointed star’s go-anywhere equivalent of the S-Class, the G upped the desirability factor with each passing year in that it got more luxurious and received more power, all while refusing to let go of its all-terrain conquering hardware; a low-range gearbox and three locking differentials.

Of course, when tuner AMG turned out the first ‘fast’ mass produced G in 2005, the G55, the history book was re-written and with the arrival of subsequent models, the G63, G65, the insane G63 6×6 and the larger-than-anything G500 4×4², the boxy Cold War era mud-plugger had become a global cult hero that would continue its charm offensive for the next 18 years.

The new commander-in-chief

A changing of the guard was however needed and with the opening of the North American International Show in Detroit last year, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new 463, which, just over two months later, received the command from AMG to go into battle.

It’s recent reporting for duty at the Autodealer office was, therefore, a highly awaited one, not only from the editorial team mouthing at it like awe-struck 10-year olds, but also because it served as the final encore for yours truly.

Change of face

Standing next to its predecessor, the G’s exterior changes appear nondescript, but soon noticeable are the rounded headlights, a more curved Panamericana grille, new bonnet, the thin now LED taillights and in the case of the Edition 1 model tested here, a matte black paint finish as part of the optional Night Package, flared wheel arches, red detailing on the mirrors and for the full Soprano effect, menacing 22-inch matte black forged alloy wheels with red striping.

Although certain aspects of the G’s front facia did come-in for questioning from this writer, the biggest being those new lights, the final look frankly needs little in the way of words to describe, or least those than can be seen as print-friendly. In short, very little of the old 463’s cool factor has been lost and with the Night Package in place, the G63 still rates the ultimate poser’s mobile that will cause a stir and nods of approval.

Over-the-top interior luxury

Open the door via of a very 1970s looking handle, the G63’s interior is the complete opposite of its retro outside with only the chunky grab handle on the passenger side being a nod to the original 460. Festooned with aluminium and chrome, carbon fibre inserts, piano key black detailing and sport seats trimmed in sumptuous red and black leather, the interior looks and feel special with good levels of built-quality and all round comfort, literally elevated by an imperious driving position.

Despite this, and even with the fitment of Benz’s smart looking 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the G63 does without the MBUX infotainment system of newer models like the A-Class, GLE and GLS, instead opting for the improved but still finicky Comand system of other models, which comes as something of a disappointment given its placing.

Unleashing the V1

In all honesty,  the biggest appeal of the G63 is what lies underneath. Press the starter button, the 4.0-litre bi-turbo comes into life with a satisfying burble that leaves an immediate smile. Select Drive and even with the AMG Dynamic Select system in Comfort mode, the response is instant.

While the G makes use of lightweight materials such as aluminium to trim weight by 170 kg, the addition of a new platform and suspension, wider track, longer wheelbase and off-road gear means it still ticks the scales at just shy of 2.6-tons, all of which are no match for the engine’s 430 kW and 850 N.m of torque.

Similar to the gun-shot sounding central locking system, the G63 reacts with such vigour and immediacy that you could be forgiven for confusing it with one of Benz’s AMG sedans. Accompanied by the engine’s growl emitted through the side mounted quad exhausts, the aural sensation is akin to that of an industrial sounding machine that is both dark and metallic. Put simply, it sounds angry in true AMG fashion, but when turned down, produces a soulful burble whose symphony is accompanied by subtle turbo undertones.

Connected to the slick-shifting nine-speed MCT dual-clutch gearbox, the G63 will race from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and onto a V-max of 220 km/h, yet the biggest amazement is when setting off. Select Sport+ mode, the front end literally becomes light as most of the power is shoved to the rear wheels, literally providing for a take-off sensation many supercars are unlikely to match.

U-boat consumption

As to be expected, all of this comes at a cost which in this case not only includes the eye-popping R3 086 654 sans options price tag, but also the rate at which the G63 likes to empty its 100-litre fuel tank. AMG’s bullish claim of 13.1 L/100 km spiked dramatically during its weeklong stay to the point where we were recording 23 to 24 L/100 km at some points. In fact, the best achievable, with incredible care and very gentle throttle input, was closer to 16 L/100 km.

Conclusion

In terms of sheer logic, a vehicle like the Mercedes-AMG G63 should not exist. Not only is it ridiculously expensive and completely daft, but it has an unquenchable thirst for 95 and despite being one of the most capable off-roaders ever made, will never see anything dirt like or have the opportunity to have any of its three diff-locks activated, never mind its low range ‘box.

However, it does exist and for all of its flaws, it has an unmatched character and sense of appeal, a feel-good factor if you like, and genuine bedroom pin-up status. It is one of the automotive world and AMG’s crazy moments that very few can match and despite its shortcomings, a crazy moment the Autodealer team wouldn’t mind experiencing again.