2015 Mercedes-AMG G63 review, test drive

What is it like to drive?

For something as big as a one bedroom flat and about as aerodynamic and heavy as a bank vault, the G63 AMG is fast. Very fast. 0-100kph comes up in a claimed 5.4 seconds and top speed is limited to 210kph. The crazy performance is possible thanks to that monster of an engine under the bonnet. It’s a 5.5-litre, twin-turbo petrol V8 unit that makes 536bhp at 5500rpm and a mad 77.5kgm between 2000-5000rpm. The engine comes linked to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with permanent four-wheel drive there to transfer all the power to the four wheels; power that is literally available on call, at all throttle openings and across the rev range (that culminates at about 6200rpm). It actually verges on the funny what the AMG engine and modern gearbox can make this ‘distinguished’ (read: old) SUV do.

You’ll also break into a laugh each time you hear the G63’s exhaust note. The quad exhausts (two each ahead of the rear wheels) are always up to some mischief. They let out a deep burble at low speeds, a louder growl in the mid range and a full-blown African lion roar at the top-end. The G63 is the best-sounding of the turbo AMGs and one best heard in a tunnel.

But as fast as the G63 is in a straightline and as dramatic it sounds, it’s not the AMG you’d want to show up in at a track day. The G63 just doesn’t like to corner. There’s a lot of slack and general vagueness to the steering and body movements around the bends are exaggerated too. Truth is, you wouldn’t want to push the G63 on anything tighter than long sweeping bends. High speed ride is also quite lumpy. Ride comfort is better and more than acceptable at low speeds but the suspension, in general, feels rudimentary in the way it tackles bumps.