Exactly ten years ago, I took my first international trip. It was to Bahrain, a country of endless desert and skyscrapers, where my aunt and uncle lived. Among their friends and neighbours, one particular gentleman, upon learning I was a budding petrolhead, took an entire day off work to take me around the city's showrooms to see some "normal" Middle East traffic. Among the handful of cars I photographed with a sense of reverence was a 2014 Mercedes-AMG G 55. And while the salesman gave me little more than a half-smile when I expressed a longing to sit inside, I was thrilled enough to see it up close. As a kid with a camera in hand, capturing that moment was enough to leave a lasting impression. That goes to show you how the Geländewagen has indeed been an icon that is stronger than time.
Fast forward a decade, and here I am, with the privilege of reviewing the latest G Wagen from Mercedes-AMG, one of the most over-the-top, unapologetically brash SUVs ever made. After years of dreaming, I'm now granted the pleasure not only to sit in it but also to send it sideways and, yes, criticise it all for BBC Top Gear India. Pinch me! The irony, the thrill! Sometimes, life surprises you in the best possible ways.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is an extravagant paradox—just as impractical as it is irresistible, and that's precisely the appeal. With its unapologetically bold design, beefy engine, and new active suspension, it defies traditional ladder-frame SUV norms to deliver a driving experience bordering on pure theatre. Yes, it's audaciously expensive, starting at over Rs 3.6 crore. No, you won't get one this year; of the 120 units allotted to India, all are already sold out! Extravagant in every conceivable way, with fuel consumption practically measured by the barrel, the G 63 is a proclamation of opulence, status, and sheer automotive lust. And in that way, it has more than earned its iconic status. After all, one rarely relives a childhood dream while revelling in the sound and fury of one of the world's most distinctive machines. The AMG G 63, I can confidently say, lives up to the legend—and then some.
Performance and Handling
Now, the pièce de résistance, possibly the most glorious absurdity of the entire G 63 experience. Under the bonnet, Mercedes-AMG still retains a 4.0-litre, bi-turbo V8, producing 577bhp and 850Nm of torque. This version also introduces mild-hybrid tech, lending an additional 20 BHP and 250 Nm when needed and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 9-speed automatic transmission, the G 63 simply squats and then propels like a rocket from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.3 seconds. This is nothing short of physics-defying; a vehicle shaped like a brick shouldn't be able to do that, but here we are, redefining what it means to defy logic.
The turbochargers are strategically placed between the cylinder banks, delivering a quick throttle response. Sure, there's a bit of turbo lag. But when the boost kicks in, and that torque deploys, you're momentarily lifted as if the Earth itself is pushing you along. I found myself grinning as G's nose raised slightly with every acceleration, a familiar dance that's now accompanied by pitch and roll control that past models couldn't dream of. And though the new integrated starter-generator eliminates the aural explosive nature of earlier G 63 models, the fury of acceleration remains unapologetically ferocious. The sheer torque propels the G 63 forward like a 747 on the runway, and the RACE START function feels exhilarating, though slightly surreal in a vehicle that stands this tall.
Mercedes-Benz has focused on more than just raw brute power; they've tackled handling, too. The new AMG Active Ride Control suspension works well in controlling body roll. The semi-active suspension replaces traditional anti-roll bars with electrohydraulic flow valves, redistributing hydraulic fluid to support the chassis based on real-time data from steering, speed, and road conditions. This means that, in Comfort mode, the G 63 glides over bumps surprisingly well, while Sport+ mode sharpens things up, keeping the vehicle stable even when taking sharp corners. The pops and cracks from the side-exit exhausts are enough to make a grown man giggle. While it's no sports car, the G 63's handling is unexpectedly competent for something that weighs 2,753 kg and keeps up admirably on winding roads. My only criticism is the need for better tyres for Indian conditions, with the Goodyears struggling to handle power and 2.7 tonnes of weight.
Despite its enhancements, the G 63 remains true to its off-road roots, equipped with three locking differentials, axle-detaching capabilities, and a suite of off-road modes ranging from "Sand" to "Rock." While I didn't have the chance to scale mountains, I did try some urban off-roading, and the setup suggests it would manage without tarmac with minimal fuss. And if you find yourself on a deserted stretch of beach or a rocky outcrop, the G 63 is as prepared as ever to handle it all, only if you're willing to risk a few dings on those lovely 22-inch wheels.
Climbing up inside the G 63's cabin is a mix of the old and the new. There's a reason why the G-Wagen commands loyalty among a diverse crowd, from off-road enthusiasts to celebrities and royalty. Mercedes-Benz has managed to modernise the interior without abandoning its classic feel. The most significant update is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen, finally bringing the G 63 into the digital age. Paired with a matching digital instrument cluster, it forms a dual-screen setup that dashes feel cohesive and uncluttered. The NGT-7 system now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which should be standard in any car at this level. And, with the Burmester® sound system pumping out 760 watts from 18 speakers, the audio quality is rich enough to distract you from the rumble of the engine if you're willing to let it.
The Off-Road Cockpit screen showcases everything from incline angles to the placement of the wheels, the locked differentials and more. And then there's AMG TRACK PACE, a telemetry app that will measure your lap time on circuits around the world. A new launch control function for the first time in a G-Wagen- I'll get to it a bit later in the review.
Front passengers enjoy a commanding view of the road, and both driver and co-pilot sit high in individual "thrones," separated by a wide centre console with ergonomic controls and lovely wood inserts. The rear, however, is a bit of a different story; while spacious enough for three, with traditional fixed seating that may feel cramped on longer journeys. But practicality, one senses, was never the G 63's primary concern; luxury and presence were, and it delivers on both counts. This is a driver's SUV, first and foremost, and the interior reflects that, catering primarily to the person behind the wheel. And with the optional "Night Package" or optional leather trims, the cabin is as much a statement piece as the exterior.
The G-Class has always been, in essence, a contradiction in metal. At first glance, you'd think Mercedes-Benz has done absolutely nothing to this new G 63, and that's precisely the point. The G-Wagen has stubbornly straight lines since 1979 and is in all its boxy glory. Mercedes-Benz knows that the appeal of the G 63 lies in its classic, boxy design, sharp angles, a towering stance, and round headlamps that have remained since the first G-Wagen rolled off the line. The familiar bug-eye indicators, rear-mounted spare wheel, and those chunky door handles that scream' vault door' remain, albeit now made of metal for better keyless entry integration. That's a first for the G Wagen.
However, looking closer, you will see that there are updates that bring it into the modern era without changing that familiar look. The panel gaps are tighter; the metal accents have a premium heft that earlier generations lacked, and carbon-fibre trim pieces. And while the overall look has seen little more than a nip and tuck, the new G 63 is available in a palette of 39 optional colours, thanks to the Manufaktur customisation program, including wheels and interior leather finishes. Each option hints at how the G 63 is, perhaps above all, a flex in personal expression and exclusivity. But at its core, the G 63 remains an unmistakable G-Wagen—big, brash, and completely unwilling to blend in.
