OHLALA SPENT TIME WITH MERCEDES-BENZ’S LATEST G-CLASS AMG, A POWERFUL, UPMARKET, FIVE-DOOR SUV WITH OODLES OF STYLE AND IN-CAR TECH.
As far back as 1979, Mercedes-Benz rolled its first G-Class model off the line and onto the off-road SUV market. Now, more than 45 years later, the company has released the latest generation that features the mighty G63 AMG.
This all-new G-Class SUV is packing some serious power, cutting-edge technology and unmistakable performance-orientated design details both inside and out. Thanks to the team at Al Haddad Motors, we spent time inspecting this beautiful machine.
ON THE LOOKOUT
We have never hidden the fact that we are huge fans of all things MercedesBenz. After all, what’s not to love about this visionary, award-winning, market conquering and all-round fabulous global super brand?
We were especially interested in discovering the new inclusions in the latest generation.
DISTINGUISHED EXTERIOR
As the classic cube shape of the iconic AMG entered our vision, we caught site of subtle styling upgrades.
Firstly, the AMG crest is now featured on the bonnet and exterior mirror projections. The AMG fuel filler cap is crafted in silver chrome with black design elements whilst the radiator grille and A-pillars have also been modified. We also noticed the positioning of the windows has also been slightly refined.
There is now a new AMG-specific bumper with three vertical louvres in front of the air inlets, as well as stainless-steel inserts. Standard adaptive MULTIBEAM LED headlights that illuminate the road according to the driving situation, with 84 individually controllable high-performance LEDs, have also been included.
When ordering the optional AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre Package, several additional exterior design elements are upgraded. At the front end, this will include a dark chrome grille, bumper inserts, darkened headlight housings, carbon design mirror housings and a visual underride guard finished in carbon fibre.
Shifting our attention to the fancy flanks, we noted the 20-inch AMG alloy wheels with their five-twin-spoke design, along with red-painted brake callipers and perforated brake disks. Various other rim options are available.
When one orders the optional AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre Package, the body will also showcase new inserts in the exterior protective trim. The spare wheel cover is finished in carbon fibre and will include a wheel ring of black Magno/metallic. The backend will feature a carbon fibre-finished visual underride guard and darkened indicators. There is an extensive range of exterior colour options available.
“This all-new G-Class SUV is packing some serious power, cutting-edge technology and unmistakable performance-orientated design details both inside and out.”
SWANKY INTERIOR
When examining a luxury SUV, our main criteria include an abundance of space, comfort, class and natural light. The new G63 AMG confidently ticks all these boxes.
To enter any of the models in the new G-Class range, Mercedes-Benz has now included the convenience of keyless entry.
Once inside, the daylight entering through the eight windows and sliding sunroof meant we could easily pick up the vehicle’s finer internal details. As evening arrived, the ambient lighting took over, providing a soothing environment.
The cabin featured high-end materials, brushed metal accents and unique details throughout. These touches included an instrument panel in two-tone Nappa leather.
We were captivated by the round AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons with brilliant displays and intuitive operation. When out and about, we were able to control AMG-specific driving functions and all drive programmes without the need to remove our hands from the multi-function steering wheel.
Space-wise, even those on the tall side will experience ample head, shoulder and leg room no matter where they are seated. And all seating is both supportive and comfortable.
For those needing to move cargo, the vehicle offers more than 1,000 litres in the luggage area, a space easily increased to almost 2,000 litres with the 60/40 split rear seating folded. Adding to the practical nature is a stainlesssteel rear loading sill protection strip.
As with the exterior, the interior colour range for new G-class models features more shade options than ever before.
OUTSTANDING TECH
Mercedes-Benz has ensured its latest SUV is jam-packed with leadingedge technology, including the updated MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system and a fully digital instrument cluster. We gained access through the 12.3-inch driver and multimedia displays featuring touch control and voice activation. The 360° camera is now situated in the front brush guard, an improved position, enabling it to provide better imagery to the display.
Certain actions can now be triggered without the ‘Hey Mercedes’ keyword and around 20 new voice commands were created exclusively for the new G-Class.
Thanks to the smartphone integration, we connected to the system via Android Auto Wireless and Apple CarPlay. There are USB ports that also enable connections to other mobile devices. Another great inclusion is the wireless charging system for mobile devices in the front.
Later, we were impressed by the MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation, also fitted as standard in this new model. This system superimposes graphical navigation and traffic information onto live images on the central multimedia display to help drivers find their way even in complex traffic situations. At traffic lights it displays the current light colour to assist the driver when visibility of the signal is restricted.
Amongst the many other fantastic features of the AMG is the standard Burmester 3D Surround Sound System. It features the immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience, which gives music more space, clarity and depth, turning the G63 into a state-of-the-art concert hall on wheels. We noticed an additional illuminated speaker integrated into the headliner. The amplifier features six other channels that enable better frequency separation and sound positioning. A truly phenomenal sound experience.
IMPOSING POWER & PERFORMANCE
Mercedes-Benz has ensured that new generation G-Class owners have a little more power to play with. As we started the engine and applied pressure to the accelerator, we knew we were handling a serious piece of automotive equipment.
The new AMG G63 is powered by the tried and tested Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine. The monster motor produces 577hp and 627lb-ft of torque. The hand-built engine is electrified with a 48-volt onboard electrical system and an integrated starter generator (ISG), which provides support at lower engine speeds with an additional 20hp and 148lb-ft.
Once at our test site, we achieved a 0–100 km/h in 4.4 seconds! This time would challenge many sports cars on the market today. To tame this beautiful beast, Mercedes-Benz has enforced an electronically capped top speed of 220km/h. Probably a wise decision. Another impressive aspect of the G63’s driving performance is the noise reduction. Thanks to the redesigned windows and upgraded seal, not only are the aerodynamics of this luxury SUV improved, but we enjoyed a far quieter ride.
We must mention the vehicle’s hydraulic active suspension system that is variable between comfort and sport along with the and overall stability control. Despite the G63 being a top-heavy vehicle, we felt glued to the road surface, even when cornering at decent speeds. It was, however, the off-road experience that impressed us the most.
Along with the five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT programmes for onroad use – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual – three offroad drive programmes are also available, namely Sand, Trail and Rock. Two additional off-road driving modes come as part of the optional AMG Offroad Package PRO. AMG Traction PRO generates maximum traction in the Rock and Sand programmes using wheel-selective braking torque control depending on the road surface, whilst AMG Active Balance Control supplements the functions of the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension in all three off-road drive options.
SUPERIOR SAFETY SYSTEMS
It was no surprise that Mercedes-Benz has included a full suite of driver assistance and safety systems. These include Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Distance Assist, Active Steering Assist, Parking Assist, a Parking Package with a 360° camera, an Exit Warning Function, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and multiple airbags, to name but a few.
OUR VERDICT
If at all possible, go and try this SUV!
For more information, please call
Al Haddad Motors on 1778 5454 or WhatsApp 3230 0076.
@alhaddadmotors