2024 Mercedes-AMG G63 : Observations after a day of driving

The G63 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds! That’s blisteringly quick for something that has a kerb weight of 2,640 kg.

Driving the Mercedes-AMG G63 4.0L V8

Powering the G63 AMG is still the M177 series 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine that makes 577 BHP and 850 Nm. What’s new is the 48V mild hybrid tech that adds 20 BHP of additional boost:

In the previous version of the G63, the 4.0-litre V8 engine replaced the erstwhile 5.5-litre V8. In this latest iteration of the G63, the V8 gets electrification with a 48-volt on-board electrical system and an integrated starter generator that provides support at lower engine speeds with an additional boost of 20 BHP. The V8 also features two twin-scroll turbochargers placed inside the cylinder ‘V’ which helps keep the engine design compact. Another advantage is that the exhaust path is shorter and hence it increases the efficiency of the engine and the boost pressure buildup is faster. The engine also features zirconium alloy cylinder heads, forged aluminium pistons, and more for optimum performance. All these things help the G63 accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds! That’s blisteringly quick for something that has a kerb weight of 2,640 kg.

You have to climb into the G63’s driving seat. It’s not like your regular SUVs where you can just slide into the driver’s seat. There’s a side step that you can use to get in as well. Start the engine and you are welcomed by a pleasant growl. The side exhausts amplify the experience of being in the G63. You don’t have to be in Sport+ mode, even in Comfort mode, you can hear the exhaust on startup. I started in Comfort mode as I had to go through Mumbai traffic before I got on the open road. Once you get used to the high seating position, you immediately get comfortable with the size of the car. The tall seating gives you a clear view of the entire bonnet all the way to the edges hence it’s relatively easy to maneuver this big SUV. Through some narrow lanes, I didn’t have to be extra careful as I could place the car with ease. Where you do feel the size of the car is when taking 3-point U-turns. The turning radius is 6.7 meters which is more than that of the Range Rover which gets rear-wheel steering.

Comfort mode is the most tamed mode for the G63 and is ideal for city driving. The throttle response is more linear and you can drive smoothly. There’s plenty of power on tap and you can quickly close gaps in traffic or make those overtakes with ease. The boost at low speeds helps you keep the car on its toes. Even in Comfort mode when you go past half throttle you hear the exhaust growling. You really have to feather the throttle to drive the G63 quietly. Out on the highway is where you can really unleash the potential of the engine. Floor the accelerator and the G63 takes a second to prepare itself and you get a surge of power that will push you back in your seat. The engine pulls strong and goes all the way to the redline before shifting up.

Switch to Sport+ mode and all the senses are heightened. The throttle pedal is sharp and reacts on the smallest of inputs. In this mode, you even activate the AMG exhaust which sounds wonderful. It is loud, it is raspy and it is everything you would want from an exhaust. You also hear the pops and bangs when you get off the throttle. One party trick that the G63 has is the Race Start Function. You have to select the Drag Race mode in the Track Pace section on the infotainment and also select the Super Sport display on the MID. Make sure you are in Sport+ mode and you are ready for a launch. With your left foot on the brake pedal, floor the accelerator and the revs build up and hold at the point for optimum launch. You will see lights blinking on the MID indicating that you are ready to go. Let go of the accelerator and you are shot forward like an arrow from a bow. The acceleration is extremely addictive and more importantly, this raw acceleration from an IC engine with such a loud exhaust is something you will never get from an EV.

The 9-speed AMG Speedshift torque converter automatic gearbox manages all the driving situations very well. It can alter the shifting characteristics depending on the drive mode selected. The transmission also features double-clutching in Sport and Sport+ modes for fast shifts. It ensures that the right gear is selected at the right time. There’s also a dedicated Manual mode where the gearbox holds on to the gears even when the engine speed reaches the limiter. The shifts in manual mode are also quick and you will enjoy pushing this gearbox.

AMG fuel filler cap is finished in silver chrome with AMG lettering. Fuel tank capacity is 100 litres:

Suspension

The best thing about a G-Wagon is that it’s the one Mercedes car that you don’t have to be careful over bad roads. You get independent suspension at the front and multi-link rear suspension with a body-on-frame construction which makes this a very abuse-friendly setup. What’s new on the G63 is the AMG Active Ride Control suspension that elevates the comfort and handling. Basically, instead of traditional sway anti-roll bars, you have active shock absorbers. All 4 dampers are connected via hydraulic lines which are electronically controlled. This enables the car to actively control the body roll and also improve ride comfort.

While driving around in the city in the Comfort mode, the suspension is absorbent. You can tell that there’s plenty of travel and you can go over bad roads with ease. The G63 glides over small and medium-sized potholes comfortably, but you do feel the large potholes. There is one deterrent though for you to absolutely go stress-free over bad roads – the wheels. Our test car was shod with 22-inch AMG alloy wheels with 295/40 section tyres. This meant that I had to be careful over bad roads and also, the shorter side profile added a bit of firmness to the ride quality. As standard, the G63 comes with 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels which will have a better ride. However, in the city, while driving in comfort mode, the ride is comfortable and not very bouncy. There is some side-to-side movement over bad roads in comfort mode but not excessive. All in all, you can drive over bad roads without having to worry about damaging your suspension.

At high speeds, the G63 feels more settled. The active hydraulics work continuously to keep excess movement in check. There is still some vertical movement at high speeds, but it has certainly improved from the previous generation. In terms of handling, you need to keep in mind that this is a tall SUV that weighs over 2,600 kg. While the chassis and the engine may encourage you to push the car to its limits, the physics does catch up.

Switch to Sport+ mode and the car feels tight. The steering is heavy and the chassis feels more agile. Start pushing in corners and you will be surprised by the way it manages to stick to the line. There is of course body roll, but the technical wizardry does its best to mask it. Mid-corner bumps are handled well, but there is a bit of bounce that comes with it making you feel like you are in a rally stage fighting with the steering. With so much power on tap, the car is always on the limit. This is a car that will keep you on your toes when you start pushing it in corners. Direction changes are also handled well and the G63 doesn’t lose its composure.

The steering has a good heft to it and feels very direct and connected. It is not very light like the other SUVs from Mercedes, and there is some weight even at city speeds, but it is manageable. The AMG brakes are very sharp and while there is a nose dive under hard braking, the car manages to shed speed effectively.

I didn't get a chance to do some serious off-roading with the G63, but the car handled some mild trails with ease. Even if you find yourself in a tricky situation, the car has enough 4x4 equipment to pull you out effortlessly.

The AMG Active Ride Control suspension helps reduce body roll:

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