Automotive

Mercedes ups the new G-Class' performance with G 63

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The external changes tease what’s been added underneath the new Mercedes-AMG G 63, set to debut in Geneva
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Fans of the Mercedes G have been waiting to see what the factory performance arm, AMG, will do with the all-new G Class
Mercedes-Benz AMG
A new, wider-slotted grille and tubular bumper cover are part of the AMG package for the G 63
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Like the G of old, the new-generation of the Wagon brings that square-bodied, rough-and-tumble readiness with its look
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Larger side intakes, framed by the AMG tubular bumper guard, are also indicative of the higher power output the AMG G 63 has
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Small AMG emblems are found in and around the Mercedes-AMG G 63
Mercedes-Benz AMG
The external changes tease what’s been added underneath the new Mercedes-AMG G 63, set to debut in Geneva
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Although built for the off-pavement life, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is only used for such by the few
Mercedes-Benz AMG
From this angle, flair to the wheel arches (to accommodate wider AMG-specific wheels) can be seen on the G 63
Mercedes-Benz AMG
The Mercedes-AMG G 63 looks pretty damn sweet
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Lots of interior comfort and refinement are found in the new Mercedes-Benz G Wagon and the AMG model only ups the ante even more
Mercedes-Benz AMG
This exclusive AMG steering wheel is the hallmark that begins to set apart the AMG G 63 from its standard G Wagon brethren
Mercedes-Benz AMG
In this photo, instrumentation and controls are clearly seen in the AMG G 63, which boasts configurable options for screen outputs
Mercedes-Benz AMG
AMG added its own suspension components to improve ride control
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Top speed for the AMG G 63 is a whopping 220 km/h (137 mph) or 240 km/h (149 mph) with the AMG Driver’s package
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Chromed exhaust tips, emerging just underneath the running boards of the rear doors, are hallmarks of the Mercedes G Class
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Standard driving in the AMG G 63 is in all-wheel drive with torque distributed in a 40:60 split in a rear bias
Mercedes-Benz AMG
The new-generation Mercedes-Benz G Class added stronger, more lightweight framing and cross-beam stiffening to improve the durability and capability of the G
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Also included in the center differential is a sort of mid-tier locking differential mode which uses a multiple clutch to adjust the differential’s lock automatically, adjusting to conditions
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Mercedes has promised that the new G Wagon will retain all of the legendary off-road prowess of the brand
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Given the underpinnings of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 on paper, we have little reason to believe that the new G Wagon isn't as rugged as its predecessors
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Driver-selectable exhaust notes are possible through a button that engages exhaust flaps at varying degrees
Mercedes-Benz AMG
A 4.0-liter V8 now powers the Mercedes-AMG G 63 with twin turbochargers working to help it produce 585 horsepower (430 kW) and 627 pound-feet (850 Nm) of torque
Mercedes-Benz AMG
On the Mercedes-AMG G 63,  the turbochargers are located between the cylinder V of the engine instead of outside
Mercedes-Benz AMG
AMG further modified the 4.0L by optimizing intercooling and making software upgrades alongside some piston modifications for use with piezo fuel injectors
Mercedes-Benz AMG
Will celebrities warm up to the new G Wagon as they have in the past? We suspect so
Mercedes-Benz AMG
The new Mercedes-AMG G 63 is far more svelte on the inside than were previous generations
Mercedes-Benz AMG
The back seat of the AMG G 63 seats three across easily
Mercedes-Benz AMG
View gallery - 27 images

Known in the US as "that expensive Jeep" and globally as the "G Wagon," the Mercedes-Benz G Class has been the statement of choice for celebrities and militaries since the 1970s. With the new G being unveiled late last year, we waited with baited breath for the AMG variant. And here it is.

While Arnold Schwarzenegger might be showing off his one-off battery-electric G Wagon to Jay Leno, most fans of the Mercedes G have been waiting to see what the factory performance arm, AMG, would do with the all-new G Class. Like the G of old, the new-generation of the Wagon brings that square-bodied, rough-and-tumble readiness with its look. Unlike previous generations, however, there is a lot more refinement to justify the triple digit price tag on the Mercedes-Benz G Class: smaller door gaps, better sound dampening, more luxurious interior fitment, and better technology.

Now AMG has had its way and the Mercedes-AMG G 63 looks pretty damn sweet. Side strips with the AMG emblem start off the changes to the new G 63, but more obvious external differences like the wider-spaced slots on the AMG-exclusive grille and large side intakes around a sculpted tubular AMG- bumper guard can also be easily seen. A bit more flair to the wheel arches (to accommodate wider AMG-specific wheels), trim additions to the rear bumper, and "V8 Biturbo" emblems on the fenders are more marks of this AMG-tuned model for the G Wagon.

