Mercedes-AMG pulled the cover off of its 2019 G 63, a 585-horsepower off-road performance machine, mid-February, ahead of a full reveal at the Geneva auto show in March.
The performance-trim G-Wagen boasts a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine mated a nine-speed automatic feeding power to all four wheels. Cosmetically, it gets an AMG-specific grille, flared wheel arches, side-exit exhaust pipes and wheels available in sizes up to 22 inches.
While the displacement is down from its predecessor’s 5.5-litre V8, the G 63 can still boot to 100 km/h from a standstill in a blistering 4.5 seconds, before tapping out at a maximum 240 km/h. That’s thanks in part to the 627 lb-ft of torque it generates, and in part to AMG stuffing the two turbos inside the ‘V’ of the engine block for better response.
Cylinder deactivation knocks out half the pistons when power is not required, helping net a European-cycle-tested 13.2 L/100 km combined. On the other hand, when mileage isn’t front of mind, a Low Range mode allows the G63 to engage an off-road 2.93 reduction gear in the transfer case, to better tackle “extreme uphill gradients.” Aiding in those off-road excursions, too, is a double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle, with coil springs all around.
New computerized systems help out as well, including AMG Ride Control and Dynamic Select, the latter of which lets drivers switch between five on-road modes – “Slippery,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+” and “Individual” – and three off-road ones – “Sand,” “Trail” and “Rock” – at the touch of a button.
Other AMG touches include a Performance steering wheel; and the twin tailpipes exiting below the rear doors, now essentially a G63 signature.
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G 63 gets its full debut at the Geneva Motor Show early March before going on sale later that month. First deliveries will be of the exclusive “Edition 1” launch model, beginning in August.