Being the shape that the G 63 is, and sitting high off the ground, all-round visibility is very good, and you unapologetically peer down at other road users. The ride is pleasantly smooth on the grippy 22-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres which grace the stunning cross spoke alloy wheels, and it’s a suitable cruiser for either the daily commute or longer journeys. There are three main suspension modes to hand, namely “Comfort”, “Economy” and “Sport”. We opted for the first, which didn’t appear too firm.
Our 350-mile test route around North Norfolk took in plenty of country roads and uneven surfaces, but the car didn’t get unsettled in any way and took any undulations in its stride. You would also think that with the G 63 being such a high-sided vehicle that there would be a fair amount of body roll when cornering, but to the credit of the engineers, you can’t fault it. There’s also a good dose of stopping power delivered by AMG’s high-performance braking system, and the car remained stable when slowing from speed.
At just over four metres long (excluding the rear tyre) and two metres wide, parking is a doddle and is down to some valuable help from the 360-degree PARKTRONIC reversing camera which provides a birds-eye image of the car and your surroundings on the left-hand 12.3-inch screen. Although you get a decent view of the tow bar, you still have to be mindful that there’s a wheel on the back and to allow extra room when approaching a solid damage-worthy object.
With a 100-litre fuel tank and a combined mpg figure of just over 21 (there are nearly four litres to a gallon), you can see that when you do the maths that your wallet won’t stay in your pocket for long if this car’s potential is to be enjoyed. We managed an average of just under 20 on a mixture of urban streets and rural lanes, so this wasn’t too bad in comparison to what’s written on the spec sheet.
All-in-all, it has to be said that the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is a marvel of engineering and is what you could only imagine piloting a rocket would be like. It’s excessive, it’s fun, it’s quick, and it will sap every last piece of small change that you own, but it’s worth every penny. It’s certainly earned its place in the Mercedes model line-up for at least another 40 years because of the rich heritage that it carries, and because it delivers an experience like no other on earth…
Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Specification at a glance:
- Price as tested: £152,795 (including options)
- Engine: 4.0-litre V8
- Power: 585 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Top speed: 149 mph (with AMG Driver’s Package)
- 0 – 62 mph: 4.5 seconds
- Transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 9G-TRONIC
- Combined fuel economy: 21.4 mpg
- CO2 emissions: 299g/km
- Fuel tank capacity: 100 litres
- Close rivals: Bentley Bentayga W12, Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Lamborghini Urus
Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Where and How?
For more information on the Mercedes-AMG G 63, visit www.mercedes-benz.co.uk
Check out our Instagram page for pictures of our test drive.