MOTORINGPURSUITS  12.23

Mercedes G550 SUV and AMG G 63 SUV

A Class of One

The Mercedes G550 and AMG G 63 stand out on the road with their iconic exterior design. Car and Driver describe them as the ultimate SUVs that are fit for Jurassic Park – with roomy interiors and potent 4.0L V-8 biturbo engines. They are also described as the most glamorous mode of transport for celebrities and powerful people to go on exciting offroad adventures with plenty of muddy action. The Mercedes G SUVs are a truly fancy way to get dirty. They’re also a hugely eye-catching way to drive around Los Angeles with no dirt and plenty of admirable stares.

The G550 is powered by a 416-hp twin-turbo V-8 with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is standard. For more power, there’s the uber smart and impressive 577-hp AMG G63. Its 9.5 inches of ground clearance and three locking differentials make it feel as if it will never get stuck.

When it comes to detailed specifics, we’re homing in on the AMG G63 for salivation purposes, and if you decide to take the plunge into purchasing either the G550 or G63, rest assured that your kids will go nuts with excitement.

AMG G 63

Two of the most renowned legacies of handcraftmanship unite in the G 63. The globe-tested endurance of the G-Class, and the track-proven performance of AMG. The G 63 reasserts that timelessness can be delivered with a true sense of urgency.

A Race that Knows No Finish Line

In an old mill in 1967, two engineers with a passion for motorsports began turning Mercedes-Benz into winning race cars. Today, AMG continues to create victory on the track and desire on the streets. Every Mercedes-AMG vehicle is the product of craftsmen, designers, engineers and racers who live for a singular goal: Driving Performance.

Performance

Everything from fuel pressure to exhaust routing is developed to quicken, heighten and intensify its response, and yours. From patented processes to cut friction to a new generation of electrified performance, AMG technology is fueled by its racing success.

Twin-turbo Power

With a duet of twin-scroll turbos nested between the cylinder heads, the handcrafted 577-hp V8 of the G 63 is the direct result of AMG’s history of racing success. A closed-deck crankcase, sodium-filled valves and dynamic engine mounts are among its performance enhancements.

Torque

A paddle-shifted 9-speed puts a 627-lb-ft mountain of torque at your feet and fingertips. Quick-shifting, multimode AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT technology can also downshift multiple gears, for more immediate response. From startup growl to unleashed revs, the AMG exhaust is a symphony of high performance. Genuine sidepipes exit via four chrome outlets ahead of each rear wheel. Internal flaps can switch from subtle to assertive on demand.

Aptitude at any Altitude

While its engine is born on the track, its permanent 4-wheel drive is at home far from the beaten path. With a 60:40 rear bias and three lockable differentials, it’s engineered to match on-road precision with go-anywhere prowess.

Tuned on the Track, and Far from it

The independent from suspension’s racing-style double wishbones improve tire contact, while a strut-tower brace enhances rigidity. AMG-specific damping is driver-adjustable. Beefy 4-wheel disc brakes are engineered to rein in massive power. An AMG Trail Package raises its off-street cred.

Driving Mode for every Mood

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT lets you dial in throttle mapping, engine-mount stiffness, shifting, damping and more. One button engages preset modes from Comfort to Sport+, or configure the individual mode to your own liking.

Style Choices

There are numerous paint colors that include gloss and matte options. Wheels from 20 to 22 inches complement body accents in elegant chrome, gloss or matte black. With MANUFAKTUR paintwork, upholstery and trim, there are a huge array of combinations. Vertical chrome grille bars evoke the Mercedes-AMG racing heritage. Large intakes feed air to the running gear. A low-profile brush guard, in matte silver, gloss or matte are your choices. The AMG Performance steering wheel features intuitive Touch Control Buttons and a 12 o-clock band. It can be hand-stitched in Nappa leather or accented with microfiber, carbon fiber or black piano lacquer. Black is an AMG exclusive.

The G 550 SUV and AMG G 63

Both the G 550 and AMG G 63 have a state-of-the-art cockpit, with standard and available technologies from dual 12.3-inch displays, intuitive steering-wheel Touch Controls, and voice control for the navigation, audio and numerous comfort features.

Panoramic Cockpit

Change the cabin to suit your mood or start a new one: An elaborate multizone LED ambient lighting system lets you choose among 64 colors, as well as a variety of motifs featuring two, five, or even slowly changing hues.

Classic style, cutting-edge Technology

Classically shaped lamps feature brilliant advances. Intelligent LED headlamps can adapt to darkness, curves and vehicles ahead. LED Daytime Running Lamps encircle each unit. Even the fender-top turn signals and taillamps employ 100% LEDs.

Protective in Nature

A G-Class looks out for its occupants with a suite of safety advancements. Standard driver assists include Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC cruise control, and Speed Limit Assist.

Helpful Connections

Mercedes me connect makes ownership easy. Remote-start, lock or check your car, all from your phone. In-car WiFi for up to eight devices is available as well.

Hand Crafted to Outlive Trends

Crafted almost entirely by hand, the G advances without abandoning its principles. Appointments range from natural woods to 64-color LED ambient lighting. With MANUFAKTUR paint and trim options, there are over a myriad of possible combinations.

Spacious Interior

The cabin provides generous space for your buddies, your belongings (tons of cargo space), and even your beverages. Seating options include a range of hand-fitted leathers and a “hot stone” massage. Acoustic glass and 3-zone climate control are standard.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class remains an impressively quick, capable, and luxurious SUV with significant off-roading capability. Because of its unique design, it really does compete in a class of one. Conceptually, its most direct rival would be a fully loaded Land Rover Defender with a V8 engine or a Land Rover Range Rover – but there’s still something distinctly eye-catching and special about this magnificent piece of German engineering.