The new G63 loses the 5.5 litre V8 and in comes the 4.0 litre bi-turbo V8 engine that puts out 585 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. Yes all this from a boxy looking SUV but then it has an AMG badge. The claimed 0 to 100 kph dash is 4.5 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 220 kph. You can up that to 240 kph by opting for the performance package. But you are in for rude shock when you hear a ring sound after the G crosses 80 kph. And it will keep ringing continuously after you cross 120 kph. Yes, the speed alert warning system that is now mandatory on cars by the Indian government is also there on the mighty G63 as well, and it will interrupt your audio when ringing too. While it makes sense on a regular hatchback or a sedan, having it on a 600 horsepower AMG seems ridiculous. However, I would suggest concentrating on enjoying the growl from the V8 rather than cribbing about the speed warning alert.
The Mercedes-AMG G63 comes with an updated version of the 9G-Tronic nine speed automatic gearbox and the shifts are super quick. They are even more faster in Sport and Sport+. The growl from the V8 gets louder in these modes and there’s even an exhaust button on the centre. The AMG engine note is so addictive that you end up revving for no reason, wickedly grinning in the process. The new G63 also comes with cylinder deactivation where four of the eight cylinders shut down when you are cruising at speeds up to 45 kph. Floor the pedal and the V8 will break into full song before you could say Ahh My God!!!
The ride quality isnt Mercedes comfortable due to the stiff suspension setup but nothing you can’t live with either. The G63 feels confident going into corners but you do feel the weight of the car and there is considerable amount of body roll. Grip from the low profile fat tyres is great though and does inspire confidence. The steering feels very light at city speeds and weighs up nicely as you go faster. Feedback is good too. The brakes offer excellent stopping power. As far as off-roading credentials, there is nothing much needed to say about the G. Better approach and departure angles in the new model and those three locking diffs will take you absolutely anywhere, road or no road. But it is highly unlikely that many would put their expensive SUV in its natural habitat.
The Mercedes-AMG G63 also gets radar activated features like guided cruise control, Brake Assist, Active Lane Assist. Blind Sport Assist etc. Safety features include 9 airbags, ABS with EBD, 360 degree camera, ESP, ISOFIX and theft alarms.
