The G-class was known as Germany’s answer to the Land Rover Defender, but being German, it didn’t stay utilitarian for long. Towards the turn of the century, Mercedes-Benz was in the process of developing the car with a more premium customer in mind. In the early 2000s, it gave the big square G-Wagen, an AMG-derived V8 and the rest is history.
The G-Wagen, and especially the AMG derivatives, are hailed as some of the most iconic, most popular SUV models in the world with rap icons, oil sheikhs and Russian mob bosses all enjoying them. Mercedes-AMG has now given us a new one and I got behind the wheel to see how it compares to the previous model which, to be honest, was a laugh of a machine.
What is different?
This new model is not much different in that it induces laughter, squeaks, shrieks and many wide eye moments. The reason for this is because the G-class and specifically the G63 which I drove at the local launch, is a rather large car as well being very fast and powerful machine.
It uses the same 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 motor from other AMG models. The result is 430kW/850Nm, 0-100km/h dash of 4.5 seconds and a soundtrack that can be closely compared to that of a very angry lion thanks to the four tailpipes coming out just behind the rear doors.
All of this is great, however, the G63 does not come across as a sports car, it’s a massive lump of a thing, but Mercedes-AMG has managed to tweak it under the skin and the benefits can be felt. The G63 has had a host of upgrades done to the suspension and steering, which has remedied the somewhat skittish handling that could be felt on the previous car.
It is still a handful through corners at speed but more confidence inspiring. It also looks better now, in my opinion. Mercedes-AMG designers have kept the iconic shape, but with a rounded-off touch to key elements such as the window surrounds, the roof lining and most importantly, the front-end resplendent with the Panamericana-grille taken from the GT R super car and oval LED headlights.
Interior
The G63 has also undergone massive interior changes which, for the main part, sees the inclusion of the new 12.3-inch display; one for the instrument cluster and the other for the much improved infotainment system. The interior is also full of quality leather padding, seats from an S-class and on the Edition 1 model, carbon-fibre with red detailing woven in.
Driving G-Wagen
On the road, the G63 behaves rather admirably when driven with restraint, as it blocks the outside world out to the extent that you might become overzealous with the throttle given the amount of power on-tap. Put your foot down though and it’s like stepping on a landmine. The nose lifts, the engine roars and I’m sure the earth moves back a bit. It is a comical experience but one which I love.
How is it on fuel you ask?
The G63 is a car that is bought by people who want it because it is a G63, not because they want the three locking differentials or because it can actually go off-road. They don’t want it because it’s a luxury branded SUV or because it’s practical, no, they want it because it is the coolest car on the road, one which has withstood the test of time. They also want it because they have R2 613 644 to spend.
Pricing
Mercedes-AMG G63 - R2 613 644
Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1 - R2 913 644
