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MERCEDES-BENZ G63 AMG Review

OUR TEST CAR: MERCEDES-BENZ G 63 AMG (W463) 2012

 
MERCEDES-BENZ G63 AMG  - Page - 2
As far as this chapter is concerned, a car couldn’t be made of worse base ingredients than the Mercedes G63 AMG, which places a big twin-turbocharged V8 inside an offroading package designed more than three decades ago. However, Mercedes knows its way around providing comfort and the company has made sure that the G-Class comes with plenty of this.

It all starts even before you enter the car, as the new model does away with the “tradition” of having to almost slam the unexpectedly light doors in order to close them. You still have to use more force than in the case of other cars, but the problem is far less pronounced than before.

Once you’re inside, you are treated with a definition of the commanding driving position, regardless of how you adjust the seat, as this is mounted high in the tall passenger compartment. In fact, all the seats bring a special experience. Out test car was fitted with the Seat Comfort Package - the front ones are very pleasant to use during long trips and, thanks to adjustable bolsters, they can provide high levels of lateral support if this is what you want.

Even the seat cooling, which most people can’t use for more than a minute, is implemented in a way that makes it more bearable.

The adjustment controls up front are split between the door and the side of the seat. The first allows you to operate the base, backrest and headrest (height), while the latter holds wheels for playing with the bolsters and lumbar support.

The front seats also allow one to notice the level of attention to detail in the G-Class. For example, in the areas where the side bolsters operate, you can find small textile inserts that prevent wear and tear.

As for the three individual seats in the rear, these provide full comfort, with the ones on the sides also offering a heating function. You’ll even find that the drinks placed in the cupholders at the back can be brought to serving temperature using the center console-placed air vents.

You can really define the Mercedes G63 AMG by using the aural experience its cabin provides. For example, a highway cruise at 80 mph (130 km/h) creates the perfect conditions for a conversation. The serious wind noise generated by the car is kept outside the vehicle, but the enchanting voice of the aforementioned V8 is always there, even when cruising - the engine sound has been toned down a bit compared to the G55 AMG in order to provide superior comfort.

As for the suspension, this offers a surprising compromise between ride and handling. The G63 AMG uses a stiffer setup compared to the standard models. Despite this, you don’t get an unpleasant result. The suspension does take a bit longer than expected to recover after encountering a bump or a serious pothole, but you can’t say that it’s bouncy.

There are, of course, also certain aspects about the car that bring drawbacks for this chapter. For example, the doors may be easier to close than before, but their exterior buttons still require a considerable amount of effort to be operated.

The interior space is good, but it could be better - the vehicle doesn’t make full use of its width when it comes to cabin space, since its wheels stand out and are treated with pronounced arches.

And when it comes to storage spaces, the vehicle leaves certain things to be desired. Up front, we have an amusingly small glove box, while the cupholder placed at the side of the transmission tunnel means that the passenger can literally kick the drink.

However, it’s hard to pay attention to these negative aspects when, apart form the aforementioned pleasant features, you’re treated with things like an Alcantara headliner.

Body and Chassis

The G-Class uses a ladder chassis, comprised of two longitudinal members displaced in a parallel configuration. Each of these is made of two welded U-shaped half-shells that are also connected by cross tubes.

The body of the car is bolted to the frame in eight points, with this relaying on rubber mounts to reduce noise, harshness and vibration (NVH). The frame, as well as the other exposed parts of the underside are gifted with special protection before being painted. These receive a cathodic dip priming, powder coating, as well as wax injection. In addition to that, the underbody of the car is given an extra plastic coating. All these measures keep the metal safe when you’re hammering the G-Class on rugged terrain.

Powertrain

Like the rest of the non-compact vehicles in the AMG range, the Mercedes G-Class has switched to the new M157 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. While the aforementioned models dropped the M156 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 in favor of the new, more efficient unit, the G-Class had to part ways with its M113 5.5-liter supercharged powerplant.

The M157 engine, which is based on the 5,461 cc, delivering 544 hp at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 761 Nm (561 lb-ft), which is delivered between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm.

The main aim of the unit was to increase efficiency - despite being 37 hp and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) more potent compared to the engine in the G55 AMG, this is 13 percent more efficient. To be more precise, the G63 AMG returns an official figure of 13.8 liters per 100 km (17 mpg).

The powerplant holds multiple aces up its manifold in order to be able to achieve the aforementioned figures.

The unit mixes technologies such as direct gasoline injection, twin-turbocharging and spray-guided combustion. The conventional blow-off valve is ditched, with the system featuring a wastegate valve that is vacuum-controlled using an electropneumatic converter.

Between the “V” of the cylinder banks, we find an air/water intercooler, with the engineers making efforts to reduce the length of the piping in order to minimize lag.

The 5.5-liter V8 uses a die-cast aluminum crankcase, with the bearing cover for the crankshaft, which is made of grey cast iron, being bolted to the crankcase to increase rigidity. As for the cylinder liners, this used cast-in Silitec for reduced friction.

