Mercedes-AMG G63 vs Range Rover vs Maserati Levante: which one is the best value for money?

Despite a linage that dates back to the late 1970s, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is still only in its second generation thanks to a first-generation model that was in production for decades. The AMG derivates of the first-generation G-Class were first introduced in 1993 with the 500 GE AMG, followed by the G36, G63, G55 and G65 models released between 1994 and 2012. The second-generation W463 G-Class was introduced in 2018 with the G63 being the only AMG-badged derivate now offered in the range.

In today’s value for money comparison, we will be pitting the G63 against two premium rivals that are relatively similar in terms of price. Despite the fact that the Range Rover is skewed towards luxury, the Maserati Levante towards performance and the G-Class providing a combination of the two, we still feel that the comparison is relevant.

Facts and figures:

 

	Mercedes-AMG G63	Land Rover Range Rover L Autobiography Supercharged	Maserati Levante GTS
Engine type	8-cylinder, 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol	8-cylinder, 5.0-litre supercharged petrol	8-cylinder, 3.8-litre twin-turbo petrol
Power/Torque	430 kW/850 Nm	386 kW/625 Nm	390 kW/730Nm
Kerb Weight	2 560 kg	2 383 kg	2 170 kg
Boot volume	667-litres	694-litres	580-litres
Airbag count	7	8	6
Gearbox	9-speed auto	8-speed auto	8-speed auto
CO2 emissions	299 g/km	294 g/km	302 g/km
Fuel Consumption(claimed)	13.1 L/100 km	12.8 L/100 km	13.3 L/100 km
Maintenance plan	5 yr/100 000km	5 yr/100 000km	5 yr/100 000km
Price	R3 366 480	R3 395 262	R3 042 000

 

Analysis

Power and drivetrains

When it comes to performance, the Maserati appears to have both the Range Rover and the AMG well and truly beaten, with a 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 291km/h. The G63 is no slouch though, sprinting to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds while its top speed is limited to 220km/h. The Range Rover is the least accelerative of the trio, getting to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 225km/h.

Efficiency

Efficiency is likely low on the list of priorities for those shopping for products in this segment, however, frequent stops for fuel can become irksome for owners. On paper, it is the big Range Rover that has the best fuel consumption, but only by 0.3 L/100km, however, the big British machine also sports the biggest fuel tank, a massive 104-litre unit, slightly bigger than the 100-litres in the Mercedes and substantially larger than the 80-litres offered by the Maserati.

Practicality

All three of these products are exceptionally practical, offering seating for five occupants and large boots. It is, however, the Range Rover that offers the most space, with a 694-litre boot that extends to 1908 litres while head and legroom are best described as ample thanks to the Range Rover L’s 3 120cm wheelbase and 1 983cm width. It also sports a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg. The adaptive air suspension in the Range Rover also means that the ground clearance can be increased from 221mm to 291mm, making entering and exiting the vehicle easier. The Range Rover is also exceptionally capable off-road, with a wading depth of 900mm, an approach angle of 34.7 degrees, a break-over angle of 26.1 degrees and a departure angle of 29.6 degrees.

The AMG is also a large product, measuring 1 969cm tall, 1 931cm wide and with a wheelbase of 2 890cm. This G63 has a 667-litre boot which extends to 1941-litres with the rear seats folded flat, however, its 270mm of ground clearance means that it is a difficult car to get in and out of for shorter folks. The G-Class is also very capable off the beaten path, with an approach angle of 26.7 degrees, a break-over angle of 24.5 degrees and a departure angle of 29.2 degrees along with the front, centre and rear locking differentials. Like the Range Rover, the AMG also has a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg.

The Maserati, despite measuring 5 020cm long, 1 981cm wide, 1 698cm tall and sporting a wheelbase of 3 004cm, is the least practical product here. Its boot is a respectable 580-litres though, while off-roading is certainly not the Levante’s forte, it does offer all-wheel drive, meaning that it will be able to take on mild off-road driving. The GTS has a braked towing capacity of 2 825kg too.

Equipment

All three models are incredibly well specified. The AMG features 20-inch alloy wheels, a multifunction steering wheel, a digitised instrument cluster and colour screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, keyless entry/start, leather seats, heated and ventilated electrically adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, a sunroof, adaptive LED headlights and fog lamps, front and rear PDC with surround-view cameras, park assist and a tow bar. The Maserati has a similar amount of kit to the G63, but does without the seated and ventilated seats, sunroof and surround-view camera but gains air suspension as standard.

The Range Rover is certainly the most well-specified product in this comparison, with 21-inch wheels, air suspension, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitor, head-up display, a colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a digitised instrument cluster, cruise control, front and rear USB port, keyless entry and start, front and rear electric windows, panoramic roof, leather seat, heated/ventilated front and rear electric seats, matrix LED headlights and fog lamps, front and rear PDC with surround-view cameras, hands-free tailgate and an electrically adjustable tow bar, among others.

Safety

The G-Class was tested by EuroNCAP back in 2019, where it achieved a 5-star safety rating, including 72% for assistance competence, 90% for adult occupant safety, 83% for child occupant safety and 78% for pedestrian safety.

The Range Rover was also tested by EuroNCAP, but way back in 2012, a 5-Star rating which has since expired. The car has been updated since then, though, with a raft of semi-autonomous driver aids, 8 airbags and nearly all of the safety acronyms available in the automotive industry today.

There is no official crash test data available for the Levante, however, the Ghibli with which it shares many components and safety systems archived a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating back in 2013. Like the Range Rover’s rating, the Ghibli’s rating has now also expired.

Verdict

Since all three of these products are over R3.0-million without ticking some of the expensive optional extras, it is safe to say that the target market for these vehicles is limited. Those in the fortunate position to be shopping in this segment are spoilt for choice, with all three of these vehicles offering something unique, however, which one appears to offer the best value for money?

Having looked at figures, the Range Rover is the most well-specified, most practical and will provide the most driving range on a tank of fuel, however, it is also the most expensive in this comparison. The Maserati is, by some margin, the cheapest product here, while also offering the best performance in the sportiest package.

The G63 is also well-specified though and is second best in terms of performance and efficiency, is the safest and of course, is the newest product of the three. The big G also has bragging rights as it is hand-built by Magna-Steyr in Austria, giving it all of the elements associated with a bespoke product.

The winner of today’s shootout, by the narrowest of margins, is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, purely because you are getting a truly unique, hand-assembled product that looks and feels special, making its lofty asking price almost justifiable.