Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class 2019 Review

In the luxury hardcore SUV market in Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been an "iconic presence" – its rugged design is highly recognizable, seamlessly combining luxury with off-road capabilities. The 2019 AMG G63, as the high-performance version, not only retains the classic boxy design but also upgrades its power to 593 horsepower, directly reaching the top performance level in its class. This test drive focuses on verifying whether it can balance its dual identity as a "performance beast" and a "luxury sedan" in terms of daily commuting comfort, highway cruising stability, and occasional light off-road scenarios.

The 2019 AMG G63 exterior continues the iconic boxy outline of the G-Class. The front features AMG's exclusive vertical-bar chrome grille, paired with round LED headlights on both sides, maximizing its recognizability. The side profile has straight lines, with wide-body designs around the wheel arches that enhance its muscular look. The 22-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, matched with 295/40 R22 tires, further emphasize its sporty character. The square-shaped LED taillights at the rear echo the front design, and the lower part of the rear bumper includes quad-round exhaust pipes, making the engine roar evident of its AMG identity upon starting. The lighting system is fully equipped with LEDs, while automatic headlights and daytime running lights add to everyday convenience.

Opening the door reveals an interior that combines luxury and technology. The dashboard is wrapped in a large area of genuine leather, highlighted with metal trims and carbon fiber panels, offering a refined touch. A 12.3-inch full LCD digital instrument panel is seamlessly connected to a 12.3-inch central control screen, providing a highly responsive interface that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The multifunction steering wheel features an AMG logo, with driver assistance controls on the left side and multimedia adjustment controls on the right. The shift paddles are made of metal and provide a solid tactile feel. The seats are wrapped in Nappa leather; the front seats support electric adjustment and memory functions with strong lateral support, while the rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split configuration. When folded, the trunk space expands from 667L to a much larger capacity, suitable for storing strollers or camping equipment. Standard features include keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, front seat heating, a 220V power outlet, and more, catering to both family and business needs.

In terms of space, the body dimensions are 4613mm/1984mm/1969mm (length/width/height), with a wheelbase of 2890mm. The front row offers ample seating space, with approximately a fist of headroom remaining for passengers 180cm tall after adjusting their seats. The rear legroom provides about two fists of space, with one fist of headroom, ensuring there's no discomfort even when seating three passengers in the back. Storage space is abundant, with door storage bins that can hold two bottles of water, a generously-sized center armrest compartment, and heated/cooled cup holders in the front row. The rear seats have independent air conditioning vents and USB ports, ensuring comfort on long journeys.

In terms of power, the 2019 AMG G63 is equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 593 PS and a peak torque of 850 N·m, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. In daily driving under the "Comfort" mode, the power delivery is smooth, the starting is light, and the throttle response is linear, avoiding jerkiness even in congested traffic. When switched to "S+" mode, the transmission delays gear shifts, the throttle becomes more sensitive, and pressing the accelerator deeply provides a strong thrust, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, significantly outperforming other hardcore SUVs in its class. During highway cruising, the engine operates at around 1800 rpm at 120 km/h, with excellent noise control.

In terms of handling performance, the combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear rigid axle non-independent suspension, after AMG tuning, exceeds expectations on paved roads. The steering wheel is precise, with minimal play, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the 2.56-ton weight does not result in a noticeable sense of sluggishness. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the minor vibrations, and the impact from speed bumps or potholes is softened, ensuring rear passengers won't feel uncomfortable. As for off-road performance, the full-time four-wheel-drive system is complemented by three differential locks, with a minimum ground clearance of 241mm, an approach angle of 31°, and a departure angle of 30°. It can easily handle mild off-road scenarios such as cross-axle terrain or muddy roads, though attention should be paid to tire wall scuffing during extreme off-road conditions due to the large rims.

Fuel consumption is moderate, with an official combined fuel consumption of 13.2L/100km. Actual city commutes are about 16-18L/100km, while highway cruising can lower it to 11-12L/100km. With a fuel tank capacity of 100L, the full tank range is around 600km. Driving assistance features are comprehensive, including lane-changing assist, lane departure warning, and active braking. These functions can reduce driving fatigue on highways, and automatic parking assistance is particularly practical for novice drivers.

In terms of driving comfort, the sound insulation is excellent. At 120km/h on highways, wind and tire noise are within a reasonable range, and the engine roar only becomes noticeable at high RPMs, ensuring daily driving is quiet enough to meet luxury car standards. The seat padding is thick, with adequate lumbar support, allowing for long-distance rides of up to two hours without backaches. The suspension performs well on unpaved roads, and even when driving on gravel roads, the vibrations inside the car are not significant.

In summary, the 2019 AMG G63’s core strengths lie in its classic rugged design, powerful 593-horsepower engine, luxurious interior configuration, and chassis tuning that balances paved road comfort and off-road capability. Compared to similar models like the Land Rover Defender V8, the G63 offers higher brand value while delivering more outstanding power performance and luxury; compared to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the G63 boasts superior off-road capabilities and a more distinct design.

This car suits two types of people: firstly, families looking for a well-rounded vehicle—it's comfortable for daily commutes and can handle light off-roading for weekend trips. Secondly, business professionals who want to express their individuality—the AMG badge comes with a strong presence, and the luxurious setup meets the needs of business receptions. However, its high fuel consumption and a price tag of 1.37 million Malaysian Ringgit necessarily limit it to a select few.

Overall, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 is not just a performance beast but also a luxury rugged SUV that balances everyday usability. It proves that classics can endure, performance can be upgraded, and luxury and off-road capabilities can coexist in harmony.