In addition to that, an alternator management system charges the battery during the engine overrun phase.

The 5.5-liter V8 works with the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox. This uses efficiency-boosting solutions, such as a converter that features a centrifugal pendulum, enhanced thermal management for the transmission oil and low-friction bearings.

The transmission offers three modes: Controlled Efficiency, Sport and Manual. The first activates a stop-start system, while using lower rpm when shifting and generally selects second gear for taking off. In this mode, there’s also a softer throttle map. The Sport and Manual modes see the gearbox temporarily interrupting ignition and injection during full-load shifts in order to reduce gear change times.

The power is sent to the road using an all-wheel drive system that features solid axles at both ends. These are comprised of solid longitudinal arms and a transverse control arm.

While the aforementioned hardware allows the G-Class to deal with the roughness of the terrain, the traction comes via three electro-mechanical locking differentials, as well as a low-range transfer case.

The system has a default torque distribution of 50:50, while the 4ETS electronic traction system applies braking pressure to any wheel that spins too much. Thus, the torque is sent to the wheel(s) with the best traction available.

Road Connection

The Mercedes G-Class matches the aforementioned solid axles with coil springs that offer a long travel for offroad use, as well as with anti-roll bars that serve the vehicle well during on-road cornering. For the G63 AMG, the suspension features a firmer setup in order to enhance tarmac handling.

When it comes to steering, the G-Class retains the recirculating ball system that was popular until three decades ago. The principle behind the system includes a ball screw and a nut that perpetually circulates balls through small tubes inside of it, in order to be able to move along the aforementioned screw.

This setup trades in the feedback of more modern rack and pinion systems for superior durability - the steering system takes a lot of stress during off-road use, especially in a vehicle like the G-Class, which tips the scales at 2,550 kg (5,622 lbs) before the passengers step in. We have to mention that the revamp has brought the electric assistance for the system.

Stopping Power


The upgrades found in the engine compartment required superior deceleration capacities. Thus, the G63 AMG was fitted with brake discs measuring 375 x 36 millimeters (14.8 x 1.41 inches) at the front and 330 x 20 millimeters (13 x 0.8 inches) at the rear. Mercedes installed the ML63 AMG’s six-piston fixed-caliper system for the front axle, while at the back the G63 AMG received single-piston floating calipers.

The Mercedes G63 AMG seriously ups the ante on the features front, with the vehicle borrowing a multitude of systems and gadgets from other models in Mercedes’ range.

We’ll start from outside the car - when it comes to choosing an exterior finish, the G63 AMG is one of the most privileged models in the Mercedes line-up. There’s an impressive number of available shades, from both the standard and the designo range.

You can also choose between two types of 20-inch alloy wheels and when it comes to the brake calipers, the standard color is red, but you can opt for silver.

As for the cabin of the G-Class, “designo” is definitely the designation to use. The standard equipment level of the G63 AMG includes single-tone designo leather, with eight colors available. You can also select one of the three designo wood trims available or you can go for the optional carbon fiber AMG trimming.

Our test car was fitted with the aforementioned carbon fiber trim, and, in spite of the irony of using such a material in one a scale-frightening car like the G-Class, it looked interesting.

The G63 AMG we drove was also gifted with the optional designo Exclusive pack, which brings a diamond-pattern upholstery and allows one to choose between six (two-tone) color versions.

In addition to that, AMG models come standard with the Stainless Steel Package that includes the spare wheel cover and the running boards. There’s also a standard chrome interior package, which brings items such as rings for the loudspeakers and AMG-branded door entry sills.

One of the most important new standard features is a TFT display that measures 17.8 cm (7-inch) in diameter. This makes a great pair with the Comand system, which has been upgraded and offers superior ergonomics via a controller placed just ahead of the center armrest.

The Comand online system includes audio, navigation (10 Gb hard drive) , telephone integration, as well as Internet capability - the latter does require a mobile phone Internet connection. The system also offers a DVD drive and Music Register feature, as well as the USB connectivity, Bluetooth and auxiliary in. The list is topped off by an SD memory card slot, Linguatronic voice command and an optional TV receiver.

Comfort comes via standard features such as electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function, a dual-zone climate control system, as well as ambient lighting. The G-Class can also be fitted with an optional auxiliary heater, which features a remote control.

The driver will enjoy the Parktronic front and rear parking sensors, as well as the reversing camera. While the latter uses the generous display of the Comand system, the sensors come with an led strip dome that can be found on top of the dash, just before the windshield.

The heated multifunction steering wheel, as well as the power sunroof complete the list of items that truly spoil the occupants.

There are also features that will bring joy to both the driver and the passengers, such as the optional Seat Comfort Package, which offers front seats that seriously boost ergonomics, as well as lateral support.

Moving on to include all the occupants of the vehicle, we’ll mention the Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio system - this delivers 450 watts using 12 speakers. And if you only want to spoil the passengers in the back, you can order the optional rear seat entertainment system. This will strap two TFT displays the same size of the one in front to the headrests. The feature includes two sets of wireless headphones, a remote control and an auxiliary-in socket.

