2023 Mercedes-AMG G63

Overview

This AMG-badged G63 breathes fire in the face of the tamer Mercedes-Benz G-class, which we review separately. A 577-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 gives this Hollywood cowboy quicker acceleration than a Ford Bronco Raptor. Still, its hefty price tag separates the CEOs from the average Joes. A luxury room on 20-inch wheels, the G63’s high-quality cabin materials and techno-fabulous cockpit offer the best of Mercedes’ already impressive swath of modern amenities. An even wilder 4×4² model features a long-travel suspension, heavy-duty portal axles, and more than 13 inches of ground clearance.

What’s New for 2023?

Mercedes doesn’t change the formula by much for the 2023 G63. A new G manufaktur Logo package is now available as well as two new exclusive paint colors for the G63 4×4 Squared: Copper Orange Magno and Brilliant Blue Magno. The G63 4×4² can also be optioned with a Cherry Wood floor luggage compartment, which is something new for 2023.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

$180,150

G63 4×42

$350,150

Although the G63 starts at around $180,000, most go for considerably higher than that due to their myriad customization options. The standard equipment list is quite livable, however, since every Mercedes-AMG G63 comes with 20-inch wheels, adaptive dampers, a front brush guard, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and three-zone climate control. We would option our G63 with the Seat Comfort package (to get the multi-contour seats with ventilation and massage) and the AMG Trail package to unlock the proper tires for off-roading.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Regular G63s come with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters sends that power to the all-wheel-drive system (4Matic in Mercedes marketing lingo). Low-range gearing (2.93:1 reduction) is standard, as are three locking differentials, allowing the G63 to scale steep dirt grades with ridiculous ease. At our test track, the nearly 5800-pound G63 rocketed to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Along with its extra power, the G63 has AMG-specific suspension tuning. Ride comfort is vastly improved versus older the G-wagen, but given this SUV’s towering height and off-road mission, you shouldn’t expect much in the way of handling ability. And there’s still quite a bit of wind noise at highway speeds.

Towing Capacity

A worthy camper or boat hauler, the G63’s maximum tow capacity is an impressive 7000 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Frugality is not within the grasp of a fast, box-shaped SUV. The EPA rates the G63 at 13 mpg in the city and only 16 mpg on the highway. In our 75-mpg highway fuel-economy test, the G63 matched its EPA rating by delivering a 16-mpg result. For more information about G-class fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Although the excessively rectilinear cabin will feel familiar if you’ve ever set foot in an older G-class, this is now a thoroughly modern place, with a 12.0-inch digital instrument panel, high-quality materials, and conveniences such as cupholders and a surround-view camera system. Taller drivers and passengers will find plenty of head- and legroom in both the front and rear. Around the back of the G-class, there’s still no power liftgate, and you’ll need to be in good shape to open the side-hinged gate, which has a full-size spare tire mounted on it. With the rear seats up, you’ll have 38 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding them down (60/40 split) provides nearly 69 cubic feet.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

The G63 has a standard 12.0-inch infotainment interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration as well as navigation. Also included is a three-year subscription to Mercedes-Benz’s connected car services, which provides basic features such as remote engine start and stolen vehicle tracking. Options include Wi-Fi and a rear entertainment system, which features dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, each of which has its own USB, auxiliary, and HDMI ports.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Mercedes-AMG G63 is not available with as many driver-assistance aids as the automaker’s cars and SUVs. The G63 comes with adaptive cruise control, for example, but the system does not offer extended restart capability in stop-and-go traffic. For more information about the G-class’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-AMG’s limited and powertrain warranties are on par with other high-end SUVs. Instead of complimentary scheduled maintenance, however, there are prepaid maintenance plans available at extra cost when you purchase your G63.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications 

2019 Mercedes-AMG G63

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED

$175,945 (base price: $148,495)

ENGINE TYPE

twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement

243 cu in, 3982 cc

Power

577 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

627 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION

9-speed automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): multilink/rigid axle

Brakes (F/R): 15.7-in vented, drilled disc/14.6-in vented, drilled disc

Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV, 295/40R-22 112W MO

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 113.8 in

Length: 191.9 in

Width: 78.1 in

Height: 77.4 in

Passenger volume: 107 cu ft

Cargo volume: 16 cu ft

Curb weight: 5783 lb

C/D
TEST RESULTS

Zero to 60 mph: 3.9 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 10.0 sec

Zero to 130 mph: 19.7 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.1 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 12.5 sec @ 110 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.75 g

*stability-control-inhibited

C/D
FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 12 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 14/13/15 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs