Sometime last week, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the all-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class off-road vehicle over at the Sepang Circuit. The unique thing is that we Malaysians are only getting one variant of this all-new G Wagen, the almighty Mercedes-AMG G 63. A truly unique statement indeed.
Speaking of the G-Class, or Gelaendewagen. it has been updated. Almost forty years have actually passed and this is what Mercedes-Benz says is a proper update to the off-road legend. It may look exactly like the older ones, but the all-new G-Wagen has actually been given a completely modern interior with the widescreen cockpit, a redesigned centre console and the new multi- function sports steering wheel as well as an abundance of state-of-the-art features. It is very 2018 and has all of the current Mercedes-Benz styling cues in terms of interior styling.
In terms of the sole variant offered here in Malaysia, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is massive in terms of what it has. The engine makes a whopping 585hp and 850Nm of torque. This allows the chunky block of a 4x4 to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Speeds around 220kmh is easily reached and it would be limited by the bravery you have and its still barn-like aerodynamics.
But this is for a different purpose, the AMG grunt is for all kinds of terrain, and not only for the autobahn. In terms of chassis and suspension tuning, the new G-Class features a redesigned suspension setup as well as more use of lighter alloys like aluminium throughout its body and suspension parts. It still keeps that traditional 4x4 style ladder frame for that robustness.
“The G-Class, a vehicle that is truly stronger than time, iconic and legendary but timeless at the same time. The G 63 reinforces its position as an off-road vehicle with a powerful on-road performance through the AMG 4-litre V8 biturbo with that unmistakable symphonic sound,” said Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
It is priced from RM1,464,888 and is equipped with technology features which includes the Intelligent Drive with the Driving Assistance Package, COMAND Online, Burmester Surround Sound System, Parking Package and KEYLESS GO.
Again, totally updated for the times.
The all-new Mercedes-AMG G 63 Product Brief:
Engine & Transmission
The Mercedes-AMG G 63 underpins its unique position among performance off-road vehicles provided by the 430 kW (585 hp) 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine.
The one-man-one-engine AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-AMG G 63 generates 430 kW (585 hp) in this model, and delivers a maximum torque of 850 Nm. This is available across a wide rev range between 2.500 and 3.500 rpm, and provides a sense of effortless superiority. 0 to 100 km/h is despatched in 4.5 seconds. This dynamic performance is maintained up to the limited maximum speed of 220 km/h, or 240 km/h with the AMG Driver‘s package.
The two turbochargers are not positioned on the outside of the cylinder banks, but inside the cylinder "V". Advantages: a compact engine design, spontaneous response of the turbochargers and low exhaust emissions thanks to optimal airflow to the near-engine catalysts. The eight-cylinder delivers its power with muscular torque in all engine speed ranges, combined with maximum efficiency for low fuel consumption and emission figures.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission is used in the G 63. This has a model-specific software application to achieve very short shift times. The multiple downshift function allows more spontaneous bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for an even more emotional driving experience. Defined engine manipulation makes for even faster gear changes.
The AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive features rear-biased torque distribution with a front/rear split of 40 to 60 percent. This configuration ensures greater agility on the road and improved traction during acceleration. In the preceding model the distribution was still a neutral 50:50. The off-road reduction gear has been developed further for operations on difficult terrain.
It helps to ensure that the G 63 is able to master even more demanding off-road stretches.
The new G 63 performs even better when off-road, and on the road it is more dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor. The agile driving impression is substantially due to the suspension system, which has been completely redesigned by Mercedes-AMG and features coil springs all-round. For the first time the front axle has an independent, double wishbone suspension; a rigid axle with a five-link suspension is used at the rear.
With the five DYNAMIC SELECT on-road modes "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual", the characteristics range from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. Key parameters such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering are modified in the process.
Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of pressing the "M" button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. If required, the stages of the adaptive adjustable suspension can be selected as well.
Three off-road modes - "Sand", "Trail" and "Rock" - are available when driving off the beaten track. These are accessed using the switch in the centre console for activation of the central differential lock, and can then be selected with the DYNAMIC SELECT rocker switch. "Trail" allows maximum performance on soft, muddy or slippery surfaces. "Sand" modifies the parameters for sporty dynamics and the best possible grip and steerability on sandy stretches or desert sand dunes. "Rock" is the mode for extremely demanding, rocky terrain with severe axle articulation and frequent lifting of one or more wheels.
All the driving modes, both On Road and Off Road, are visualised in the instrument cluster and in the central media display. Deselection of all the locks returns the setting to the on-road driving modes.
Chassis & Suspension
The basis for the enormous off-road capabilities of the G 63 is provided by a torsionally rigid (traditional 4X4 style) ladder-type frame of high-strength steel and a mounted body of composite construction. This design is considerably more robust and suitable for off-road operations than a unibody construction. As the lowest point of this construction, the frame ensures a low centre of gravity and protects the major assemblies, fuel tank and exhaust system during ground contact, e.g. when driving over obstacles.
Another development aim was to reduce the weight of the body. Using a digital prototype, Mercedes-Benz's engineers simulated the operating life of individual components and assemblies to determine where lighter materials could be used without compromising durability, operating life and quality.
The result is a new material mix: the bodyshell consists of various grades of steel. The wings, bonnet and doors are made of aluminium. To be able to retain the door hinges and handles typical of the G-Class, the developers modified these to suit the new aluminium design. The A and B-pillars are made of high- strength steel in view of their load-bearing function.
Exterior Styling
Exterior wise, the unmistakable design features give the new AMG G 63 its unique appearance: the boxy silhouette, the proud bonnet, external door hinges, round headlamps, mounted direction indicators, robust door handles, muscular protective strips with inserts in high-gloss black with a silver AMG emblem, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door with a stainless steel cover and three-pointed star.
The front section of the G 63 is characterised by the AMG-specific radiator grille and the AMG bumper with large side air inlets and trim in matt iridium silver. The headlamps, indicators and tail lights are in LED High Performance technology as standard. This lighting consumes less energy and has a particularly long service life.
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