Mercedes-Benz has just launched the all new AMG G 63 in India at a price of Rs 2.19 crore (ex-showroom, India). The AMG version is the only model from the all-new G-class range – unveiled globally, earlier this year – that will make it to India.
The boxy silhouette, round headlamps, high bonnet, door hinges and handles, and mounted direction indicators ensure that the SUV is unmistakably a G wagon. Other than the newly added technologically advanced features and the G 63’s new engine, body and chassis, Mercedes has retained the character of the original G-class – an off-road icon that began production nearly 40 years ago.
The new G 63 adopts a more robust body shell and a widened ladder-frame chassis, boosting comfort and stability. Ground clearance is up to 241mm. With an eye on enhanced agility, both on the road and off it, the G 63 also gets a heavily redesigned suspension with coil springs all around. Mercedes says that for the first time the front axle has an independent, double-wishbone suspension. A rigid axle with a five-link suspension is used at the rear.
Some exterior design features include flared wheel arches to accommodate the larger standard 21-inch alloy wheels, a unique radiator grille, side-mounted exhaust pipes and LED headlamps. Having grown in every dimension, the new G63 is now 53mm longer, 64mm wider and 15mm taller than its predecessor. Legroom at the rear is up by 150mm.
The cabin features a newly designed dashboard with Mercedes-Benz’s Widescreen Cockpit that comes with digital instruments in combination with two 12.3-inch displays as standard. There is also significantly more shoulder room and legroom than before.
Safety kit on the new G 63 includes nine airbags, active brake assist and lane keeping assistance as standard. The optional Driving Assistance pack adds adaptive cruise control and a blind spot monitoring system.
Powering the new G 63 is an M178 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 petrol motor putting out a colossal 585hp at 6,000 rpm and 850Nm of torque at 2,500-3,500 rpm. The biturbo unit replaces the 5.5-litre V8 and sees a bump-up in power (41hp) and torque (90Nm). The engine is mated to a new AMG Speedshift TCT 9G 9-speed automatic transmission that powers all the wheels via Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Besides five on-road drive modes on offer - Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual - the G 63 also gets three off-road drive modes - Sand, Trail and Rock.
Despite a kerb weight of 2,485kg, Mercedes-AMG claims the AMG G63 accelerates to 100kph in just 4.5sec. Top speed is electronically capped at 220kph – or 240kph with the AMG Driver‘s package.