Lots of vehicles claim to look like nothing else on the road, but the Mercedes-Benz G-Class really means it. One glance at its combat-inspired body, and you know it's not your typical luxury SUV. Along with the standard model's military manners and indulgent trappings, the G63 AMG delivers blistering on-road performance that defies its industrial-strength appearance.
What's New for 2016
The turbocharged V8 engine gains 27 horsepower for a total of 563. Restyled bumpers and larger wheel openings provide a more contemporary look.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG
At the heart of the G63 AMG is a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. With 563 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque on tap, the V8 propels the big rig from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, an improbable time for any 5,600-pound vehicle. Shifting is done by a specially tuned seven-speed automatic, dubbed AMG Speedshift, which comes with an electronic shifter. As expected, the G63 AMG benefits from full-time four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Rounding out the functional upgrades are high-performance brakes, oversized front air intakes, and 20-inch AMG wheels.
All examples are equipped with luxuries like heated and ventilated front seats with memory, a Harman Kardon surround-sound system, hard drive-based navigation, and an automated parking system. Safety technology is present in full force, including emergency brake assist, active lane keeping assist, collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.
Even with virtually every indulgence standard, there is some room from customization. The available “designo” interior package adds Nappa leather seats and trim in a range of colors and your choice of exotic wood accents. With the designo pallet in hand, you can put together combinations of hue and textures smashing enough to induce salivation. Carbon fiber interior trim and a heated or wood-trimmed steering wheel are available as standalone options.
If you really want your G63 to make an impact, even in the most exclusive company, the available AMG Performance Studio package ($20,000) will get the job done. It combines gloss black exterior trim with some of the most striking colors ever applied to a vehicle body, like Alien Green and Galactic Beam.