Mercedes-amg G 63
First UK drive as retro-styled 4x4 is brought up to date
REPLACING an icon can go one of two ways. MINI has proved how successful and lucrative it can be if you get it right, but on the other hand, the Volkswagen Beetle hasn’t been such a smash. Take note, Land Rover, when you’re finalising the reborn Defender.
While the British brand is dithering over the replacement for its go-anywhere 4x4, Mercedes has ploughed ahead with a clever reinvention of its classic G-wagen – a vehicle that was created for the military, but has had a die-hard following ever since it first became available to civilians in 1979.
In truth, the G-wagen has worn a G-class badge for a while now, but this new model keeps the same boxy styling and expertly-engineered door hinges (with what sounds like a gunshot as you lock the car) as its predecessors. And while it is very much an all-new car, it’s one that fundamentally offers more of the same. It still sits on a ladder frame chassis, but with double-wishbone independent front suspension and adaptive damping, a new steering system and nine-speed gearbox.
In the UK, you can only get it right now as a G 63 with a thorough fettling by Mercedes-amg. That brings the most fabulous 4.0-litre V8 offering 577bhp and 850Nm of torque, blowing through side exhausts that produce a beautifully orchestrated bellow. It’s very loud and huge fun, although your neighbours may not agree if you make an early start.
It also brings a price of £143,305, pitting this beast of a car up against the finest 4x4s money can buy. The G 63 stacks up well, too, with an interior that’s a match for an S-class on quality, with a dose of style (fantastically butch turbine air vents), tech (twin widescreens with the latest connectivity) and comfort (squishy yet supportive back seats that you can wear a top hat in) that you wouldn’t necessarily expect, given the utilitarian looks.
The fancy screens reflect dreadfully in every front window at night, but there’s space aplenty for five and a couple of large dogs to get comfortable.
In spite of the tough-as-nails façade, the fancy new LED lights add a touch of Hollywood, while the AMG additions add a bit of Muscle Beach. This is a car that turns heads like few others, especially when it’s on full throttle.
The G 63’s road manners are much improved, too. There’s less of the bucking bronco about the ride – it’s now
“The fabulous 4.0-litre V8 blows through side exhausts for a beautifully orchestrated bellow”
reasonably supple, with body control that belies the Transit-tall body style.
You won’t want to throw it through corners like other Mercedes-amg models – do so and you will ultimately remind yourself of how big and heavy the G-wagen still is – but up to a point, the car’s agility will surprise you. There’s less arm twirling than was required on the old generation, thanks to more responsive steering and a gearbox that shifts slickly, regardless of whether you leave it in auto or use the cool (literally) metal paddles for a bit of DIY.
And boy is it quick; there’s no arguing with a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds, accompanied by that mighty roar. Flooring the throttle does roughly halve the claimed average economy of 21.4mpg – so it’s naughty but nice. The whopping 100-litre fuel tank means at least you won’t have to stop every 150 miles – but your wallet will feel the pain when you eventually do fill up.