Mercedes-AMG G 63 first drive review: Active suspension transforms the full-send experience

The new G 63 AMG barks and shouts and hurls itself into the touchscreen era. And this really is new. Unlike the trend of today where slapping on a ghastly rear spoiler gives the marketing folk license to murder the very definition of ‘new’, in the case of the ‘new’ G 63 the styling has been left well and truly alone, while the updates are focussed under the skin. Because, frankly, why fix it if it ain’t broke? The entire appeal of the G-Wagen lies in the timeless, boxy, drawn-with-a-ruler hulk of metal and that continues with the new W465-generation. It even retains the exposed door hinges for historical authenticity. Whip out the magnifying glass and you will see larger nostrils at the bottom extremities of the front bumper and, umm, nothing else. The bug-eye indicators, exposed spare wheel, oversized door handles, everything is left unchanged including the bank-vault-like khatank when you shut the door and the locks slam into place. But here’s where the attention to detail comes into play. The door handles might look the same, but they are now in metal, unlike plastic in the past, done to integrate the antennas for keyless entry which finally debuts on the G-Wagen. The panel gaps are also tighter, the gaps between then bumpers, body and wheelarch are filled in and both the visible and perceived build quality goes up several notches.

So how will the world know you’ve bought a “new” G 63 AMG? Mercedes will happily relieve you of wads of the extra cash lining your pocket by offering 39 optional Manufaktur colours (ranging from `5.5 to `10.5 lakh) over the standard eight. On the inside, over the standard nine leather trims you can select from 31 Manufaktur packages ranging from `1.5 to `25 lakh on over test car. 22-inch wheels are standard while (a surprisingly affordable) `1.5 lakh gets you forged wheels. The12.3-inch touchscreen is standard while rear seat entertainment is `4.75 lakh. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are finally standard as are a raft of ADAS features with the Technology Package, 18-speaker 760-watt Burmester sound system, and Mercedes’ NGT-7 operating system, the latter also affording the opportunity to integrate the AMG Track Pace app that gives you live telemetry on a bunch of racetracks. More usefully there’s a drag race mode that even has a Christmas Tree countdown timer on the 12.3-inch digital cluster. Paired with Race Start and the G 63 needs no excuse to light its afterburners and take off. Except, it doesn’t take off.