Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4² review: what the car critics say
This truly luxurious 4x4 is pretty straightforward and off-road it feels invincible

Mercedes has overhauled the G63 to increase its luxury SUV’s off-road prowess, said Robb Report. New portal axles give a ground clearance of 351mm, meaning this “green monster” can climb a 45° incline and wade through a metre of water. The extra height also allows for huge 22-inch wheels with knobbled tyres for plenty of grip, and the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine is cranked up to 577bhp.
It may be daunting, but when you get used to its sheer size, this truly luxurious 4x4 is pretty straightforward and “hugely exciting” to drive, said Autocar. The added ride height means visibility, at least up front, is excellent. Body roll is well controlled and front grip is very strong. It can do 0-62mph in 5secs with a top speed of 131mph. Off-road it feels invincible, with deep ruts absorbed with authority.
Let’s face it: this vehicle is “utterly ridiculous, and hugely difficult to justify” – but that doesn’t make “this extrovert off-roader any less desirable”, said The Daily Telegraph. Nor will the fact that relatively few models are being built. Doing just 13.5mpg, it’s far from green, except in hue (if you choose it; there are 40 colours available). However, rest assured there’s a fully electric G-Class in the works, the EQG, due next year. Price: about £250,000.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why the catastrophe bond market is growing
The Explainer The bonds pay for climate change disaster damages
-
How is the Trump bill changing 529 plans?
The Explainer The new bill provides a boost for people pursuing trades and vocational careers or seeking professional licenses and certifications
-
Destination unknown: the exciting ins and outs of mystery travel
The Week Recommends Surprise yourself the next time you vacation
-
The easy elegance of Cap Ferret
The Week Recommends 'Elemental and otherworldly' destination is loved for its natural beauty
-
Ozzy Osbourne obituary: heavy metal wildman and lovable reality TV dad
In the Spotlight For Osbourne, metal was 'not the music of hell but rather the music of Earth, not a fantasy but a survival guide'
-
Spring greens and chickpea curry recipe
The Week Recommends This mouthwatering curry is quick to throw together
-
Gazer: 'paranoid noir chiller' is a gripping watch
The Week Recommends Ryan J. Sloan's debut film is haunted with 'skin-crawling unease'
-
William Kentridge: The Pull of Gravity – a 'bold' exhibition
The Week Recommends The South African artist brings his distinctive works to Yorkshire Sculpture Park
-
Sarah Dunant shares her favourite books
The Week Recommends The British novelist picks works by Sergeanne Golon, Jill Burke and Natalie Zemon
-
Inter Alia: Rosamund Pike is 'electric' in gut-wrenching legal drama
The Week Recommends Australian playwright Suzie Miller is back with a follow up to her critically-acclaimed hit play Prima Facie
-
Unforgivable: harrowing drama about abuse and rehabilitation
The Week Recommends 'Catastrophic impact' of abuse is explored in 'thought-provoking' series