2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Goes Off-Roading With 577 HP
Like the standard Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Mercedes-AMG G63 has undergone the greatest change in its history.
Ready to perform on and off the road, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 is powered by a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine generating 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Although horsepower is just a slight upgrade compared to its predecessor’s 5.5-liter biturbo V8 with 563 hp, torque is a noticeable increase from 561 lb-ft. The luxury, high-performance SUV has a rear-biased, all-wheel-drive system (40:60) with three differential locks, fast-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, double wishbone independent front suspension, and adaptive adjustable damping. All that performance results in a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, which is 0.9 seconds faster than the previous model. Maximum speed is limited to 137 mph, but it can be increased to 149 mph with the AMG Driver’s Package.
The powerplant also has increased efficiency, with the V8 engine equipped with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. Under partial load, cylinders two, three, five, and eight are deactivated, helping lower fuel consumption.
To differentiate it from the standard G-Class, the AMG G63 model boasts an AMG-specific radiator grille, flared wheel arches, striking side pipes on the exhaust system, and up to 22-inch wheels on all four corners.
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Like the standard G-Class, the G63 gains more interior space for passengers, with legroom increasing 1.5 inches in the front and 5.9 inches in the rear. Shoulder room also benefits with an increase of 1.5 inches up front and 1.1 inches in the rear. Speaking of the interior, a new AMG Performance steering wheel is standard on the model, finished in nappa leather with galvanized wheel shift paddles.
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 will officially debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March, with a U.S. market launch planned before the end of 2018. Pricing will be announced closer to its launch. Like other previous AMG models, the new G63 will kick off its market launch with an exclusive “Edition 1” special model painted in designo Night Black Magno with contrasting matte Graphite Grey sports stripes along the sides. The exterior mirror housings are finished with a decorative red stripe, giving the Edition 1 a distinct appearance. Also included on the Edition 1 model is the AMG Night package with high-gloss black details, while the matte black 22-inch forged wheels with a cross-spoke design will have red-painted rim flanges.
The red color theme continues inside the cabin of the Edition 1 G63, with red contrasting topstitching on the dashboard support, center console, door panels, and rear seats. The sport seats also receive a dynamic diamond pattern with red contrasting topstitching as standard. Buyers also get to enjoy carbon fiber trim with highlights in Red Pepper, while the AMG Performance steering wheel in Dinamica microfiber is also embellished with red topstitching and a red 12 o’clock marking.
“The new AMG G63 brings driving performance to the segment of unadulterated off-road vehicles in unexpected form. It was important for us to tie in with the original character on account of the cult status the G63 enjoys with our customers and fans. The vehicle has nevertheless reached a completely new dimension in terms of technology with the handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine as well as in combination with the off-road characteristics, the agility and the vehicle dynamics achieved,” explains Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “This applies to the entire G-Class model series. Mercedes-AMG is responsible for their suspension and chassis development as well as V8 competence.”
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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The G has always struck me as a vehicle completely at odds with itself: it's utterly compromised on the road due to its off-road oriented suspension, yet it's so blasted expensive I'd never want to take it off road for fear of damaging it or soiling its absurdly plush interior. It's a four-wheeled anachronism - and yet, for whatever reason, I still like the thing.