New V-8 in ʼ18 Mercedes-AMG G63 Generates 577 HP

Mercedes-AMG raises the already potent performance of the G63 to new heights with the introduction of a heavily re-engineered ʼ18 model capable of accelerating to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h).

Set to make its public debut at the upcoming Geneva auto show prior to a North America sales launch in June, the G63 builds on the qualities of its boxy predecessor with the adoption of a contemporary aluminum body shell and widened ladder frame chassis. The new model is 8.3 ins. (211 mm) wider and provides greater comfort and stability, Mercedes-AMG says.

Further developments for the range-topping G-Class model include a new V-8 and

9-speed automatic gearbox. They are combined with a newly conceived AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive system providing a more rearward biased delivery of power and a reworked suspension.

Setting the G63 apart visually from the new G500 revealed at last month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit are typical AMG design cues, including a grille with 12 vertical elements and a deeper front bumper featuring a matte-silver kickplate.

As with the G500, the standard LED headlamps can be upgraded with optional multibeam units with 84 individual LED modules and so-called adaptive highbeam assist functionality.

Along the sides are “V-8 BITURBO” lettering within the front fenders, widened wheel arches, red-painted brake calipers, standard 21-in. wheels, running boards and, in a continuation of the setup used by its predecessor, side-mounted exhaust pipes positioned beneath the rear door.

The rear end receives an AMG-specific bumper with the same matte-silver elements as the front bumper, together with a stainless-steel cover for the spare tire and “AMG G63” badges.

Exterior options include an AMG Night package with dark-tinted headlamps, taillamps, indicator lenses, rear window and rear side windows.

Inside, the interior of the new G63 offers an additional 5.9 ins. (150 mm) of rear legroom. Housed within a newly designed dashboard is Mercedes-Benz’s Widescreen Cockpit. It comes with standard analog instruments but can be ordered with digital instruments in combination with a 12.3-in. (31.2-cm) infotainment display.

The new AMG model also receives redesigned front seats and a new rear bench that can be folded down to increase cargo capacity.

Smaller Displacement, More Horsepower and Torque

Power for the new G63 comes from AMG’s M178 engine used across the Mercedes-Benz performance-car division’s range. The 4.0L gasoline V-8 unit, whose two twin-scroll turbochargers are placed within its cylinder banks to provide compact packaging and optimal thermal properties, replaces the M157 twin-turbocharged 5.5L V-8 used by the old G63.

Power increases 14 hp to 577 hp at 6,000 rpm, while torque improves 66 lb.-ft. (89 Nm) to 626 lb.-ft. (849 Nm) between 2,500 and 3,500 rpm.

The increased reserves are channeled through a 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT automatic transmission with high- and low-range gearing and an AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive system that apportions drive in a 40:60 front-to-rear split instead of the previous G63’s 50:50 front-to-rear-split.

Dual exhaust set below rear door.

Despite a curb weight of 5,478 lbs. (2,465 kg), Mercedes-AMG claims the new G63 accelerates from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) 0.9 seconds faster than its predecessor at just 4.5 seconds. Its nominal top speed rises 6 mph (10 km/h) to a limited 137 mph (221 km/h). However, buyers can specify a so-called driver’s package offering upgraded wheels and tires and a limited 149-mph (240-km/h) top speed.

By comparison, the 543-hp supercharged 4.0L V-8-powered Range Rover Sport SVR hits 62 mph from standstill in a claimed 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 162 mph (261 km/h).   

As well as boosting performance, Mercedes-AMG says the new engine provides the new G63 added fuel economy with a combined 17.8 mpg (13.2 L/100 km) on the European test cycle, compared with the old model’s 17.1 mpg (13.7 L/100 km).

The new range-topping G-Class model is underpinned by a heavily reworked suspension that departs radically from its predecessor’s. It uses a new double-wishbone design at the front and a revised multilink arrangement boasting rear-spring travel of 3.2 ins. (82 mm) under compression and 5.6 ins. (142 mm) in rebound along with a ground clearance of 9.5 ins. (241 mm) for the rear axle.

Standard equipment includes an AMG Ride Control setup featuring adaptive damping and Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus damping modes.

As is now tradition at AMG, the new G63 will be launched with a limited volume “Edition 1” model featuring a range of exclusive exterior colors, side stripes and black 22-in. forged aluminum wheels together with an updated interior with sport seats in black and red leather, carbon-fiber trim elements and a flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel.