These wheels and tires are distinctive to the AMG Trail Package.
Michael Shaffer/Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has end-of-the-world, Schöckl-scaling off-road functionality, however that is not why most individuals purchase ’em. In the US, the G63 outsells the bottom G550, and never by a small margin. On prime of that, I can just about assure all of the AMGs you see operating round have 22-inch wheels and rubber bands for tires. It’s why I’ve at all times stated the G550 is definitely the higher purchase for people who would possibly need to get slightly soiled. But because of a brand new choice pack for the 2021 AMG G63, that is not likely the case anymore.
LikeUnmatched off-road abilityStrong V8 energyComfortready journey qualityIconic type
Don’t LikeOlder multimedia techLousy gas economyHigh price of entry
For $3,050, you may spec your 2021 Mercedes-AMG G63 with the AMG Trail Package. This provides a recalibrated off-road setting to the G63’s driving modes, with softer damping for a barely extra deft method to off-roading. This pack additionally provides a black underbody brush guard, all-season ground mats, rear mud flaps and matte black 20-inch wheels with — and that is the necessary bit — all-terrain tires. Capability apart, the Trail Package is a very cool look. And paired with new paint colours like this check automotive’s G Manufaktur Arabian Grey, I’m 100% right here for AMG’s butch updo.The all-terrain tires in query are deliciously meaty 275/50 Pirelli Scorpion ATRs. Their tall sidewalls and aggressive tread sample are much better than these on any all-season tire, particularly when the going will get robust. Those deep treads can higher expel filth and dust, and when aired down, they supply glorious traction and management in deep sand. Look, I’m not going to try to inform you the G63 is not a stellar off-roader in its inventory spec, however nice suspension geometry, locking axles and an enormous V8 imply bupkis if the contact patches — the factors the place your automotive really touches the bottom — are weak.
2021 Mercedes-AMG G63 can climb a mountain on the way in which to the mall
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Let’s not overlook the guts and soul of the G63: AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. This engine produces 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, despatched to all 4 wheels by a nine-speed automated transmission. This not solely rockets the G63 to 60 mph in a scant 4.4 seconds, it means there’s an enormous reserve of low-end energy obtainable always. I’ll admit, even with the subtle suspension and acceptable tires, a number of bushy off-roading conditions will be remedied by following the trusty “when in doubt, power out” principle.But even when you by no means take the G63 off-road, the Trail Package pays dividends in each day life, too. These softer tires make for a extra snug freeway journey, and whereas the tradeoff right here is lowered lateral traction at pace, let’s be trustworthy, you are not doing any scorching cornering in a freaking G63. The tire change should not have an effect on your gas financial system, both; count on to see the identical dismal 13 miles per gallon metropolis, 16 mpg freeway and 14 mpg mixed as earlier than. Then once more, what else would you count on from a 577-hp SUV that is about as aerodynamic as a barn?
The G-Class nonetheless makes use of Mercedes’ older COMAND infotainment.
Michael Shaffer/Mercedes-Benz
The G63’s fundamental chassis and steering calibrations do not change if you choose the AMG Trail Package, so all of these good — properly, distinctive — attributes carry over, as properly. Plus, each G63 comes normal with Mercedes’ full suite of driver-assistance options, together with full-speed adaptive cruise management, blind-spot help and lane-keeping help. The G63 additionally comes with a 360-degree digital camera, which is tremendous useful when negotiating tight conditions, off-road or in any other case.
Beyond driving aids, the G63 will get the entire G-Class’ finest cabin tech, with one main caveat. There’s a 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch central infotainment display, however this runs the older COMAND setup, not Mercedes’ glorious new MBUX interface. That means there is not any touchscreen, no augmented actuality navigation overlays and no pleasant “Hey, Mercedes” voice to inform you a joke if you’re having a poopy day. At least COMAND has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bundled in, in addition to numerous Mercedes-Benz linked providers. A Burmester sound system is normal, too.The G63’s inside is simply so rattling good, with elective Nappa leather-based surfaces, actual metallic accents and glorious consideration to element. There’s headroom for days, even when shoulder room is on the slim facet, and the G63 has loads of no-additional-cost facilities, like heated entrance and rear seats, multicolor ambient lighting, a sunroof and extra. The again seats are tight-ish, however a minimum of there’s actual legroom on this technology G-Class, and the heavy, side-hinged rear door opens to disclose an enormous cargo maintain — although many of the usable house is vertical. Go purchase some tall crops, however put a tarp down so you do not mess up the carpet.Arabian Grey is a $6,500 paint choice.
Michael Shaffer/Mercedes-Benz
You’ll want a minimum of $157,500 to get right into a 2021 Mercedes-AMG G63, together with $1,050 for vacation spot. Throw within the $3,050 AMG Trail Package — together with my check automotive’s AMG Night Package ($1,950), Comfort Seat Package ($2,220), carbon-fiber trim ($3,700), Arabian Grey paint ($6,500) and some different odds and ends — and you will get to the $176,370 as-tested value of the G63 pictured right here. There’s a complete extensive world of shade and trim choices obtainable for the G63, too, so by all means, go nuts.I’d be remiss to not point out that the $132,800 G550 will verify 95% of the identical containers for lots much less cash, although the Trail Package is simply obtainable on the G63. (Nothing a tire store cannot partially treatment, although.) Then once more, given the G’s gross sales stats, the 550/AMG disparity clearly does not matter. And now that the Trail Package amplifies the G63’s off-road cred to G550-surpassing ranges, the hilariously highly effective AMG is even more durable to argue in opposition to. Live it up, massive spender.