Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG G-Class

The all-new Mercedes-Benz G 550 has a rowdy, more powerful sibling: the Mercedes-AMG G 63. This version of the new G-Class sport-utility vehicle has been given the full AMG treatment, highlighted by a hand-built 4.0-liter V8 that sends 577 horsepower and an earth-moving 627 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a new 9-speed automatic transmission.

Not only is the G 63 quick (it hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds), it’s also the best G off the road. Like the standard G 550, it’s equipped with Dynamic Select, which allows the driver to select among five drive modes (Slippery, Individual, Comfort, Sport and Sport+). But the G 63 has three additional modes for better performance off-road: Trail, Sand and Rock. Trail is for soft and muddy off-roading; Sand is appropriate for desert driving or sand dunes; and Rock is for technical terrain in which there’s frequent lift-off of one or more of the G 63’s wheels.

As with the G 550, the competitors for the 2019 Mercedes-AMG G 63 include the Jeep Wrangler, the Land Rover Range Rover, the Lexus LX 570 and the Toyota Land Cruiser.

The G 63 is a brutally fast box, but it has the suspension tuning and drive modes to ensure it’s a comfortable everyday machine. The rumble from the G 63’s hand-built V8 is impossible to ignore, as is the firm push in the back when you plant the accelerator. Indeed, there’s no lack of power here, so the G 63 rumbles along with uncanny ease on the highway.

Overall ride quality is good, and the 9-speed automatic works well. It shifts almost imperceptibly with light throttle, but changes gears more noticeably when the driver is aggressive with the pedal. Steering effort feels natural, and on curvy roads you can feel how the front and rear anti-roll bars help keep the G 63 from leaning too much in the corners. Off-road, in low range with all three differentials locked, the G 63 seems unstoppable.

The G 63, which is distinguished by a low-mounted tubular brush guard, makes light work of technical climbs that you wouldn’t even consider in a car-based crossover SUV.

A thick-rim AMG steering wheel covered in Nappa leather is standard on the G 63. It has a flat bottom for thigh clearance, and its shift paddles are made of galvanized steel, not plastic. Besides the big passenger grab handle, the G 63 has a digital instrument display in place of traditional gauges, and the push-button switches for the three differential locks are placed within easy reach on the new center stack.

Because the new G-Class has grown by four inches in length, 4.8 inches in width and 1.6 inches in height, the G 63 is far roomier than the previous G. In back, there’s about six inches more legroom, and there’s also an extra 1.5 inches of legroom in front. Also appreciated is an extra 4.8 inches of shoulder space, together with a rear bench seat that now folds and splits 60/40 for added cargo-carrying versatility.

What makes the G 63 look different from the G 550? Most noticeable is its low-mounted tubular brush guard in front, but the G 63 also has an AMG-specific radiator grille and a unique bumper with large side air inlets. Other exclusive G 63 exterior characteristics are the flared fenders, running boards, distinctive trim elements and metallic paintwork. Additionally, “V8 BITURBO” appears on the front fenders, along with a Mercedes-AMG G 63 badge on the swing-out rear door. The G 63’s red brake calipers also look great inside the available 22-inch wheels.

THREE LOCKING DIFFERENTIALS
Via three buttons on the dash, the G 63’s center, rear and front differentials can be locked, but only in that specific order. That’s what gives the G 63 the climbing abilities of a mountain goat.

ADAPTIVE ADJUSTABLE DAMPING
This system, standard on the G 63, adjusts the shock damping at each G 63 wheel, depending on the driving style, road surface and selected suspension setting. The result: remarkable handling composure for such a big and heavy vehicle.

Besides the hand-built V8 with 577 horsepower, the 9-speed automatic transmission and the full-time 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system with three locking differentials, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG G 63 is equipped with AMG-specific active suspension damping, three extra off-road driving modes, more aggressive styling (with bold fender flares) and a bellowing side exhaust. Moreover, the steering wheel is exclusive to the G 63; it’s a flat-bottom design covered in Nappa leather perforated in places for added grip.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G 63 has a few choice options worth considering. The Widescreen Cockpit doubles the width of the G 63’s digital instrument panel, and optional 22-inch wheels that don’t look ridiculously big on the muscular G 63. What’s more, you can order an AMG Driver’s Package, an even sportier AMG steering wheel, a blacked-out Night Package and a carbon-fiber engine cover.

While a standard G 550 has a potent twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 416 horsepower, the hand-built one in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG G 63 is a genuine monster, putting out 577 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 627 lb-ft of torque from 2,500 rpm to 3,500. That’s good for a 0-60-mph sprint of 4.5 seconds. The 4WD system sends 60 percent of the power rearward for a sporty feel, and only one gearbox is available in the G 63: a 9-speed automatic controlled by shift paddles.

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8
577 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/15 mpg