For those that don’t know, AMG is the sport faction of the Mercedes-Benz brand, and they never, ever disappoint. When you assess models such as the A45 AMG and the C63 AMG, you just notice pure speed and amazing performance. But, the G63 AMG is slightly more mesmerizing. How can 5,500 pounds of vehicle fly across the ground so fast?
Well, if you were impressed with all the previous versions of the G-Wagon, you should be really excited about what’s to come with the 2019 version. As you’d expect, the G63 can be spotted a mile away, but not just due to its intimidating size. The special grille, prominent air intakes and the multitude of AMG and Mercedes badges are iconic. Plus, you have the small, circular lights, flared fenders and the brake callipers that are covered in a red paint with cross-drilled rotors.
A minor feature that should be appreciated with the G63 is the way the dual exhaust effortlessly emerges from underneath the side skirt. The beauty is in the small details, eh? As it’s also designed to transition seamlessly to off-road conditions, the chassis sits 9.4 inches off the ground to cope with any difficult terrain. As is typical with any G63, the 2019 model will retain that rectangular shape.
Open up the motor, step inside, and embrace all what it has to offer. The flat-bottom steering wheel, the abundance of carbon fibre dotted around the cabin and the extra coloured trims is simply stunning. If you want to add to the overall look, why not introduced some Alcantara into the mix?
Moreover, there’s plenty of leg, head and elbow room; more than the previous version of the G63, in fact. Mercedes-AMG have opted for a minimalistic feel to the front cabin, and the centre console doesn’t contain any unnecessary clutter. You’ll find a 12.3-inch infotainment with tons of technology, and another screen behind the steering wheel which provides driving information.
Let’s move on to the stuff that you really want to find out about – how does it perform? Well, the short answer to that is it performs phenomenally. With the 2019 model, the engineers have changed the engine from a bi-turbo 5.5-litre to a bi-turbocharged 4.0-litre. It now produces an incredible 577-BHP and pulls with 627 pound-feet of torque, which is no joke for an SUV.
They’ve gone with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a four-wheel drive system that now shifts 60-percent of torque to the rear which significantly improves the handling. Of course, it also makes it superb for when you want to wonder off-road. Stop the car, put your foot down and you’ll rapidly glide from 0-60-MPH in just 4.4 seconds; talk about a raging bull, huh?
It’s not hard to notice the changes, though, they’re there in black and white. The 2019 version has literally upgraded in every single department. There’s 14 more horsepower, 66 more pound-feet of torque, 2 more gears on the transmission, 0.9 seconds quicker to hit 60-MPH and 19 more MPH has been added to the top speed.
But, all of that added power actually feels safer to drive now, which is predominantly down to the increased rigidity in suspension – 55% to be precise. That means it feels much more smooth and comfortable as you smack down the power on the road. Moreover, the sound never, ever gets boring; the V8 grumble with every push of the pedal is thrilling. It seems like Mercedes-AMG have managed to harmonize the engine and chassis to perform as one unit.
The 2019 G63 AMG is due to go on sale towards the end of 2018, and if you want one you should expect to pay big because they don’t come cheap. But, the improved performance while still maintaining the G63 style that everyone loves so much warrants the hefty price tag. Keep an eye out for more information as it’s released.
Tags: Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Reviews, Specs, SUV