2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class AMG G 63 Review

The Southeast Asian market is never short of luxury SUVs, but there are very few models that simultaneously embody rugged off-road genes and modern luxury technology—the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 is a typical example. This "boxy car" that has been carried forward since 1979 retains its classic design while refreshing consumers' perceptions of rugged SUVs with AMG-tuned performance and intelligent features. This time, we had the opportunity to test drive the vehicle to see if it can truly balance "sentiment" and "practicality" to meet Malaysian consumers' multiple demands for luxury, performance, and off-road capability.

At first glance, it’s hard not to be captivated by the bold lines of the 2018 AMG G 63. The body maintains the iconic boxy design, with dimensions measuring 4613mm in length, 1984mm in width, and 1969mm in height, a wheelbase of 2890mm, and a minimum ground clearance of 241mm, making it highly eye-catching in the city. At the front, AMG’s exclusive vertical chrome grille with a large three-pointed star logo enhances its recognition to the fullest; the lower bumper features a sporty surround, while the round LED daytime running lights on both sides preserve the classic elements. On the side of the car, the 19-inch multi-spoke wheels (Note: The original data mistakenly indicates 295/40R22 paired with 19-inch wheels, not 22 inches) and black anti-scratch strips around the wheel arches enhance the off-road vibe. The "G 63" exclusive emblem on the doors underscores its identity. At the rear, the square-shaped LED taillights align with the overall style, while the quad exhaust outlets under the rear bumper clearly indicate its performance-focused nature.

Sitting inside the car, a sense of luxury immediately washes over you. The entire dashboard is adorned with abundant leather, offering a delicate touch; the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and the 12.3-inch central touch display adopt a connected screen design, exuding a strong sense of technological sophistication. The steering wheel has AMG’s exclusive flat-bottom design, wrapped in leather for a solid grip, with multi-functional buttons laid out conveniently and supporting adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping functions. The seats are made of genuine leather, with both the driver and front passenger seats equipped with 16-way electric adjustments and heating functions, ensuring excellent comfort. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom and are also electrically adjustable, featuring an independent control area that allows separate adjustments for air conditioning and seat heating. As for storage space, the trunk boasts a capacity of 667 liters, which can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats, making it perfectly capable of accommodating family trips or long road journeys. Additionally, the interior includes a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports, while the ventilated front seats are especially practical in Malaysia's hot weather.

In terms of performance, the G 63 is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power output of 585 horsepower and a peak torque of 850 Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Upon starting the engine, the exhaust emits a deep growl, the throttle response is sharp, and a deep press on the accelerator provides a strong push-back feeling; it can achieve acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, which is quite outstanding for a rugged SUV weighing over 2.5 tons. In dynamic mode, the transmission shifts more aggressively, and the engine roar becomes even more exhilarating, offering an exhilarating driving experience. Its four-wheel-drive system performs excellently, featuring a full-time 4WD design with front, center, and rear locking differentials. Coupled with its high ground clearance, it can easily handle muddy trails, gravel roads, or water-logged paths. The suspension uses a double wishbone independent suspension in the front and a solid axle non-independent suspension in the rear, which filters out most minor bumps during daily driving to keep the cabin quiet. When cornering at high speeds, the suspension provides sufficient support, effectively controlling body roll. However, as a rugged SUV, it does have a relatively large turning radius in urban driving, so extra caution is needed when parking. Regarding fuel consumption, it averages about 15 liters per 100 kilometers in congested urban conditions, while highway cruising reduces it to around 11 liters. Considering its engine displacement and performance, this fuel consumption is within a normal range.

The soundproofing is quite well done. Whether driving at low speed in the city or cruising at high speed, the cabin maintains a good level of quietness. Only during rapid acceleration can the engine roar be heard, which is exactly what many performance car enthusiasts like. As for fuel consumption, in normal city driving, it averages about 15 liters/100 kilometers, while on highways it drops to around 11 liters, which is fairly standard performance.

Overall, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 retains the classic rugged off-road DNA while also incorporating a sense of luxury and advanced technology features, making it a well-balanced product. Its advantages are clear: a bold and eye-catching appearance, excellent performance that brings driving excitement, a luxurious interior with ample space to meet family needs, and powerful off-road capabilities that can handle various complex terrains. However, the starting price of 3 million ringgit is indeed high for an average consumer, and its fuel consumption is not particularly low. These two aspects might be its shortcomings.

Who is this car suitable for? Firstly, it is for consumers who pursue individuality and quality, those who love the classic design of the G-Class and value the performance of AMG. Secondly, it suits family users as its space and comfort fully meet daily household needs. Thirdly, it is ideal for off-road enthusiasts, as its three differential locks and full-time four-wheel-drive system allow them to enjoy off-road adventures. Of course, business professionals can also drive it to formal occasions, as the Mercedes brand identity and luxurious interior can certainly hold up to the atmosphere.

In conclusion, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 is a vehicle that can "exude prestige in the city and go wild outdoors." It strikes a perfect balance between luxury, performance, and off-road capability. Although its price is relatively high, its overall strength is indeed impressive, making it very suitable for consumers in search of an all-rounder.