Mercedes-Benz unveils new AMG G-Class

The driving characteristics of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 can be individualised with the touch of a finger.

The new Mercedes-AMG G-Class has undergone the greatest change in its history – whilst remaining true to its well-proven virtues. The Mercedes-AMG G 63 underpins its unique position among performance off-road vehicles with the powerful drive system, the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, the AMG-specific transmission modes and the new interior with optimal widescreen cockpit. The basis for the hallmark AMG Driving Performance both on and off metalled roads is provided by the 585 hp 4.0- litre V8 biturbo engine, the rear-biased all-wheel drive (40:60) with three differential locks, the extremely fast-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, the double wishbone independent front suspension and the adaptive adjustable damping.

Proven to be powerful: the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine
The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine now also replaces the previous 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-AMG G 63. It generates 585 hp in this model, and delivers a maximum torque of 850 Nm. This is available across a wide rev range between 2,500 and 3,500 rpm, and provides a sense of effortless superiority. It absolves a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. This dynamic performance is maintained up to the limited maximum speed of 220 km/h, or 240 km/h with the AMG Driver‘s package. The two turbochargers are not positioned on the outside of the cylinder banks, but inside the cylinder "V". A compact engine design, spontaneous response of the turbochargers and low exhaust emissions thanks to optimal airflow to the near-engine catalysts.

AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system
For more efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has equipped the V8 engine in the Mercedes-AMG G 63 with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which significantly lowers the fuel consumption. The combined fuel consumption is 13.1l/100 km, and the combined CO2 emissions 299 g/km.

When the driver has selected the "Comfort" transmission driving mode, the cylinder  deactivation system is available in the wide engine speed range from 1,000 to 3,250 rpm. The AMG main menu on the instrument cluster informs the driver whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in the partial or full-load range. The transition from four to eight-cylinder operation is fast and imperceptible, so that the passengers do not experience any loss of comfort whatsoever.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission with shorter shift times
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission is used in the Mercedes-AMG G 63. This has a model-specific software application to achieve very short shift times. The multiple downshift function allows more spontaneous bursts of speed, whilst the double-declutching function in "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for an even more emotional driving experience.

The wide ratio spread allows a choice of a very sporty or a very comfortable and efficient driving experience. In all transmission modes the Mercedes-AMG G 63 moves off in first gear so as to ensure a dynamic sprint from a standstill whenever required. The DIRECT SELECT lever has been repositioned as a steering column stalk. "Manual" mode can be selected using a separate switch, and the driver can change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit.

Enhanced agility and traction: AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive
The standard-specification AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive features rear- biased torque distribution with a front/rear split of 40 to 60 percent. This configuration ensures greater agility on the road and improved traction during acceleration. In the preceding model the distribution was still a neutral 50:50.

The off-road reduction gear has been developed further for operations on difficult terrain. It helps to ensure that the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is able to master even more demanding off-road stretches. The reduction ratio of the transfer case is now 2.93, i.e. considerably higher than in the preceding model (2.1). This assists moving off on extreme uphill gradients in particular, as the torque at the drive wheels is significantly increased.

With adaptive adjustable damping: AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension
The new Mercedes-AMG G 63 performs even better when off-road, and on the road it is more dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor. The agile driving impression is substantially due to the suspension system, which has been completely redesigned by Mercedes-AMG and features coil springs all-round. For the first time the front axle has an independent, double wishbone suspension; a rigid axle with a five-link suspension is used at the rear.

The AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive adjustable damping is standard equipment. This fully automatic, electronically controlled system adjusts the damping at each wheel to the current requirements. This improves driving safety and ride comfort. The damping is adjusted individually for each wheel, and depends on the driving style, the road surface and the selected suspension setting.

Via a switch on the centre console, the driver can choose between three different sets of damping characteristics, namely "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+", and thus individually influence the driving experience from very comfortable to taut and sporty.

Direct and with clear feedback: the AMG speed-sensitive steering
The electromechanical speed-sensitive steering installed in the Mercedes-AMG G 63 for the first time has a variable ratio to ensure precise and authentic feedback. The steering servo assistance is reduced at high speeds, and continuously increases at low speeds. This means that comparatively little steering force is required at low speeds, and that the best possible control over the vehicle is maintained at high speeds. Steering power assistance is available in a choice of two modes - "Comfort" or "Sport". The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode, or can be personalised in "Individual" mode. In "Sport" the driver receives more direct feedback about the driving status.

Characteristics at the touch of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
For the first time in the history of the Mercedes-AMG G-Class, the driving characteristics can be individualised at the touch of a finger with five on-road and three off-road driving modes.

With the five DYNAMIC SELECT on-road modes "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual", the characteristics range from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. Three off-road modes - "Sand", "Trail" and "Rock" - are available when driving off the beaten track. These are accessed using the switch in the centre console for activation of the central differential lock, and can then be selected with the DYNAMIC SELECT rocker switch. "Trail" allows maximum performance on soft, muddy or slippery surfaces. "Sand" modifies the parameters for sporty dynamics and the best possible grip and steerability on sandy stretches or desert sand dunes. "Rock" is the mode for extremely demanding, rocky terrain with severe axle articulation and frequent lifting of one or more wheels.

All the driving modes, both On Road and Off Road, are visualised in the instrument cluster and in the central media display. Deselection of all the locks returns the setting to the on-road driving modes.

Bodyshell: made for the toughest jobs
The basis for the enormous off-road capabilities of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is provided by a torsionally rigid ladder-type frame of high-strength steel and a mounted body of composite construction. This design is considerably more robust and suitable for off-road operations than a unibody construction. As the lowest point of this construction, the frame ensures a low centre of gravity and protects the major assemblies, fuel tank and exhaust system during ground contact, e.g. when driving over obstacles.

Another development aim was to reduce the weight of the body. Using a digital prototype, the developers simulated the operating life of individual components and assemblies to determine where lighter materials could be used without compromising durability, operating life and quality.

Off-road capability was the main focus during further development of the doors. The side and rear doors have a protective foil cladding on the inside, so that no water can enter when fording watercourses. The surfaces of the frame, vehicle floor and body are specially treated to withstand even the most severe influences – whether water, snow, salt or sand.

Sporty and distinctive: the exterior and interior design
The front section of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is characterised by the AMG-specific radiator grille and the AMG bumper with large side air inlets and trim in matt iridium silver. The indicators and tail lights are in LED High Performance technology as standard. This lighting consumes less energy and has a particularly long service life.

MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are  standard and they each use 84 individually controlled high-performance LED modules to illuminate the road surface automatically with an extremely bright and precisely directed beam of light, without dazzling other road users.

The new Mercedes-AMG G 63 has been given a completely newly designed, modern interior that echoes specific exterior features. The shape of the round headlamps is reflected in the side air vents. Hallmarks of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 also include the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chrome-highlighted switches for the three differential locks.

The two 12.3-inch displays visually blend into a single unit beneath a shared glass cover. The driver is able to choose from three different views – "Classic", "Sporty" and "Progressive" – and access the required information individually.

The new dimensional concept in the interior benefits all the occupants. The increase in length (+101 mm), width (+121 mm) and height (+40 mm) provides the basis for a significantly more airy and spacious impression than in the previous model.