A Unique Existence, Continuously Produced

The G-Class is a curious car. Its name, "Gelandewagen," is German for "cross-country vehicle," and it's often referred to by this nickname. In Japan, it's called "G-wagen," and overseas, "G-Wagen." Among Mercedes' lineup, which spans from the A-Class to the SL, there's no other car quite like it.

Furthermore, since its release in 1979, the first generation has undergone only one significant modification. This involved a change from the W460 to the W463 codename, but the fundamental ladder-frame chassis design remained the same. The most substantial evolution was the shift from a part-time 4WD system to a full-time one.



Given this history, recent rumors have focused on "when will production cease?" In fact, the "M-Class" was conceived as a potential successor, and rumors of its discontinuation have persisted ever since.

However, there's another side to the story. Over 33 years, it has won "Off-Road Vehicle of the Year" 20 times, and its sales have not declined. Data shows that sales increased from 4,300 units in 2009 to 6,600 units in 2011.

Speaking from personal experience, having owned one until last year, this is a vehicle that belongs at the top of any "must-drive" list. Its unique appeal, which cannot be replicated by other models, is incredibly compelling. Its rugged exterior ignites the spirit of adventure in men.

Newly Developed 5.5-Liter V8 with Twin Turbochargers

After a lengthy introduction, the G-wagen has indeed evolved. The front fascia has been redesigned, and the dashboard layout is completely new. Alongside these changes, the G63 AMG has been introduced. Here is my report from a test drive near Stuttgart.

The defining feature of the new G63 AMG is its engine. It is equipped with AMG's latest 5.5-liter V8 twin-turbo engine. This is the same unit found in the "SL63 AMG" which I test drove around the same time. While downsizing from 6.3 liters, it considers reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel efficiency. With a maximum output of 544 hp, surpassing the SL63 AMG's 537 hp, the G63 AMG is formidable. It makes one wonder just how fast they intend to propel this boxy monolith!



This engine is paired with the "AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic." It's not a dual-clutch transmission to prevent torque interruption. For off-road driving or towing, a torque converter is inherently more practical.

Furthermore, like other AMG models, this transmission can be switched between C (Comfort), S (Sport), S+ (Sport Plus), and M (Manual) modes.

Personally, I prefer using "C" for relaxed driving and "M" mode with rapid paddle shifts when I want to go fast. The "M" mode is perfect for driving where fuel economy is not a concern.

On the other hand, the addition of an "Eco start/stop system" to the C mode is noteworthy. It's astonishing that the G-wagen now features an idle stop function. This truly shows how times are changing!

Exterior Impact and Interior Modernization

The most striking exterior change is the bumper, which now features a larger opening, enhancing its imposing presence. The LEDs below the headlights, carried over from the previous model, gain prominence when paired with this new bumper.

The wheels are a large 20 inches in diameter. Painted in titanium grey, they give the vehicle a grounded appearance. Moreover, the red calipers peeking through the spokes signal that this is no ordinary machine. The test car was equipped with "AMG high-performance brakes," offering both impressive performance and visual impact.



However, beyond the engine, the interior is undoubtedly the highlight of this update. The dashboard, with its somewhat nostalgic Mercedes-style switch layout, has been completely revamped, even incorporating a navigation monitor. While it admittedly feels a bit like an add-on, its convenience is undeniable.

The instrument cluster has also been modernized. The classic analog gauges and digital displays are gone, replaced by a much sportier design. If you were to crop the photo, it could easily be mistaken for a sports car's dashboard.

What Hasn't Changed

So, what about the driving experience? In this regard, not much has changed. Of course, with increased maximum power, the substantial body accelerates with immense force, creating a sensation of the scenery rushing towards you. However, its cornering behavior remains the same. It traces its line with a noticeable, and nowadays rare, deep body roll. The power steering is also unusually heavy for a modern car, lacking any hint of quickness. In essence, the controls retain the classic feel, continuing the established driving dynamics.

However, this approach seems to be AMG's way of ensuring driver safety. It's certainly possible to build a more agile car that matches the higher output by completely redesigning the chassis. But the core theme is "keeping the concept." If a fundamental redesign were to compromise the established aesthetic, it would defeat the purpose.



Therefore, by allowing for deeper body roll and a heavier steering feel, the car alerts the driver. This helps the driver understand the limits of cornering speed and discourages abrupt double-lane changes. While it excels in a straight line, handling this high-powered engine on paved roads with such a classic chassis feels somewhat challenging.

Even so, the G-wagen remains the G-wagen. There are many reasons to own one. After all, few vehicles offer the ability to lock the front differential with the push of a button. And its ruggedness, exemplified by the external door hinges, is a joy to behold.

Word has it that a "G65 AMG" will also be added to the lineup. Naturally, this is driven by demand. There are enthusiasts worldwide who crave even more power.

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG | Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG
Body | Length 4,453 × Width 1,760 × Height 1,951 mm
Wheelbase | 2,850 mm
Vehicle Weight | 2,550 kg
Engine | V8 Twin-Turbocharged
Displacement | 5,461 cc
Bore × Stroke | 98.0 × 90.5 mm
Compression Ratio | 10.0 : 1
Max Output | 400 kW (544 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 760 Nm / 2,000–5000 rpm
Transmission | AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-TRONIC
Ground Clearance | 232 mm
Fuel Consumption | 13.8 ℓ/100 km (NEDC combined)
CO2 Emissions | 322 g/km
0–100 km/h Acceleration | 5.4 seconds
Top Speed | 210 km/h (Limited)
(Note: All figures are for the German market)