Hardcore 4x4 Version of Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 Is Now Official

AMG or should we say Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers recently told CarAdvice that the four-wheeled story would happen “soon”. Factor in the idea that this is a crosbreed between two existing models and it makes perfect sense to expect the newcomer to land sometime in 2015 - this even falls in line with the talks about Mercedes introducing a new-age incarnation of the Gelandewagen in 2016.

The purpose of this model

At first sight, it might seem odd to slot a third model in between the G63 AMG and its 6x6 brother. Nonetheless, the tentatively called G63 AMG 4x4 does make sense, since it offers the best of both worlds.
The vehicle will come with the real-world-fitting size (turning circle and others) of the standard car, while offering the expanded offroad abilities of the six-wheeled behemoth. As for the bed, we haven’t seen too many G63 AMG 6x6 owners putting this to work yet.

The tech updates

The spyshots make it obvious that the G63 AMG 4x4 will sit considerably higher than the car we know, while also sporting wider tracks that require bolder fenders. Nonetheless, the changes underneath the skin will be even greater than one might believe.

You see, the G-Class already features a recirculating ball steering system that offers rugged terrain durability and the new 4x4 will match this with the portal axles of the 6x6. We are talking about a military solution that allows the wheels to be placed lower on the axle, not be centered on the axis of the shaft.

On the G63 AMG 6x6 this increases the ride height from 210 mm (7.9 inches) to a terrain-conquering 460 mm (18.1 inches). Moreover, the solution almost turns the monster into an amphibian vehicle, since it takes the wading depth from 600 mm (23.6 inches) to one meter (39.4 inches).

Of course, the 4x4 won’t jump as high, but the lift will be noticeable. You shouldn’t hold your breath for the 37-inch tires of the 6x6 either - expect 20-inch wheels with tires that are capable offroad instead.

The bottom line

Aside from the high center of gravity, the driver of a G63 AMG 4x4 won’t have anything to fear and yet we’re... afraid many of the examples will fall into the wrong hands. As it happened with the G63 AMG 6x6, the 4x4 will inevitably be hit by the posermobile customers, who will find its new offroad assets perfect for showing off on the boulevards. Regardless, this will most likely be a limited production model, so don't expect to see one next to you at the traffic light if your area code doesn't spell Dubai, Monaco or perhaps Hollywood.