After the 2019 G-Class reveal in Detroit, here comes the latest fire-breathing model from AMG: the new G63.
Every time Mercedes-Benz unveils a new model, you know what soon follows. The company’s in-house tuners, AMG, get to work. This time, they’ve come up with a new version of the G-Wagen’s G63 models. The first AMG-ified version of the 2019 G-Class ditches the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 in favor of a smaller, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Don’t worry that the G63’s gone soft, however. Despite the downsizing, horsepower is up to 577, as is torque at 627 lb-ft. That’s 14 horsepower and 66 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing engine (563 horsepower and 561 lb-ft).
According to Mercedes, peak torque comes on between 2,500 and 3,500 RPM, allowing the new G63 to sprint to 60 in an estimated 4.4 seconds. If that’s the case, it’s nearly a second faster than the outgoing model. Mercedes pegged the top speed at 137 MPH, but if performance is what you’re after, you can have that limit raised to 149 MPH with the AMG Driver’s Package. The twin-scroll turbochargers are placed inside the “V” of the engine for a more compact design and more responsive performance.
The 2019 G63 also ditches the old seven-speed gearbox in favor of a new SpeedShift TCT 9G nine-speed unit. Mercedes-AMG claims faster shift times thanks to software changes including a multiple downshift function. If you’re in the mode to shift your own gears, manual mode allows you to shift using steering wheel-mounted paddles.
The G63 is still an off-road machine
The Mercedes-AMG G63 may emphasize out-and-out firepower, but the company didn’t forget its off-road heritage. The new model should still hack it off road, thanks to a revised off-road reduction gear, bringing the reduction ratio of the transfer case to 2.93 : 1 (up from 2.1 : 1). Mercedes also included three off-road modes in the AMG Dynamic Select system. On top of Slippery, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, you get Sand, Trail, and Rock settings as well. As with the standard G550, the AMG G63 has a 40/60 front rear torque split, a change from the previous generation’s neutral 50/50 split. You also still get three differential locks for your off-road excursions.
How About Luxury?
Of course, this is still a G-Class. And as the G-Class has been redesigned, so too has the G63. From the distinctive, LED-ringed headlamps to the revised interior, Mercedes-AMG has breathed new life into every aspect of the car. Sure, it still retains its iconic boxy shape, but there’s more interior space for occupants. There’s 1.5 inches more legroom in the front, and 5 more inches of legroom in the rear. There’s more than an inch of added shoulder room, and more than two inches of extra elbow room.
Pricing, Availability
If you plan on buying into the exclusive world that is the Mercedes-AMG G63, you may want to take a look at the “Edition 1” launch edition. Mercedes dubs this the flagship of the range, painted in Night Black Magno with Graphite Grey stripes along the side. Other features that will set it apart from the other models includes read-striped mirror housings and more red highlights throughout the interior.
Mercedes is officially unveiling the AMG G63 at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6. Pricing information will be available around the car’s actual launch later this year.
Stay tuned to TFLtruck.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Truck and TFLnow on YouTube for the latest videos on your favorite new models. Of course, we’ll see if AMG will bring us a new range-topping G65, like the one shown below!
