Mercedes-AMG G63 V8 goes hybrid for 2024
You didn’t think they’d stick the four-pot in it, did you? True to its old-school upright form, the Mercedes-AMG G63 is keeping its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, even for this 2024 update. Even so, a lot of changes have been made to the updated go-faster Gelandewagen to make it more efficient and bring it up to date. Let’s break it down.
Firstly the looks, which as you’d expect haven’t changed much, at least at first glance. Look a little closer and you’ll see some redesigned flanking intakes on the nose that now have vertical slats. There’s also revised aero around the A pillars for improved efficiency through the air and six new wheel designs, ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Otherwise, it’s the big gaudy G we know and tolerate.
On the inside there’s a totally revised MBUX infotainment system, albeit displayed and controlled through a similar horizontal pair of screens inside a single housing as before. No ‘Hyperscreen’ yet for the big G, though there is Mercedes’ latest five-spoke steering wheel complete with new paddles and drive mode controls.
Underneath one the biggest changes are probably the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system for the 4.0 twin-turbo V8, which is now the only V8 G-Class you can buy. With this update the G500 has swapped in a mild hybrid six-cylinder. Power for the G63 is a full-bodied 585PS (430kW) while torque is a sturdy 627lb ft, though the hybrid system can supply an extra 20PS and 200Nm in short bursts. As a result, the G63 can lunge from 0 to 62mph in 4.3 seconds, or two tenths quicker than the outgoing model. Top speed remains a blustery 149mph.
It’s a fool's errand to try and get a G-Class to drive with the decorum of most performance cars. Nevertheless improvements are welcome, so yes, Mercedes has equipped it with active hydraulic torsion bars and hydraulically-linked active dampers within the new AMG Active Ride Control suspension. As well as improving on-road handling, Mercedes-AMG reckons this system will improve off-road ability too. Spec the AMG Offroad Package Pro and you’ll also get AMG Traction pro mode, with Rock and Sand settings. These run alongside the Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes in the AMG Dynamic select roster.
Lastly, you of course will be curious to know that an all-electric G-Class is coming soon. The motoring world’s worst-kept secret will be called EQG and we’ll see it later this year. For now, prices of the new G-Class are expected to start from £130,000 and rise to around £200,000 for the full-fat G63 we’ve been discussing here.
So what do you think of the new Mercedes-AMG G63? Does it have a place in today’s world? Is it a coincidence it’s been revealed on the day the Defender OCTA is announced? Let us know your thoughts…
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