Introducing the Mercedes-AMG G63

What makes something iconic? An image? An emblem? Something of legendary status? If we asked you to name the most iconic Mercedes-AMG, what model springs to mind?

This is a car that has stood the test of time. A car that is so recognisable, it simply couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. A car that is just as popular now – in its 45^th year – as ever. According to Mercedes-AMG: “Wherever the G63 shows its face, it is met with nothing but awe. Its passion, perfection, and power make every journey feel like a victory.”

Known affectionately as the ‘G-Wagon’, the G-Class sits firmly at the top of the Mercedes-AMG food chain and is one of the most exclusive boutique models, with waiting lists often exceeding twelve months.

History of the model

In the early days, a former Mercedes-Benz engineer, who wanted to design an all-wheel-drive all-terrain civilian vehicle, created a concept following the Second World War known as the ‘Unimog’, an acronym for ‘Universal Motor Device’. Mercedes-Benz loved the concept so much they bought the founding company in 1950s, and have been making variations of the platform ever since.

First built as a utilitarian cross-country vehicle in the 1970s, the G-Class has transformed itself from being a rugged SUV to an iconic status symbol, popular among celebrities across the world; even the Vatican requested one for the Pope back in the 1980s, so he could publicly greet and bless his admirers in style. And, of course, you may have heard it mentioned more than a few times in modern rap music.

The first styling of the G-Wagon back in 1973 provided both military and non-military options, with the same aggressive and robust design that we know and love today. In fact, the G-Class is so legendary and beloved that when Mercedes-Benz attempted to replace it with a luxury SUV, which we now know as the GLS, the demand for the G-Class was so high that Mercedes-Benz couldn’t refuse it and re-released the model.

The Origin Story

• In 1979, Mercedes-Benz launched the BR 460, the first model series for the G-Class.
• In 1990, the BR 463 moved this model from a purely commercial vehicle to a comfortable vehicle for a broader target group.
• By 2000, the BR 463 received its first facelift, which included air conditioning and a new interior.
• On the 25^th Anniversary of the G-Class, the AMG G55 Kompressor was launched, 476 PS, max torque of 700Nm and a shut off speed of 210Km per hour.
• By 2012, the model series 463 had a further facelift. During this model adjustment, the brand introduced a new designed centre console, along with COMAND Online and Linguatronic.
• In 2016, the G-Class was pre-destined for off-road use, evident in its rubber mats instead of carpet and fitted hand-cranks instead of a power window assembly.
• By 2018, numerous innovations was introduced to the BR 463, now known familiarly as the ‘G Wagon’ or ‘G-Class’, but retained parts adopted by previous model series.

Aesthetic design

The G-Class has seen a number of mutations over the years and, although the 2018 facelift was the most comprehensive to date, it retains a large number of exterior design features that are evident throughout the model’s history. For example, the unmistakable round headlamps, the attached indicator signal, the protective strips, and the roof trim. The recognisable rugged and classic door handles and spare wheel on the back with the robust cover complements the rest of the vehicle’s rustic aesthetic.

New features include the redesigned wing mirrors and optional sliding sunroof, which replaces the earlier steel roof and allows natural light to flood the cabin. The rear taillights use energy-saving LED technology, and you can opt for the Multibeam LED headlights on the front. If you want to add the Night Package, that will give you all of these features in a tinted variation, along with the incredible 22-inch black alloys and tinted windows. It gives the overall design a sportier and menacing look. This AMG variation, unlike the Mercedes-Benz G400d, is easily identifiable via the unmistakable radiator grille with vertical struts and the central star in high gloss black.