Mercedes-benz G63 AMG 6x6
cape town companies Just Like Papa and Wulfchiptegnik have impressively modified one of the most insane vehicles ever built: the titanic mercedes-benz G63 amg 6x6. GQ took it for an exhilarating spin on the atlantis sand dunes
WHEN GERMAN CAR ENGINEERS GET TOGETHER FOR A BEER AFTER WORK, it sometimes ends in unambiguous proof that they have a brilliant sense of humour. Take this idea spawned in a pub, for instance: ‘Why don’t we give the utilitarian Mercedes G, with its three axles, the full AMG treatment?’
No sooner said than done, they mobilised the necessary funds and built a prototype.
The concept clicked with (loaded) customers worldwide, and Mercedes-benz ended up handmaking more than a hundred of the colossal G63 AMG 6x6 between 2013 and 2015. At the time, it was the most expensive model in its line-up. If used ones ever come up, they hover significantly above the one-million-euro mark.
A wealthy South African businessman showed an interest. However, the only models available were left-hand drive and couldn’t be imported into the country. A well-known German Mercedes tuner, Brabus, came to the rescue. They would be willing to convert a small batch of 10 vehicles into right-hand drives – for R12 million apiece. The wealthy South African entrepreneur ordered 10.
Now, I’m sitting in one of them; one that has received loads of additional custom fabrications from the Just Like Papa team, making the G63 6x6 even more unique. One of my favourite features is the shock-proof, single-malt whisky cabinet, integrated with the rear under the chromed roll bar. It transforms the 6x6 into the most stylish sundowner vehicle in the country. By far.
Performance wise, Wulfchiptegnik was responsible for the R240 000 Akrapovictitanium exhaust system, which was combined with the company’s performance software
– a world first on a G63. As we’re all aware, AMG is well-known for the sound produced by their V8s. They growl, howl, scream and rumble with guttural passion. The Akrapovic exhaust changes all this into something more seismic, almost tectonic-plates-shifting. This isn’t a mere angry sound anymore; it’s angry Mother Alien, right after Ripley uses the flame thrower on her offspring and incinerates her alien eggs.
Its 500kw power and an enormous torque of 1100Nm irons out the steep sand dunes of Atlantis. Even with almost no momentum, the beast screams up loose inclines in a rather intoxicating way. There’s a grin on my face, even long after this exhilarating drive has ended. And fuel consumption? No comment.
The electrification of cars seems to be unstoppable, but as long as fun-loving engineers are coming up with vehicles like the 6x6, I’m not worried.