Fast Facts
Category | Specification |
|---|---|
Price (R) | R4 458 731 |
Engine | 4.0L Twin-turbo V8 + MHEV |
Power Max | 430kW}$ engine (445kW total) |
Torque Max | 850Nm |
0-100 km/h(claimed) | 4.4 sec |
Top Speed | 220km/h |
Transmission | AMG Speedshift TCT 9G |
Drive | All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC) |
Off-Road Capability | Triple Locking Differentials |
Wading Depth | 900 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 14.7 L/100km(Claimed) |
CO2 Emissions | 350 g/km(Average) |
Unladen Weight | 2640 kg |
Warranty / Plan | 2-yr unlimited km 5-yr/100 000km maintenance |
In 2025, the G-Wagon maintains its brutal, utilitarian charm rooted in its military heritage while embracing significant dynamic and technological upgrades. It remains the emotional choice, a powerful, boxy challenge to sleeker, road-biased rivals like the Lamborghini Urus SE, Bentley Bentayga V8, and Land Rover Range Rover P530 Autobiography L.
Related: Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 (2025) Review
Styling
The G63’s signature boxy silhouette remains its primary design statement. Defined by flat glass, externally mounted door hinges (producing the satisfyingly loud thunk when closed), and the exposed spare wheel on the side-hinged rear door, the G-Wagon is an automotive icon. In AMG trim, the look is amplified by the Panamericana grille, aggressive bumpers, and the unmistakable side-exit quad exhaust pipes. While the Bentley Bentayga and Range Rover L lean toward sophisticated elegance, and the Urus SE towards Italian supercar aggression, the G63 projects an unadulterated image of wealth and success.
Interior and Technology
Step inside, and the juxtaposition of old-school ruggedness and modern Mercedes luxury is immediate. The cabin features the latest MBUX infotainment system, presented across dual digital screens, and is trimmed in high-grade leather upholstery, complemented by AMG performance elements. The technology suite is comprehensive, featuring standard navigation, multi-beam LED headlights, an electrically adjustable steering column with memory, and a wide range of driver-assistance features. Creature comforts are similarly lavish, with standard climate control and optional heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats.
The G63's structure is relatively compact, with a body length of 4624 mm (excluding the spare wheel). Its primary compromise is rear passenger space, which feels less voluminous than the Range Rover L. Similarly, the load volume (640 litres) is competitive but not the most practical. The G-Wagon isn't necessarily purchased for its practicality; it's an automotive flex that just so happens to have some utility.
Performance: Mild-hybrid muscle
The power unit remains the celebrated AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, now augmented with a mild-hybrid (MHEV) system that provides an instantaneous 15kW boost.
Vehicle | Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) | 0-100 km/h (sec) | Transmission | Price (R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G63 | 430 engine (445 total) | 850 | 4.4 | 9-speed TCT | R4 458 731 |
Urus SE | 588 combined | 950 combined | 3.4 | 8-speed Auto | R4 875 000 |
Bentayga V8 | 404 | 770 | 4.5 | 8-speed Auto | R4 547 000 |
The G63 is fast, but physics remains a factor when you have what is essentially a massive 2.7-ton box on wheels. Acceleration is impressive, with 0-100km/h coming up in 4.6 seconds (tested). The V8 soundtrack is biblical, and paired with the rapid-shifting Speedshift TCT transmission, it's pure automotive theatre.
Fuel economy is, predictably, poor: a combined consumption figure of 14.7 L/100km, and a real-world figure of 18.1 L/100km. I'm sure that prospective buyers don't care too much about the fuel consumption of their near-3.0-ton V8 luxury SUV.
The Drive
The most significant recent change is the introduction of advanced active suspension technology, such as the optional AMG Active Ride Control (using a hydraulic system to replace conventional anti-roll bars). This helps dramatically manage the G63’s considerable body roll, making it surprisingly capable in corners. Acceleration is impressive, and there's an impression that the car is scrambling for grip, with the sensation of power being sent to all four wheels clearly evident as the car shuffles marginally from side to side before propelling forward. The latest suspension updates have significantly reduced the 'speed boat' sensation of the older models, making the car less prone to squatting and lifting the bonnet towards the horizon —a usually smirk-inducing experience that is now less evident. The sound a G-Wagon makes is unmistakable, evoking a WWII fighter plane-like sound experience during hard acceleration. It is unique within the automotive realm and could be considered an endearing quirk.
However, the G63’s real difference lies in its extreme off-road credentials:
Triple Diff Locks: Standard front, centre, and rear differential locks. This is the definition of proper mechanical off-roading, allowing maximum traction in nearly impossible conditions.
Low Range: Standard low-range gearbox for serious climbing.
Wading Depth: 900 mm
This capability is balanced by the drawback of its high-mounted, utilitarian steering and poor turning circle of 13.4 metres, making city parking and tight U-turns a less graceful experience. The massive wheels and low-profile tyres don't allow the best use of the aforementioned off-road ability.
Safety and Ownership
The G63 is equipped with standard driver, passenger, and curtain airbags (7 total, optional 9) and comprehensive stability and traction control systems. Its safety suite includes standard features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Ownership is secured by a 2-year unlimited distance warranty and a 5-year/ 100 000 km maintenance plan, placing it competitively alongside its German and British counterparts.
Pricing
Priced from R4 458 731, the Mercedes-AMG G63 is positioned directly against the Bentley Bentayga V8 (R4 547 000) and the Range Rover P530 Autobiography L (R4 456 600); however, the waiting list for the G-Wagon, coupled with the lengthy options list, means that the list price isn't really all that relevant.
Verdict
It's relatively easy to say that there are better off-roaders, faster SUVs and more luxurious options, but comparing the G-Wagon to other vehicles is like telling someone wearing a Rolex that your Apple Watch is more accurate and feature-packed. They will tell you that you’ve, perhaps, missed the point. The G63 is not the sensible choice, but it is a statement. It remains an icon, bought by those who want to be able to say, "I have a G-Wagon".