As we explained in the “Safety” chapter, the G-Class has also received a plethora of safety features, with the vast majority of these targeting active safety. Some of the most important include the Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, the LED daytime running lights, as well as the Blind Spot Assist.

The Mercedes G-Class was designed in an era when then notion of crumple zones wasn’t part of the daily language as it is now. This, together with the lack of an official crash test, makes it difficult to asses the passive safety offered by the vehicle.

Nevertheless, the latest refresh has seen the G-Class receive more safety features than ever before, with most of these targeting active safety.

The list starts with the Distronic Plus, a radar-based adaptive cruise control system that can adjust speed via acceleration and braking and can bring the car to a complete stop should this be required by the traffic ahead. It incorporates the Pre-Safe Brake system, which automatically applied a certain amount of braking pressure and warns the driver if an impact is imminent and will also apply full braking pressure if this doesn’t show any reaction.

There’s also Brake Assist, which applies maximum braking when the driver suddenly presses the pedal hard. This is joined by Adaptive Braking that offers multiple functions. Should the driver suddenly take his foot off the gas, the brake pads are bought closer to the discs to reduce system reaction time - this which brings the pads close to the rotors from time to time when it’s raining, in order to do away with water build up. This also includes a Hold feature that can spare the driver of having to keep his foot on the brake during traffic jams, as well as Hill Start Assist.

The ESP, which includes a system called 4ETS - Four-wheel Electronic Traction System, has been recalibrated. This allows more freedom off the road an includes features such as a trailer stabilization function, as well as offering a hold function for uphill starts.

In addition to that, Mercedes’ G63 AMG receives Blind Spot Assist and Post-Collision Response, which shuts off the engine, unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard lights after a severe accident.

As far as passive safety is concerned, it’s worth mentioning that the G63 AMG has received Neck Pro active head restraints. In the event of a rear crash, these move forward and upwards to minimize the risk of whiplash injury.

However, when it comes to airbags, the G-Class still doesn’t offer the maximum level available. The vehicle comes six airbags: the list starts with two frontal ones, but only the driver receives a two-stage unit. There are also side curtain airbags that cover both rows of seats, with these only being offered for the long wheelbase models.

While the vast majority of iconic cars have had to wait for decades for a chance to be resurrected, the Mercedes G-Class never got to die. And to be able to tell this to the SLS AMG’s face and laugh about it, it received a G63 AMG version.

When its predecessor, the G55 AMG, was sent to a garage in the sky, it left a void much larger than that generated by its Kompressor sucking air into its eight cylinders. But the last supercharged AMG was replaced by a car that’s just as good at fueling one’s automotive passion and feels light years ahead as a vehicle.

Mercedes mainly advertised the new twin-turbo V8 when it introduced the G63 AMG in 2012, but the model is part of a G-Class revamp that makes the car much more usable.

The level of refinement has clearly gone up and the easiest way to notice this is to open the door. The cabin has been brought in line with AMG’s more modern offerings, both in terms of materials and features. And when you close the aforementioned door, you’ll see what “reduced NVH level” means.

As for the best part of the Mercedes G63 AMG, this lies in its character. This is also the one thing you need to take into account in order to be able to understand and enjoy this four-wheeled creature.

We have to explain that if you’re analyzing this offroader in a rational way, it makes no sense whatsoever. This is the worst part of the G63 AMG - it only justifies its existence as an eccentric automobile.

And the Mercedes G63 AMG doesn’t work as a complete performance vehicle. Three tons of steel on rigid axles can’t be compensated by any technology when you encounter a bend.

However, present it with a straight line and you’ll be treated with an experience that mixes flavors as varied as those coming from German engineering, American muscle cars and British grand tourers - yes, the G63 AMG is a bit of every one, with varying proportions, of course.

Don’t be afraid to take those 20-inch AMG wheels off the road - the Mercedes G-Class was born to tackle road terrain and the G63 AMG isn’t shy about this at all. There’s really nothing like putting its 544 hp to work in the great outdoors.

As for it’s price, if you can afford an S63 AMG, you’ll have no problem in acquiring one of these. The G63 AMG will set you back $134,300 plus a $905 destination charge or €137,504.50 (includes 19% VAT) if you’re reading this in Europe.

And by developing the G63 AMG, Mercedes has done more than just made sure that the G-Class stays on top of its game. This is one of the very few cars in the world that proves dreams can become a reality - there are quite a lot of automotive aficionados out there that would love to see models from the past resume production with an infusion of modern technology. The G63 proves that this is not only possible, but can also lead to success.

Oh, and if the G63 AMG doesn’t make you feel immortal enough, the G-Class has one more ace up its heavy steel sleeve - you can always try the limited edition, V12-powered G65 AMG...
THE END
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autoevolution Feb 2013
80
History
9
Exterior
10
Interior
8
In the city
7
Open road
7
Comfort
8
Tech facts
6
Gadgets
9
Safety
7
Conclusion
9
77user rating 58 votes
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