Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class G63 2024 Review

By the end of 2024, the luxury hardcore SUV market welcomes an update as the Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class G63 plug-in hybrid version officially lands in the Malaysian market. As the performance icon of the G-Class family, the new model retains its classic boxy design while upgrading its hybrid system and intelligent features. The core selling points focus on stronger power responsiveness, lower fuel consumption, and continuation of the classic off-road capability. Our driving experience this time aims to verify whether it can strike a better balance between luxury comfort and hardcore performance.

At first glance at the 2024 AMG G63, the classic boxy silhouette remains almost unchanged — straight and angular body lines, round headlights, a square front grille paired with vertically arranged AMG badges, making it highly recognizable. The AMG-specific front grille adopts a dual-slat design with a black honeycomb structure inside; the side of the body retains the iconic trapezoidal wheel arches, paired with 22-inch matte black alloy wheels and 295/40R22 tires, exuding a strong muscular presence. At the rear, the square LED taillights and spare tire cover with AMG logo remain signature elements, while the rear bumper features quad round exhaust outlets, emphasizing its performance attributes. The lighting system comes fully equipped with LED technology, and automatic headlights, daytime running lights, and rear fog lights are standard. When lit at night, the combination of round headlights and square taillights presents a retro vibe without losing modern technological aesthetics.

Opening the door, the interior's luxurious and technological ambiance is simultaneously upgraded. The cabin predominantly features black Nappa leather wrapping, complemented by carbon fiber trim and metal accents, offering a delicate touch. The central control layout continues the G-Class's symmetrical design but is now equipped with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, seamlessly integrated together, with operational smoothness significantly improved over the previous model. Core configurations include HUD head-up digital display, keyless entry/start, Burmester 3D audio system (15 speakers), electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, and independent rear air conditioning as standard. For safety configurations, features such as seven airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, 360-degree panoramic view, automatic parking, lane-keeping assist, and active braking are all included, ensuring convenience and safety for everyday use.

In terms of space performance, the new car measures 4613/1984/1969mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2890mm. The front-row seating space is spacious, and for passengers with a height of 180cm, there is still a two-fist clearance above the head after adjusting the seat properly. The legroom in the rear is about two fists, and the headroom is one and a half fists, which, while not the most spacious in its class, is sufficient for a hardcore SUV. The rear seats support a 40:20:40 split-folding configuration, expanding the trunk volume from 667L to 1590L when folded down, enough to hold larger luggage. In terms of storage space, the front center armrest box and door panel storage compartments are relatively large, and the rear row also has independent cup holders and power outlets, meeting the practical needs of families.

The powertrain is the core upgrade of the new model—featuring a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor hybrid system, delivering a combined maximum power of 585PS and maximum torque of 850N·m. It is matched with a 9-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. During actual driving, the electric motor quickly engages during start-up, making power response swifter than the purely gasoline-powered version. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 4.4 seconds, and during mid-range acceleration (80-120km/h) for overtaking, pressing the gas pedal deeply provides an intense push-back sensation. Even at high speeds, there is ample reserve power. The driving modes include Comfort, Sport, Off-road, and more options. In Sport mode, the transmission shifts more aggressively, and the engine sound becomes more robust, while the Comfort mode emphasizes smoothness, making it ideal for daily commuting.

The combination of front double wishbone independent suspension and rear integral axle non-independent suspension retains the characteristics of a hardcore SUV. However, with AMG's tuning, the road driving stability has been improved. During daily driving, the suspension can filter out most small bumps. Although there is noticeable bouncing when passing speed bumps, it doesn't feel too stiff. In corners, the body roll is less than expected, the steering precision is good, and the play has been reduced compared to the old model. The overall handling feels closer to an urban SUV. As for off-road performance, with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and three differential locks, the vehicle can stably pass through muddy roads, cross-axle scenarios, etc., just by switching to off-road mode. The escape ability remains at a top level among its class.

Fuel consumption performance is an advantage of the hybrid version—official combined fuel consumption is 14.7L/100km. In our test, which included an equal mix of city and highway driving, the actual fuel consumption is about 15.2L/100km, approximately 15% lower than the pure fuel version (about 18L/100km). Considering the 2.5-ton vehicle weight, this result is commendable. In terms of noise control, wind noise (especially around the A-pillar) becomes somewhat noticeable at high speeds, but tire noise and engine noise are well suppressed. When the Burmester sound system is turned on, it can cover most of the noise. Regarding seat comfort, the front seats provide strong support with good lumbar support, making long drives less tiring.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 plug-in hybrid version lie in its classic and highly recognizable exterior design, luxurious and high-tech interior configurations, stronger power response with lower fuel consumption, and its still-top-notch off-road capability. Compared to the Land Rover Defender 110 V8 in the same category, this new model has more advantages in terms of brand premium, interior luxury, and power parameters. Compared to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, its off-road capability is a definite weakness, but its hardcore design and retro charm are more distinctive.

This model suits two types of consumers: first, families seeking a balance of luxury and performance—a vehicle that's comfortable for daily commutes, spacious enough, and capable of occasional off-road trips; second, young consumers who favor rugged styling—the AMG performance and G-Class heritage satisfy their desire for individuality.

Overall, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class G63 plug-in hybrid version not only retains the classic elements of the G-Class but also enhances practicality through the hybrid system and configuration upgrades. It's an all-rounded luxurious hardcore SUV that is capable of off-roading, daily commuting, and making a statement.