Saturday, 23 June 2018 07:55

The Mercedes-AMG G 63: Love it or hate it

Written by  Mark Daniel
The Mercedes AMG G 63. The Mercedes AMG G 63.

Introducing the Mercedes-AMG G 63. Like Vegemite, you either love it or hate it.

The AMG G 63, in a shape and stance little changed in almost 40 years, has seen mechanical, safety, technology and equipment updates to make the latest model as desirable and tough as ever.

Performance comes from a bi-turbo 4.0L V8, making 430kW of power and 850 Nm of torque, channelled through an AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic transmission to a permanent all-wheel-drive system, including a low-range ratio with shift-on-the-move, with a 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds. 

AMG Ride Control offers adaptive damping, and the G63 travels on 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels.

The suspension is much improved with a front independent suspension system replacing a front live axle. The driver may use the new AMG Ride Control adaptive damping feature to select ‘comfort’, ‘sport’ or ‘sport+’ suspension profiles. Size and space have increased all round, including length (+110mm); width (+106mm); wheelbase (+40mm). Ground clearance improves to 238mm (+3mm), and fording depth to 700mm (+100mm). 

Outside, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is distinguished for the first time by an AMG Panamericana grille plus AMG body styling, metallic paint, side running boards, red AMG brake calipers and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes on either side.

Safety is via nine airbags, including rear seat airbags and a knee airbag, plus the Distronic active distance assist system with active lane keeping assist. Other key measures include blind spot assist, active brake assist, traffic sign assist, and the Pre-Safe system that prepares the vehicle and occupants if a collision is inevitable.

 In the well-appointed cabin, several features never-before-seen on the G-Class include two 12.3-inch widescreen displays, a new Burmester surround sound system with 15 speakers and 590 watts; ambient lighting with 64 colours and eight colour schemes; a parking package with active parking assist and a 360° camera; a sliding glass sunroof with tilt; a selectable AMG sports exhaust system; Keyless-Go starting; and an AMG steering wheel in Nappa leather.

 Further equipment includes three 100% differential locks, plus an off-road information centre; the Dynamic Select function so the driver can choose from several pre-set driving profiles, or customise their own via the ‘Individual’ feature. 

And there are electronically adjustable front seats, steering column and mirrors with memory function and heated seats (front and outer rear).

More like this

Mercedes ute sets a new standard

It took a while to get here, but now it’s arrived the Mercedes X-Class has created a stir at the premium end of the buoyant ute market

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as…

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand…

Machinery & Products

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

Can-Am showcases range

Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Papal visit

OPINION: European farmers are going to extreme lengths to have their message heard.

Thai egg tarts

OPINION: The hustle and bustle of one of Bangkok's most popular fast food outlets may feel a world away from…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter