2024 Mercedes-AMG G63: Observations after a day of driving

The G63 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds! That’s incredibly fast for a car with a curb weight of 2640kg.

Driving the Mercedes-AMG G63 4.0L V8

At the heart of the G63 AMG is still the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine of the M177 series, developing 577 hp. and 850 Nm. New is 48V mild hybrid technology, which adds an additional 20 hp of boost:

In the previous G63, a 4.0-liter V8 engine replaced the previous 5.5-liter V8. In this latest version, the G63 V8 is electrified using a 48-volt on-board electrical system and an integrated starter-generator that provides support at lower engine speeds with an additional 20 hp of boost. The V8 also features two twin-scroll turbochargers located inside the “V” cylinder, helping to keep the engine’s design compact. Another advantage is that the exhaust path is shorter, which improves engine efficiency and accelerates the build-up of boost pressure. The engine also features zirconium alloy cylinder heads, forged aluminum pistons and more to ensure optimal performance. All this helps the G63 accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds! That’s incredibly fast for a car with a curb weight of 2640kg.

You’ll have to climb into the driver’s seat of the G63. It’s not like regular SUVs where you can just sit in the driver’s seat. There is a side step that you can also take to enter. Fire up the engine and you’ll be greeted with a pleasant growl. Side exhaust pipes enhance the G63 experience. You don’t have to be in Sport+ mode, even in Comfort mode you can hear the exhaust note on startup. I started in Comfort mode as I had to navigate through Mumbai traffic before I hit the open road. Once you get used to the high seating position, you will immediately become comfortable with the size of the car. The high seat provides a good view all the way up to the hood, making this large SUV relatively easy to maneuver. On some of the narrow streets I didn’t have to be too careful as I could easily fit the car. Where you really feel the size of the car is during a three-point turn. The turning radius is 6.7 meters, which is greater than a Range Rover with rear steering.

Comfort mode is the G63’s most tamed mode and is ideal for city driving. The throttle response is more linear and you can drive smoothly. You have plenty of power and can quickly close gaps in traffic or overtake with ease. Boost at low speeds helps keep the car on its toes. Even in Comfort mode, when you open the gas above half, you hear a growl from the exhaust. You really have to stomp on the throttle to drive the G63 quietly. On the highway you can really unleash the engine’s potential. Step on the throttle and the G63 takes a second to get ready, giving you a burst of power that will send you flying back in your seat. The engine pulls hard and gets to the redline before upshifting.

Switch to Sport+ mode and all senses are heightened. The gas pedal is sharp and reacts to the slightest pressure. In this mode you even activate the AMG exhaust system, which sounds great. It’s loud, raspy, and everything you’d expect from an exhaust. You also hear popping and banging noises when you release the gas. One of the tricks that the G63 has is the Race Start feature. You need to select Drag Race mode from the Track Pace section on the infotainment system and also select the Super Sport display on the MID. Make sure you are in Sport+ mode and ready to launch. With your left foot on the brake pedal, press the accelerator pedal, increase the speed and hold it at the point for optimal launch. You will see flashing lights on the MID indicating that you are ready to go. Release the gas pedal and you will fly forward like an arrow from a bow. The acceleration is extremely addictive, and more importantly, that kind of sharp acceleration from a combustion engine with such a loud exhaust is something you’ll never get from an electric car.

The 9-speed automatic transmission with AMG Speedshift torque converter copes well with all driving situations. It can change gear shift characteristics depending on the selected driving mode. The transmission also features a dual clutch in Sport and Sport+ modes for quick gear changes. This ensures that the right gear is selected at the right time. There’s also a special manual mode in which the transmission holds gears even when the engine speed reaches the limiter. Shifts in manual mode are also quick and you will enjoy driving this transmission.

The AMG fuel filler cap is painted in silver chrome with AMG lettering. Fuel tank capacity 100 liters:

Suspense

The best thing about the G-Wagon is that it is the only Mercedes car that you don’t have to be careful with on bad roads. You get independent suspension up front and a multi-link rear suspension with a body-on-frame design, making this setup very safe to abuse. New to the G63 is the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, which improves comfort and handling. Essentially, instead of traditional anti-roll bars, you have active shock absorbers. All 4 shock absorbers are connected by electronically controlled hydraulic lines. This allows the car to actively control body roll and also improves ride comfort.

When driving around the city in Comfort mode, the suspension is stiff. You can tell that there is a lot of travel here and you can easily overcome bad roads. The G63 glides comfortably over small to medium sized potholes, but larger potholes are noticeable. However, there is one deterrent that allows you to drive on bad roads completely stress-free: wheels. Our test car was fitted with 22-inch AMG alloy wheels with 295/40 section tyres. This meant I had to be careful on bad roads, and the shorter side profile added a bit of harshness to the ride. The G63 comes standard with 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels for a better ride. However, in the city, when driving in comfort mode, the ride is comfortable and not very bouncy. In Comfort mode, there is some lateral movement on bad roads, but not excessive. In general, you can drive on bad roads without worrying about damage to the suspension.

At higher speeds the G63 feels more confident. Active hydraulics operate continuously to control excess movement. Some vertical movement at high speeds is still present, but it’s certainly improved over the previous generation. As for handling, you need to keep in mind that this is a tall SUV weighing over 2600 kg. While the chassis and engine may push you to push the car to its limits, physics catches up with it.

Switch to Sport+ mode and the car becomes cramped. The steering is heavy and the chassis feels more nimble. Start pushing into the corners and you’ll be amazed at how it manages to stick to the line. There is, of course, body roll, but technical wizardry tries to mask it. Mid-corner bumps are handled well, but there’s a bit of bounce that makes you feel like you’re in a rally stage, struggling with the steering. With so much power, the car is always on the limit. This is a car that will keep you on your toes as you push it through the corners. Changes in direction are also handled well and the G63 doesn’t lose its composure.

The steering has good weight and feels very direct and connected. It is not very light like other SUVs from Mercedes, and it weighs even at city speeds, but it is quite tolerable. The AMG’s brakes are very sharp and although there is a dive under hard braking, the car manages to slow down effectively.

I didn’t have a chance to take the G63 through any serious off-roading, but the car handled some gentle trails with ease. Even if you find yourself in a sticky situation, the car has enough all-wheel drive to get you out without much effort.

The AMG Active Ride Control suspension helps reduce body roll:

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