Driven: 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1
The Mercedes G-Class has become one of the most iconic vehicles in the world. It started its life 40 years ago as a utility driven SUV that could drive up and down mountains and across oceans. Today, its more synonymous with wealth, residing in garages next to Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s. We got to spend a week with the Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1 and it didn’t really go the way we expected.
The design of the G63 is perfectly balanced between the nostalgic boxiness of the first generation and the modern sportiness of today’s AMG models. It may look similar to the previous generation model to the untrained eye, but an easy way to figure out whether it’s the new G-Wagon is to look at the headlights, which now feature a clean LED design. Another new design element up front is the Panamericana grille, which is borrowed from other AMG models like the AMG-GTR and the new Mercedes-AMG C63s. The bonnet protrudes between two light enclosures, leading up to the straight windscreen.
The wide arches are easily identifiable from the side view, along with the massive 22-inch alloys that fill the wheel gap. There are also two pairs of extra loud exhaust tips that peep from under the side-step below the rear doors. Just like up front, the tail lights are now also LED powered, sitting on either side of the classic spare wheel cover on the side-hinged tail gate. The model that we got to test was the Edition 1 which was available at a more premium price at the launch of the new G-Class earlier this year. It adds a set of stripes along the door, red calipers, red details on the side mirrors and alloys and a number of exclusive ‘Edition 1’ badging around the car that really complement the Designo matte grey paint.
Unlike the exterior that borrows a lot from the previous G-Class, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1 is fully modernised. You’re treated to exquisitely coloured and stitched seats that look so beautiful that you end up feeling bad for sitting on them. The traditional instrument cluster is replaced in favour of Mercedes’ new widescreen display that extends from the instrument cluster all the way into the centre of the dashboard. The screen is split into a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system that allows the driver to navigate media, car settings, climate control and other features using the dial and touch pad located in the centre console. One of my favourite features on any AMG model is the IWC clock that is integrated into the dashboard, but the G63 had another feature that became my new favourite – red carbon fibre. The Edition 1 fills the cabin with red carbon fibre, which is like regular carbon fibre but with red weaving inside it.
Under the bonnet is a petrol 4.0-litre petrol twin turbocharged petrol V8. Don’t forget the part that it’s a petrol engine because the G63 loves petrol. In fact I struggled to keep the consumption anywhere below the 20-litres/100km mark, but I didn’t care. Saving petrol is the last thing on your mind when there’s 430kW of power and 850Nm of torque at the bottom of the accelerator pedal. All of that power is sent through Mercedes’ snappy 9-speed geartronic transmission sent to each wheel via permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Plant the right pedal down all the way and the G63 will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5-seconds before reaching its top speed of 220km/h. This quick acceleration becomes very addictive and it doesn’t get any less addictive with the screaming of the V8 engine being amplified from the exhausts.
The Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1 is loud, expensive, boxy, obnoxious, thirsty, impractical and big. Would I buy one? Absolutely. The R3-million+ price tag may be a bit steep, but for the amount of character and personality that the G63 has, above the power and all the people that stare at you as you drive it, the price tag becomes very easy to justify.
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FAQ
Q: What does the 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1 cost in South Africa?
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1 launched at around R3,200,000 in South Africa, making it one of the pricier luxury SUVs on our market at the time.
Q: How much power does the Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1 produce?
The G63 Edition 1 packs a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces 430kW and 850Nm of torque, launching this brick-shaped beast from 0-100kph in just 4.5 seconds.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1 worth buying over the standard G63?
The Edition 1 adds exclusive styling touches like matte grey paint, red accents, special badging and unique interior trim, but you're paying a premium of around R300,000 over the standard G63 for essentially cosmetic upgrades.
Q: What makes the Edition 1 different from a regular G63?
The Edition 1 features exclusive Designo matte grey paint, red brake calipers, red mirror details, door stripes, special 22-inch alloy wheels, unique interior trim and limited Edition 1 badging throughout the vehicle.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1?
Don't expect miracles from this 430kW luxury tank, the G63 Edition 1 averages around 13.2 litres per 100km in combined driving, so budget accordingly for those petrol station visits.
Should You Buy It?
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 1 at R3,200,000 is a tough sell unless you absolutely must have the most exclusive G-Wagon on the block. Yes, it's wickedly fast with 430kW of twin-turbo V8 fury and the Edition 1 styling is undeniably special, but you're paying a massive premium over the standard G63 for what amounts to fancy paint and some red bits. If you've got the cash and want the ultimate status symbol that can embarrass sports cars at the traffic lights, then go for it. However, most buyers would be better served saving R300,000 and going for the regular G63, which offers 95% of the experience without the exclusive bragging rights. The best ultra-luxury performance SUV under R3,500,000 in SA is definitely this G63 Edition 1, but only if money truly is no object.
