Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class 2018 Review

In Malaysia's luxury hardcore SUV market, the AMG G-Class has always been synonymous with "sentiment and performance" — consumers want its iconic square-box design to make a statement and also demand the AMG-enhanced performance. As the classic model after the refresh, the 2018 AMG G 63 focuses on two key aspects in this test drive: Can it still balance "daily commuting comfort" with "AMG's signature raging performance"? And with a budget in the millions, does its configuration match its status?

Starting with the exterior, the classic square-box silhouette remains unchanged, retaining the core recognizability of the G-Class. The front features AMG's signature vertical-bar chrome grille, paired with smoked LED headlights, making it more aggressive than the standard G-Class; two raised lines on the hood and the "V8 BITURBO" emblem on the fenders immediately highlight its performance identity. The side profile maintains a vertical waistline design, with 22-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels matched with 295/40 R22 tires, visually stabilizing the body, while the widened fender flares amplify its rugged feel. The rear features the characteristic "backpack" spare tire case, and the rear bumper incorporates a quad round exhaust layout with two tips on each side; the engine sound when starting up instantly grabs the attention of passers-by. The outline of the LED taillights complements the body, and their illumination provides high recognizability. The overall design preserves the classic G-Class identity while injecting a sporty essence through AMG elements, achieving a recognizable "performance version at first glance" impression.

Sitting inside, the first thing you'll notice is the sense of luxury in the interior. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of Nappa leather, complemented by carbon fiber panels and metal buttons, offering a premium tactile and visual quality. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and the 12.3-inch central control screen are seamlessly connected, featuring high resolution and smooth operation while supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The air conditioning control area retains physical buttons, and the resistance of the knobs and buttons feels refined, making them easy to operate by touch. In terms of configuration, the front features memory-equipped power-adjustable sport seats with decent support, ensuring comfort even on long drives. The rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 split, comfortably accommodating three adults. Legroom is about two fist widths, and thanks to the vehicle's height advantage, passengers up to 185cm tall won't feel cramped. For storage, the door pockets can fit two large water bottles, the center armrest box has ample depth, and the trunk offers 667L of standard volume, which can be expanded to 1820L by folding the rear seats, accommodating items like a stroller or suitcases with ease. Practical configurations include keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear independent air conditioning, and a 220V power outlet, all of which make daily use very convenient.

Performance is the core highlight of the AMG G 63. It is equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 593PS and a peak torque of 850N·m, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. In normal mode, the start is smooth, and the throttle response is not too aggressive, making it suitable for daily commuting. When switched to Sport+ mode, the throttle becomes sensitive, and just a light press can produce a strong push-back sensation. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 4.5 seconds, while in actual tests, turning off the ESP showed slight wheel slip during launch, but the overall acceleration is linear. During overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts a quick downshift from the transmission, delivering instant power; even at 120 km/h on the highway, it accelerates with ease.

In terms of handling, the steering is precise, with less play compared to the regular G-Class. The steering becomes heavier under Sport mode, providing a great sense of confidence. The combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear solid-axle non-independent suspension, after AMG's tuning, performs significantly better in terms of shock absorption compared to the old model: when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension quickly absorbs the jolts, and there is no extra bounce in the vehicle. At high speeds, vehicle stability is excellent, and it doesn't wobble even when encountering crosswinds. However, as a hardcore SUV, the rear solid axle does transmit some vibrations to the cabin when driving on continuous bumpy surfaces, though it's within an acceptable range. The four-wheel-drive system is full-time and comes with three differential locks. Although most owners are unlikely to engage in heavy off-roading, when encountering muddy or gravel roads, switching to low-range 4WD and engaging the differential locks ensures impressive off-road capabilities. With a minimum ground clearance of 241mm, there’s no need to worry about its passability.

As for fuel consumption, during daily commutes mainly on city roads, the fuel consumption is about 15-16L per 100km; on highway conditions, it can drop to 11-12L, which is close to the manufacturer’s stated figure of 13.2L/100km. Considering the 2.56-ton weight and the V8 engine, this fuel consumption is within expectations. Noise control is excellent, as wind and tire noise are not prominent even at 120km/h on the highway. Engine noise only becomes noticeable at high RPMs, but the tuned exhaust note is pleasant to the ears.

Overall, the 2018 AMG G 63 has clear core advantages: classic exterior design, luxurious interior features, ferocious performance, while maintaining a certain degree of daily comfort. Compared to models in the same class, such as the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo, AMG G 63's rugged styling and brand heritage are distinctive, and its three-differential lock system gives it better off-road capability than urban SUVs. In terms of features, its safety features (7 airbags, active braking, lane departure warning) and comfort features (electric seats, rear air conditioning) are all comprehensive, making it a well-balanced choice among million-dollar luxury performance SUVs.

The target audience is clear: first, consumers who love rugged SUV designs and also seek performance; second, those who need a luxury car that can handle both city commuting and occasional off-roading; third, those who value brand heritage and are willing to pay for the classic G-Class design. If you want a luxury SUV that's "prestigious, powerful, and family-friendly," the 2018 AMG G 63 is a choice you can’t go wrong with—it’s not just a statement-making "big toy" but also a practical vehicle that meets daily needs.