Mercedes-Benz's G-Wagen is untouchable. 39 years later, and it’s still soldiering on and has proven itself #StrongerThanTime. And now, the latest incarnation of the hottest G has landed in South Africa.
“The new Mercedes-AMG G63 inherits the positively powerful DNA of its ancestors. Among the genes are its characteristic design and unparalleled off-roading capabilities. We only modified that which would strengthen its predecessor and make its uniqueness even more pronounced. In short, the new G63 is still a ‘G’ - only better - which is was our customers want,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Available for only the first year of the new Mercedes-AMG G63’s production, this is the G63 'Edition 1'. The boxy luxury SUV features red accents that highlight the edge of the wheels and center caps, while red striping on the mirrors really ties the exterior look together. The available paint finishes for the Edition 1 are magnetite black, obsidian black, iridium silver, mojave silver, selenite grey, designo graphite metallic, designo platinum black, designo mystic white bright, designo platinum magno and designo night black magno.
The interior of its new G63, has undergone the most significant reinvention of its four-decade lifespan to provide greater comfort, technology and usable space for occupants while not abandoning its utilitarian origins. Inside the cabin of the special edition Geländewagen, there's black and red leather trim the quilted seats, matching the black and red carbon-fibre used to cover the center console, door panels, and its trademark dash grab handle.
In fact, comparing the latest G63 to its predecessor, its exterior is now bolder, sporting 22-inch wheels, wider arches and the distinctive Panamericana grill setting it apart from lesser models - and yes the trademark side exhausts are still there.
The biggest change over the W463 is under the hood, with the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo replacing the old 5.5-litre V8. Power stands at a Mercedes-AMG GT R rivalling 430kw and torque at 850nm, helping the 2.5 ton SUV hit 100kph in 4.5 seconds - a full second quicker than its predecessor. Maximum speed stands at 220kph, and that can be raised a further 20kph if the AMG Driver’s package box is ticked.
This is in part thanks to the fact that the new W464 G63 is 174kgs lighter than the W463. Handling the power is an AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic transmission, while its AMG fettled 4MATIC all-wheel drive system sends 60% of its power to the rear - in its default mode. In the preceding model the distribution was still a neutral 50:50. Damper, steering and other variables can be customized via the AMG Dynamic Selection function.
For more efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has equipped the V8 engine in the G63 with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which significantly lowers the fuel consumption. The combined fuel consumption is 13.1 l/100 km, and the combined CO2 emissions is 299 g/km.
“The new AMG G63 brings driving performance to the off-road vehicles segment. Mercedes-AMG took the already strong genes of the G-Class’ predecessors and made them even stronger, adapting them in their own special way to modern times. While the character of this icon remains, its interior and exterior have both transitioned to modern luxury. The G63 has now reached a completely new dimension in terms of technology, with the 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine, the off-road characteristics, the agility and the vehicle dynamics it achieves,” says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa have priced the G63 from R2 591 000, with the 'Edition 1' priced around R2 891 000.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG G63 cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG G63 starts from around R3,200,000 in South Africa, with the limited Edition 1 variant commanding a premium of approximately R200,000 more due to its exclusive styling and red accent package.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG G63 worth buying?
The G63 is worth buying if you have deep pockets and want the ultimate status symbol that can tackle both Sandton City parking and Botswana bush tracks, but at over R3 million, it's more about prestige than practicality for most buyers.
Q: How powerful is the Mercedes-AMG G63 engine?
The G63 packs a hand-built 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 430kW and 850Nm of torque, which launches this brick-shaped beast from 0-100kph in just 4.5 seconds despite weighing over 2.4 tonnes.
Q: What makes the G63 Edition 1 special?
The Edition 1 is a first-year exclusive with red accent details on the wheels, mirrors and interior trim, plus special carbon fibre elements and quilted leather seats that make it instantly recognisable as the launch model.
Q: Should I buy a Mercedes-AMG G63 or a Range Rover Sport SVR?
Choose the G63 if you want maximum street cred and legendary off-road capability, but pick the Range Rover Sport SVR if you prioritise on-road dynamics and a more refined interior for similar money.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-AMG G63 at R3.2 million is the ultimate flex purchase for those who want everyone to know they've made it. This is not a sensible buy by any measure, it drinks fuel like a teenager drinks Coke, and it's about as subtle as a vuvuzela at a golf tournament. But here's the thing, if you can afford it without breaking the bank, absolutely go for it. The G63 is automotive royalty that holds its value better than most investments, delivers unmatched presence, and provides genuine off-road capability that puts most "luxury SUVs" to shame. For R3.2 million, you're not just buying transport, you're buying 39 years of heritage wrapped in hand-built AMG madness. Yes, buy it if your wallet can handle the hit, because nothing else quite says "I've arrived" like pulling up in a G-Wagen.
