To serve as a reminder that this is still an incredibly capable vehicle, Benz also rolled out a G-Class Professional model -- the bare-bones version sold to peacekeeping organizations and adventurers -- for us to evaluate on a tight trail before we got busy with the G63 out on the twisty country roads. Both models utilize the same four-wheel-drive system and three locking differentials (one of the G's hallmark features) but the Professional doesn't get all the fancy electronics. It's set up to appeal to buyers who want their G-wagens to be as uncomplicated as possible. And no, it isn't sold in the U.S., either. Predictably, the Professional G excelled off-road and easily conquered mud, off-camber sections, and bulky rocks. Driving the G63 back-to back with the Professional highlighted the difference in interior amenities. The most noteworthy new design features inside are the steering wheel and seven-inch HD screen. There's also an upgrade to the COMAND system that changes the look of the center stack. More significantly, Mercedes has fitted the G-Class with a new electronics architecture that allows the inclusion of new-to-the-G features like blind-spot assist, Distronic Plus, and Parktronic. Both the G550 and G63 receive electromechanical steering and hill-start assist. On the outside, there are new LED daytime running lights, a new grille, and a red brake caliper option for the G63.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG First Drive
The modern-day Mercedes-Benz G-Class is loaded with contradictions. It's an incredibly capable off-roader, but few ever see so much as a dusty trail. Relatively inefficient, truck-based SUVs are a dying breed, but the G-Wagen just had one of its best sales years ever in 2011. And given its utilitarian origins and mission, models like the 2013 Mercedes G63 AMG we just hustled around continue to make very little sense, but remain a heck of a lot of fun.
Every AMG model in the stable has been getting a heart transplant, and the new G63 AMG (replacing the G55 AMG here in the U.S.) deploys a version of AMG's new 5.5-liter V-8 twin-turbo tuned to make 544 hp and 560-lb-ft in the G63. The engine is mated to an AMG-optimized version of Benz's seven-speed automatic. Also like the other AMG models, the G63 gets a stop/start system to help it gulp a smidge less gas. The G550 is also still available and continues with the naturally aspirated 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8, fitted to a seven-speed automatic. There's also a V-12-powered G65, but that one isn't coming to the U.S.
While the G63 and the Professional have the same basic underpinnings, it's probably best to avoid conquering rocks in the AMG version (wouldn't want to scratch it!). The G63 has a nasty, deep engine growl, and makes this big, blocky body-on-frame truck genuinely fast. AMG quotes a 5.3-second 0-60 mph time, plenty quick for a vehicle approaching three tons. The engine is equipped with a start/stop system thatkills and starts up the engine surprisingly well, and the transmission responds quickly, making it feel lighter than it is. The ride is compliant, but there is no question you're driving an old-school truck.
Mercedes worked hard to add new features to a platform with origins that predate the crash and emissions standards that exist today, while maintaining the right balance of capability and luxury. At first it may seem amazing that people spend six figures on a vehicle like this when they know they're never going off-road, but when you shut the vault-like doors, hear the rumble of the big V-8, and then the mechanical "clack" of the power door locks as you accelerate, it suddenly makes sense.
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