We’re at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s (MBM) Luxurious Like No Different occasion, the place the facelifted Mercedes-AMG G63 is one in every of a handful of fashions launching immediately. Now codenamed W465 (the pre-facelift mannequin confusingly shared its W463 designation with its predecessor), this newest model of the legendary Affalterbach-fettled off-roader – nonetheless the one variant of the G-Class provided right here – has been given some vital upgrades to maintain it contemporary after six years available on the market.
Sadly, these upgrades have been accompanied by a RM150,000 worth hike, the G63 now retailing at a cool RM1,948,888 on-the-road with out insurance coverage. Plus, provided that this 4×4 is offered on an indent order foundation, MBM will fortunately promote you numerous customisation choices that may push the ultimate determine even farther north. As normal, every buy features a four-year, unlimited-mileage guarantee.
Regardless of the downsizing occurring elsewhere in Mercedes-AMG’s lineup, the G63 retains its venerable 4.0 litre M177 twin-turbocharged V8, nonetheless punching out 585 PS at 6,000 rpm and 850 Nm from 2,500 to three,500 rpm. The massive information right here is the fitment of a 48-volt delicate hybrid system, consisting of a 20 PS/200 Nm belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) that gives further accelerative energy when wanted.
As such, this 2.6-tonne behemoth will fling itself from zero to 100 km/h in simply 4.4 seconds – a tenth of a second faster than earlier than – though as a result of the G63 has the aerodynamic properties of a brick, its high pace continues to be solely 240 km/h (20 km/h greater than normal, because of the AMG Efficiency Bundle). Placing the facility to the bottom is an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automated gearbox and a everlasting four-wheel-drive system with triple locking differentials, as is customary for a G-Class.
Additionally an integral a part of the geländewagen‘s make-up is the body-on-frame chassis, low-range switch case, coil springs and stable rear axle (you do get fashionable double wishbone suspension up entrance). However to maintain the automotive pointing in vaguely the best course on a twisty street, the G63 now will get AMG Energetic Experience Management suspension, including cross-linked hydraulic dampers (very similar to a McLaren) that enhance roll stabilisation, journey consolation and wheel articulation.
On condition that the design of the G-Class is about as iconic because the Schöckl mountains on which its capabilities are examined, Mercedes has finished properly to depart its bluff appears – already fully revamped again in 2018 – properly alone. However there are a number of modifications, beginning with a redesigned entrance bumper with bigger, extra rounded air intakes, in addition to a really barely re-profiled rear bumper.
Elsewhere, the reverse digicam has moved from behind a round cowl on the tailgate to only above the rear quantity plate, replete with its personal washer nozzle. The blocky exterior has additionally been made barely extra aerodynamic because of touches borrowed from the all-electric G580, together with smoother A-pillar cladding and a lip spoiler on the roof edge. The G63 additionally will get elevated sound insulation to scale back wind noise, a bugbear on the outgoing mannequin.
Distinctive to the AMG variant are the brand new shark-like slotted nook air intakes, AMG bonnet roundel (this brand may also be discovered within the exterior mirror projection) and silver gasoline filler cap, becoming a member of the trademark Panamericana grille, cross-drilled brakes with crimson callipers, twin side-exit exhausts and 22-inch AMG cross-spoke cast alloy wheels. The usual native specification provides the AMG Night time Bundle, giving a darkish end to the grille, door mirrors and pretend entrance skid plate.
Inside, the modifications to modernise the cabin are a little bit of a combined bag. The excellent news is that the G63 is now fitted as normal with the Mercedes-Benz Consumer Expertise (MBUX) system – replete with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen – that lastly banishes the horrid Comand setup and rotary controller to the historical past books. Higher but, it’s the primary iteration of the system launched on the W177 A-Class, which suggests you continue to get bodily air-con controls.
As a part of this variation, you now get the “Hey Mercedes” voice management system, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and USB-C ports, plus normal augmented actuality navigation. Distinctive to the G-Class is the Offroad Cockpit with particular vehicular shows to help in traversing tough terrain. Sadly, the G63 has converted to Mercedes’ newest (and infuriating to make use of) capacitive contact buttons on the steering wheel, now an AMG Efficiency merchandise with break up spokes and rotary controllers.
Different AMG-specific bits embody carbon fibre trim, numerous AMG badges, an unique Supersport display screen with a central rev counter for the 12.3-inch digital instrument show and, reasonably incongruously for such an antiquated off-roader, the AMG Observe Tempo lap timer and knowledge logger.
In any other case, the G63 is as per what got here earlier than, with a no-nonsense dashboard design that includes turbine-style air vents (now illuminated in live performance with the ambient lighting), three diff lock buttons within the centre and a passenger seize deal with.
One function that brings the automotive bang updated is keyless entry, which was sorely lacking on the outdated mannequin. Mercedes has lastly redesigned the door handles to incorporate a button (no sensors, sadly) to lock and unlock the door. Bigger vents on the D-pillars additionally assist equalise exterior and inside air stress, permitting the doorways themselves to shut with much less effort.
As befits such a high-end car, the usual package record is huge and contains Multibeam LED headlights, push-button begin, a sunroof, power-adjustable energetic multi-contour seats with reminiscence, heating, air flow and therapeutic massage capabilities, quilted Nappa leather-based upholstery, heated and cooled cupholders, a Qi wi-fi charger, twin 11.6-inch rear contact screens, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D sound system, park help and a 360-degree digicam system with a “clear bonnet” operate.
In the meantime, the record of driver assists has been bolstered with the addition of lane centring help, becoming a member of the present autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management with cease and go, blind spot monitoring, door opening warning and adaptive excessive beam.
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