2025 Mercedes-AMG G 63 First Test: Expensive Yet Exquisite, Refined and Ready for Anything

Building on our first look, here’s an even deeper dive into the engineering, design, and real-world driving dynamics that make the 2025 Mercedes-AMG G 63 the most technically sophisticated G-Wagen yet. Strap in for every nuance from metal-bending chassis tweaks to the fine art of torque management and discover why this luxury off-roader still defines its segment in 2025.

1. A Heritage of Strength: Body, Frame, and Chassis

Ladder-frame architecture

• The G 63 retains its rigid ladder-frame chassis an architecture born for durability. Each rail is hydroformed high-strength steel, cross-braced to resist twisting forces off-road. This backbone is what gives the G Wagen its legendary ability to navigate uneven terrain without flex-induced rattles or compromised handling.
• For 2025, engineers have stiffened key weld points around the firewall and C-pillars, reducing NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and improving chassis rigidity by roughly 15 percent over the previous generation.

Aluminum body panels

• Doors, hood, and fenders now use a mix of aluminum alloys to shave weight without sacrificing strength. Though the G 63 still tips the scales above 5,700 lb, these panels help keep unsprung mass lower beneficial for both ride comfort and suspension response.

Aerodynamic refinements

• Small yet impactful tweaks such as a reshaped front splitter, underbody deflectors, and a subtle rear air curtain reduce drag by about 4 percent and cut wind noise. The result is an SUV that’s more stable at 120 mph and noticeably quieter in the cabin.

2. Powertrain Alchemy: The V8 + Mild-Hybrid Marriage

4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 “M177” engine

• Dual twin-scroll turbochargers minimize lag by channeling exhaust pulses from paired cylinders, keeping spool-up crisp and linear. The forged steel crankshaft and plasma-coated piston skirts ensure durability under repeated high-boost operation.
• Boost pressure sits at roughly 1.4 bar, generating 577 hp at 6,250 rpm and a broad 627 lb-ft of torque from just 2,500 rpm to 4,250 rpm.

48-volt ISG & belt-starter technology

• The integrated starter-generator (ISG) sits in the crankshaft pulley, recovering up to 20 kW (27 hp) during braking and coasting. In “Energy” drive mode, it harvests kinetic energy into a dedicated lithium-ion battery.
• On throttle tip-in, the ISG can instantly inject up to 148 lb-ft of additional torque, virtually erasing turbo lag and smoothing out low-RPM response. Under hard acceleration, the system operates in “Boost” mode, contributing that extra grunt for up to 10 seconds at a time.

9G-TRONIC transmission enhancements

• This nine-speed torque-converter gearbox features reinforced input shafts and upgraded clutches to handle the V8’s torque. Shift times in Sport+ mode drop to a blistering 150 milliseconds, with rev-matching downshifts that crackle in the exhaust.
• A new “M Race Start” function integrates the ISG for maximum off-the-line traction, allowing the G 63 to slingshot to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds on par with many supercars.

3. Choreographing the Ride: AMG Active Ride Control

Hydraulic interconnection

• Instead of using a traditional solid anti-roll bar, the system connects each damper through a series of pistons and valves. Lateral forces in a corner push fluid against an accumulator, instantly stiffening the opposite side to resist body roll.
• In contrast with electronic anti-roll bars that require milliseconds to respond, this fully mechanical-hydraulic system reacts in real time—no computer latency, just pure physics.

Drive-mode fluidics

• Comfort: Valves open wider for plush compliance over washboard roads.
• Sport+: Valves constrict to raise damping rates by 30 percent, giving superb steering feedback even under heavy lean.
• Off-Road: A bleeding function cycles fluid to maximize wheel articulation, improving tire contact on rocky trails.

Real-world impressions

• On a mountain pass, the G 63 changes direction with a confidence that belies its bulk. Mid-corner bumps are absorbed without jarring the occupants, and the nose tracks precisely where you point it. Off-road, the system allows each wheel to move independently over obstacles up to 18 inches high unthinkable for most luxury SUVs.

4. Conquering the Unpaved: Off-Road Systems Deep Dive

Three fully mechanical locking differentials

• Front, center, and rear diff-locks are actuated by simple, robust electric motors no air compressors or fragile electronics. Engage them in seconds for a locked 50/50 torque split.

Low-range transfer case

• A dedicated low-range gear ratio of 2.93:1 multiplies torque for rock-crawling and steep grades. Engage via a metal lever no electronic toggles emphasizing reliability in extreme conditions.

AMG Offroad Package Pro add-ons

• Traction Pro: By selectively braking individual wheels, it can literally “walk” the G 63 sideways to clear obstacles.
• Active Balance Control: Continuously monitors body roll and adjusts each damper’s base pressure, delivering flat, predictable behavior over uneven terrain or during rapid throttle steer inputs.

Ground clearance & approach/departure angles

• With 9.8 inches of ground clearance, plus an approach angle of 31 degrees and a departure angle of 29 degrees, it surpasses the capabilities of many purpose-built off-road vehicles. On a desert course, the G 63 simply floated over dunes, never feeling unsettled.

5. The Cabin: A Fusion of Artisan Craft and Cutting-Edge Tech

MBUX Hyperscreen option

• For those who tick the box, Mercedes offers the enormous curved glass “Hyperscreen,” seamlessly integrating a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 12.3-inch central display, and a 12.1-inch passenger screen behind a single pane. AI algorithms learn your habits adjusting climate, seat position, even ambient lighting based on time of day.

Surround-sound Burmester system

• A 1050-watt, 15-speaker Burmester setup envelops occupants in concert-hall clarity. Bass is delivered by a subwoofer integrated into the spare-tire carrier, preserving trunk space.

Materials and customization

• Standard Nappa leather features contrast diamond stitching; hand-brushed aluminum is paired with optional open-pore oak or piano-black lacquer. AMG’s “Manufaktur” division can create bespoke two-tone interiors, embossed headrests, or color-matched stitching to your specification.

6. Safety & Driver-Assist Suite

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC

• Enhanced radar and stereo-camera sensors maintain set gaps at highway speeds, capable of slowing to a standstill and resuming in traffic.

Evasive Steering Assist

• If the system detects a slow-moving obstacle and the driver swerves, it calculates an optimal path and applies mild counter-steer to stabilize the maneuver.

Off-road camera system

• Five exterior cameras including a 270-degree front view feed a 3D top-down display, making rock-slider angles and clearance points visible before you commit.

7. Pricing, Ownership, and Final Thoughts

• Base MSRP: $187,250 (destination extra)
• Common options: Hyperscreen ($5,000), Offroad Package Pro ($4,500), Manufaktur paint ($3,000–$8,000)
• Warranty & service: Standard Mercedes 4-year/50,000-mile coverage; optional AMG Extended Service plans available.

The verdict: The 2025 Mercedes-AMG G 63 masterfully blends unshakable heritage with state-of-the-art engineering. From its advanced mild-hybrid V8 to the breakthrough Active Ride Control suspension, every detail has been honed for both high-octane performance and true off-road capability. It remains, unequivocally, the benchmark for luxury performance SUVs.

Discover more about the G-Class’s remarkable lineage and technical prowess on the official Mercedes G-Class platform.

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