Although built for the off-pavement life, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is only used for such by the few
Mercedes-Benz AMG

The external changes tease what's been added underneath. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz G Class added stronger, more lightweight framing and cross-beam stiffening to improve the durability and capability of the G. In the AMG variant, this is augmented by a more robust drivetrain. That starts with a uniquely-designed eight-cylinder engine.

A 4.0-liter V8 now powers the Mercedes-AMG G 63 with twin turbochargers working to help it produce 585 horsepower (430 kW) and 627 pound-feet (850 Nm) of torque. The rpm range for that torque is amazingly low at 2,500 to 3,500. That gives the AMG G 63 a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint time of just 4.5 seconds, Mercedes claims. Top speed for the AMG G 63 is a whopping 220 km/h (137 mph) or 240 km/h (149 mph) with the AMG Driver's package.

As interesting as the power output for this new engine is the configuration of its turbochargers. Traditionally, turbos are placed outside of the cylinders, typically above or next to the exhaust manifold. On the Mercedes-AMG G 63, though, the turbos are instead located between the cylinder V of the engine underneath the air handling (intake manifold) normally positioned there. This both makes the engine more compact in footprint, and allows for freedom for the exhaust system which was used to improve emissions by optimizing exhaust flow to the catalyst scrubbers.

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz G Class added stronger, more lightweight framing and cross-beam stiffening to improve the durability and capability of the G
Mercedes-Benz AMG

Exhaust gases for the turbochargers are ducted to them via separate channels, with each of the twin scrolls in the turbochargers having its own feed. Cylinder exhaust gases are ported to the turbochargers in pairs to reduce exhaust gas backpressure, which improves the gas exchange and results in a reduction of adverse effects from any single cylinder affecting the engine's performance. This also allows optimized flow to keep the turbos spinning for maximum cylinder charging and faster response times (reduction of "turbo lag"). Driver-selectable exhaust notes are possible through a button that engages exhaust flaps at varying degrees.

AMG further modified the 4.0L by optimizing intercooling and making software upgrades alongside some piston modifications for use with piezo fuel injectors. These modifications also allow for AMG's own cylinder deactivation system to allow cylinders two, three, five, and eight to be deactivated (effectively making the engine a four-cylinder) during light-load use such as highway driving. These improvements mean that the AMG G 63 has a fuel economy expectation of about 17.8 mpg (13.2 l/100km).

Along with the engine changes are transmission upgrades. The Mercedes-AMG G 63 uses an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission programmed specifically for the G Wagon. Varied transmission modes change the dynamics, with the standard modes allowing for quick downshifts for speed bursts along with a more comfortable, everyday drive. Sport modes give the transmission more leeway to double-declutch for faster responses and a more seat-pushing feel to acceleration. Direct select of gearing can be made on the steering column.

Top speed for the AMG G 63 is a whopping 220 km/h (137 mph) or 240 km/h (149 mph) with the AMG Driver’s package
Mercedes-Benz AMG

The new transmission means AMG Performance 4Matic for four-wheel drive. Standard driving in the AMG G 63 is in all-wheel drive with torque distributed in a 40:60 split in a rear bias. The transfer case's low-range reduction ratio is a whopping 2.93, giving nearly triple its torque input to the output shafts. On the road under normal conditions, the transfer case free-wheels in a 1.0 configuration. High- to Low-Range shifting can be made at speeds up to 43 mph (70 km/h).

Also included in the center differential is a sort of mid-tier locking differential mode which uses a multiple clutch to adjust the differential's lock automatically, adjusting to conditions, but this can be overridden by the driver manually selecting the differential lock. This also automatically locks the front and rear differentials through a dog clutch. Selections for individual differential locks are also available to the driver in both low and high range modes.

To all of this, AMG added its own suspension components to improve ride control. Adaptive adjustable damping is standard on the AMG G 63. This is automatically controlled by the G Wagon's computers to optimize ride quality in any given situation. Driver-selectable dampener characteristics can be chosen to range between comfortable and sportier qualities. These, along with steering control and feel, as well as transmission responses are selected through Mercedes' Dynamic Select driving modes system.

The new Mercedes-AMG G 63 is far more svelte on the inside than were previous generations
Mercedes-Benz AMG

Inside the Mercedes-AMG G 63, the AMG touches are also seen. Foremost is the AMG Performance steering wheel, seen in many AMG-branded vehicles. This flat-bottomed wheel is wrapped in nappa leather and fits with the AMG branding seen throughout the G's interior.

At product launch, which will happen at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 will be offered in an exclusive "Edition 1" model. This will be a limited run of the first few G Wagons in exclusive colors, sport striping, and other details. Mercedes-Benz will begin sales launches on March 18, with global launches through to June.

Source: Mercedes-AMG

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1 comment
guzmanchinky
Why wouldn't you just get a GLS550? I just don't get this wannabe off road machine. Unless you are ACTUALLY going to use it off road, there is ZERO point to it. And I have had dozens of Benz's over the last 20 years. Great vehicles...