No SUV has the inherent cool issue of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
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The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a paradox. It’s utilitarian, rugged and boxy. But on the similar time, it is coveted by the wealthy, trendy and well-known, and Mercedes retains arising with ever extra luxurious and highly effective variants to fulfill these consumers, the most recent of which is the 2020 AMG G63.
LikeEpic engineTimeless styleHeroic construct qualityLuxurious inside appointments
Don’t LikeTerrible rideHeinously expensiveAwful ergonomics
This ubertractor has a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 that produces 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque — figures befitting a supercar — and routes that energy by way of a chassis that, whereas extra refined than ever, nonetheless feels higher suited to guarding a Slavic border checkpoint than driving on something resembling a twisty highway. It’s all very foolish and austere and purposeful. And therein lies the allure of the G-Wagen: well-dressed lunacy.The always-lovely 4.0-liter V8 is paired with Mercedes’ nine-speed automated transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. Being a G-Class, it additionally has three locking differentials, do you have to ever resolve to enterprise into the tough stuff. (And even then, the G550 is best.)
Given the tall, slim form of the G63 and the glut of energy and torque that it produces, the driving dynamics are greatest described as advantageous round city however harrowing at pace. The electro-mechanical rack-and-pinion steering may be very a lot improved over the earlier G’s recirculating-ball setup, however the turning circle, at 44.3 ft, is greatest in comparison with giant boats somewhat than different vehicles.The experience on the G63 ranges from bouncy and wallowy in consolation to “call my dentist, I am going to need some fillings replaced,” stiff in Sport Plus, although I believe that a few of this comes right down to the colossal 22-inch non-compulsory wheels fitted to my tester. Strangely, I discover the candy spot to be in Sport mode somewhat than Normal. It’s nonetheless stiff, however comparatively livable and the roads’ sharpest bumps get a few of their edges smoothed out. Braking comes courtesy of some massive ol’ 14.8-inch rotors up entrance and 13-inch rotors within the rear, with six-piston and single-piston calipers to grip them, respectively.
The inside is superbly appointed, however nonetheless considerably cramped.
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Inside, the G-Class is upright, with straight-ish glass and slab-like sprint panels, but it is all lined within the most interesting leather-based and Alcantara. Everything is completely stitched and neatly trimmed. You’re cosseted in consolation; the cabin is beautiful and executed in a manner that completely justifies the G63’s six-figure asking value.
The ergonomics are slightly bizarre, although, as a result of they’ve to evolve to a really previous fashion of SUV with a comparatively small footprint. For instance, the seating place is tremendous excessive. Generally, on an SUV, I’d name this a constructive, however I discover myself unable to regulate the seat right down to a place the place my head is not touching the suede headliner. At 6 ft, 4 inches, I’m fairly tall, however I’m not that tall.Legroom can also be a priority, due to the provision of simply 38.7 inches within the entrance and 39.5 inches within the rear. Despite showing large when seen by itself, the G63 shouldn’t be that massive of an SUV. The inside borders on cramped at instances, regardless of providing extra cabin house than its predecessor, nevertheless it’s only a sacrifice you make when you merely have to be seen in used-to-be-military {hardware}. Arguably the very best components of the inside are the sound the doorways make once you shut them and particularly the sound the door locks make once you arm or disarm the car — it is like an enormous rifle being cocked.US-spec G63s come commonplace with the decrease bumper guard.
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I like the side-hinged rear door and it is useful in parking garages the place the G’s peak would possibly make an everyday top-hinged hatch lower than preferrred. But this additionally means you’ll be able to’t again in too near a wall or one other automobile, because the door wants further house to swing open. The cargo space is trimmed in mushy, luxurious carpet and quilted leather-based, too, so it positively retains up the phantasm of luxurious, so long as you need not haul something particularly sensible (or soiled). There’s 38.1 cubic ft of house again right here and you’ll fold the seats down, as effectively.Unfortunately, this technology of G-Class launched simply earlier than the arrival of Mercedes’ new MBUX tech, so it nonetheless depends on the older COMAND infotainment system on a pair of 12.3-inch shows. Probably essentially the most disappointing factor concerning the system is the shortage of a touchscreen, particularly given how shut you sit to the sprint. Still, Apple CarPlay is alongside for the experience, as is Android Auto, and the voice instructions work effectively sufficient. I do love the superb Burmester sound system, which is commonplace on the G63. The G-Class has all the time been costly and the AMG G63 is tremendous expensive, at about $153,000 to start out. My G63, as examined, retails for $182,445 together with $995 for vacation spot. That’s a ton of cash for what I’d think about a novelty, until you are actually counting on the G for its unmatched off-road functionality and even then, you are most likely higher off with the less-expensive G550.This matte olive paint is a $6,500 possibility.
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A good chunk of that as-tested value comes from the inclusion of the $8,050 G Manufaktur inside bundle, the $6,500 matte olive inexperienced paint, the $4,550 22-inch cast wheels and the $2,200 prime pace limiter removing (which is completely pointless, by the way in which). Still, I believe that when you’re the form of purchaser who needs a G63, you most likely do not care about penny-pinching all that a lot.Other high-dollar, high-speed opponents embrace the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and Mercedes’ personal AMG GLS63, which affords a a lot nicer driving expertise however lacks the G’s inherent cool issue. You might go for a Range Rover SV Autobiography and get comparable off-road chops, however once more, a Land Rover simply is not as superior.I like the G-Wagen, however truthfully, the ostentatious AMG model strays too removed from the bottom mannequin’s off-roady allure. I’d somewhat get a G550 with the smallest wheels potential and begin including aftermarket equipment till it appeared like I used to be prepared for the Paris-Dakar. The G63 affords loads of thrills, however $153,000 is simply an excessive amount of to pay for a novelty expertise. It seems to be cool, sounds cool and is lush as hell, however on the finish of the day, I might say the identical a few G550.