With the new Mercedes-AMG G 63, the Mercedes-AMG G-Class has undergone the greatest change in its history – while remaining true to its well-proven virtues. The G 63 underpins its unique position among performance off-road vehicles with the powerful drive system, the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, the AMG-specific transmission modes and the new interior with an optimal widescreen cockpit. The basis for the hallmark AMG Driving Performance both on and off metalled roads is provided by the 430 kW (585 PS) 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, the rear-biased all-wheel drive (40:60) with three differential locks, the extremely fast-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, the double wishbone independent front suspension and the adaptive adjustable damping. The reinterpretation of the unmistakable design creates strong highlights with the AMG-specific radiator grille, flared wheel arches, striking side pipes on the exhaust system and the up to 22-inch wheels.
The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine now also replaces the previous 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine in the G 63. It generates 430 kW (585 PS) in this model, and delivers a maximum torque of 850 Nm. This is available across a wide rev range between 2.500 and 3.500 rpm, and provides a sense of effortless superiority. It completes a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. This dynamic performance is maintained up to the limited maximum speed of 220 km/h, or 240 km/h with the AMG Driver‘s package.
For more efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has equipped the V8 engine in the G 63 with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which significantly lowers the fuel consumption. When the driver has selected the 'Comfort' transmission driving mode, the cylinder deactivation system is available in the wide engine speed range from 1000 to 3250 rpm. The AMG main menu on the instrument cluster informs the driver whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in the partial- or full-load range. The transition from four- to eight-cylinder operation is fast and imperceptible, so that the passengers do not experience any loss of comfort whatsoever.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission is used in the G 63. This has a model-specific software application to achieve very short shift times. The multiple downshift function allows more spontaneous bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in 'Sport' and 'Sport Plus' transmission modes makes for an even more emotional driving experience. Defined engine manipulation makes for even faster gear changes.
The wide ratio spread allows a choice of a very sporty or a very comfortable and efficient driving experience. In all transmission modes the G 63 moves off in first gear so as to ensure a dynamic sprint from a standstill whenever required. The DIRECT SELECT lever has been repositioned as a steering column stalk.
The standard-specification AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive features rear-biased torque distribution with a front/rear split of 40 to 60 per cent. This configuration ensures greater agility on the road and improved traction during acceleration. In the preceding model the distribution was still a neutral 50:50. The off-road reduction gear has been developed further for operations on difficult terrain. It helps to ensure that the G 63 is able to master even more demanding off-road stretches.
The reduction ratio of the transfer case is now 2.93, i.e. considerably higher than in the preceding model (2.1). This assists in moving off on extreme uphill gradients in particular, as the torque at the drive wheels is significantly increased. The new, intelligent multiplate clutch behaves like an automatically controlled locking differential. It ensures that the new G 63 remains manoeuvrable for longer when off-road. The advantage is that the driver has more scope before having to engage the differential locks manually.
The new G 63 performs even better when off-road, and on the road it is more dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor. The agile driving impression is substantially due to the suspension system, which has been completely redesigned by Mercedes-AMG and features coil springs all-round. For the first time the front axle has an independent, double wishbone suspension; a rigid axle with a five-link suspension is used at the rear.
The electromechanical speed-sensitive steering installed in the G 63 for the first time has a variable ratio to ensure precise and authentic feedback. The steering servo assistance is reduced at high speeds, and continuously increases at low speeds. This means that comparatively little steering force is required at low speeds, and that the best possible control over the vehicle is maintained at high speeds. Steering power assistance is available in a choice of two modes – 'Comfort' or 'Sport'. The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode, or can be personalised in 'Individual' mode. In 'Sport' the driver receives more direct feedback about the driving status.
The basis for the enormous off-road capabilities of the G 63 is provided by a torsionally rigid ladder-type frame of high-strength steel and a mounted body of composite construction. This design is considerably more robust and suitable for off-road operations than a unibody construction. As the lowest point of this construction, the frame ensures a low centre of gravity and protects the major assemblies, fuel tank and exhaust system during ground contact, e.g. when driving over obstacles.
Another development aim was to reduce the weight of the body. Using a digital prototype, the developers simulated the operating life of individual components and assemblies to determine where lighter materials could be used without compromising durability, operating life and quality.
Unmistakable design features give the new AMG G 63 its unique appearance: the boxy silhouette, the proud bonnet, external door hinges, round headlamps, mounted direction indicators, robust door handles, muscular protective strips with inserts in high-gloss black with a silver AMG emblem, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door with a stainless steel cover and three-dimensional Mercedes star.
The front section of the G 63 is characterised by the AMG-specific radiator grille and the AMG bumper with large side air inlets and trim in matt iridium silver. The headlamps, indicators and tail lights are in LED High Performance technology as standard. This lighting consumes less energy and has a particularly long service life.
The new G 63 has been given a completely newly designed, modern interior that echoes specific exterior features. The shape of the round headlamps is reflected in the side air vents, and that of the indicators in the tweeters on the dashboard. Hallmarks of the G 63 also include the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chrome-highlighted switches for the three differential locks.
The completely redesigned dashboard has analogue tubes as dial instruments as standard. Optionally the fully digital Widescreen Cockpit with virtual instruments directly in the driver's field of vision and a central display above the centre console can be ordered. The two 12.3-inch displays visually blend into a single unit beneath a shared glass cover. The driver is able to choose from three different views – 'Classic', 'Sporty' and 'Progressive' – and access the required information individually.
The dual-flow exhaust system features side pipes below the rear doors. The twin tailpipes in high-gloss chrome emit the typical AMG V8 sound. The standard exhaust flap can be adjusted in two stages using the switch in the centre console or depending on the selected driving mode, to make the exhaust note more sporty or discreet.
The new Mercedes-AMG G 63 will celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 6 March 2018 – the sales release date is 18 March 2018 and the market launch begins from June 2018.