MERCEDES BENZ G 55 AMG (W463) 1999-2004 Photos, engines & full specs

The German carmaker introduced a new G-Class version in 1998 and decided to transform it into a premium off-road vehicle instead of a rugged, regular 4x4 conqueror.

Slowly, Land Rover Range Rover started to get more attention thanks to its luxurious features. Even though it wasn't that rugged 4x4 vehicle anymore, its customers appreciate it more than ever, thanks to its luxurious features. Mercedes-Benz followed the same recipe when it upgraded the former G-Class W460 to the 1998 model year. Moreover, the German carmaker offered it with an AMG engine.

From the outside, the W463 model looked smoother than before. Its round headlights sported squared, body-colored clusters around them. The bumper was wrapped around and better integrated with the rest of the front fascia and featured new, rectangular fog lights on the lower side. Even though it still looked like a box on wheels, its fenders were adorned by flared wheel arches connected to the front and rear bumpers. Mercedes-Benz offered an option for metallic side steps.

Inside, the cabin received a major update. It was as luxurious as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with leather upholstery and wood trims on the dashboard, door panels, and center console. As an option, the carmaker offered piano-black trims instead of wood veneers. But the dashboard still looked like a plank with switches and buttons on it. Its rounded instrument cluster featured a panel with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer and other extra gauges and lights for various systems. The car provided room for five passengers, with a flat floor in the back.

Under the hood, AMG installed a 5.4-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 engine paired to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. Like its rugged siblings, the G55 featured three locking differentials and a two-gear transfer case.