Overview
Mercedes-Benz’s iconic G-wagen SUV has roots as a military vehicle, but the high-performance 2022 Mercedes-AMG G63 model serves an entirely different driver than the 1970s original. A 577-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 engine gives the G63 incredible performance, and its posh cabin offers all the modern amenities we’ve come to expect from a top-spec Mercedes. A host of infotainment and other tech features that would have seemed like science fiction to the designers of the original truck are standard. Want to go off road? The G63 can tackle those tasks too, although we’d be nervous about nicking its sporty-looking 20-inch wheels. No matter how you intend to use it, though, the G63 is built to impress—and its price tag reflects both its skillset and status.
What’s New for 2022?
Mercedes-AMG has made no notable changes to the G-class for 2022. It remains one of the craziest offerings in Mercedes’s lineup thanks to its combination of bread-box styling and 577 horsepower.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Although the 2022 G63 starts around $160,000, most vehicles go for considerably higher than that due to its myriad customization options. The standard equipment list is quite livable, however, since every Mercedes-AMG G63 comes with 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension damping, a front brush guard, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and three-zone climate control. We would option our G63 with the Seat Comfort package (to get the multicontour seats with ventilation and massage) and the AMG Trail package so we’d have the proper tires for off-roading.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All G63s come with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters sends all that power to the all-wheel-drive system (4Matic, in Mercedes marketing lingo). Low-range gearing (2.93:1 reduction) is standard as are three locking differentials, allowing the G63 to scale steep dirt grades with ridiculous ease. At our test track, the nearly 5800-pound G63 rocketed from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Along with its extra power, the G63 has AMG-specific suspension tuning. Ride comfort is vastly improved versus older G-wagens, but given this SUV’s towering height and off-road mission, you shouldn’t expect much in the way of handling ability. And there’s still quite a bit of wind noise at highway speeds. Properly equipped, the G63 can tow up to 6500 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Frugality is not within the grasp of a fast, box-shaped SUV. The EPA rates the G63 at 13/15 mpg city/highway. In our 75-mpg highway fuel economy test, the G63 beat its EPA rating by delivering a 16-mpg result. For more information about the G-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Although the excessively rectilinear cabin will feel familiar if you’ve ever set foot in an older G-class, this is now a thoroughly modern place, with a 12.0-inch digital instrument panel, high-quality materials, and conveniences such as cupholders and a surround-view camera system. Taller drivers and passengers will find plenty of head- and legroom in both the front and rear. Around the back of the G-class, there’s still no power liftgate, and you’ll need to be in good shape to open the side-hinged gate, which has a full-size spare tire mounted on it. With the rear seats up, you’ll have 38 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding them down (60/40 split) provides nearly 69 cubic feet.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2022 G63 has a standard 12.0-inch infotainment interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration as well as navigation. There are two USB ports up front, along with an SD card reader. Also included is a three-year subscription to Mercedes-Benz’s connected car services, which provides basic features such as remote engine starting and stolen vehicle tracking. Options include Wi-Fi and a rear entertainment system, which features dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, each of which has its own USB, auxiliary, and HDMI ports.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Mercedes-AMG G63 is not available with as many driver-assistance aids as the automaker’s cars and crossover SUVs. The G63 comes with adaptive cruise control, for example, but the system does not offer extended restart capability in stop-and-go traffic. For more information about the G-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-AMG’s limited and powertrain warranties are on par with other high-end SUVs. Instead of complimentary scheduled maintenance, however, there are prepaid maintenance plans available at extra cost when you purchase your G63.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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