2019 Mercedes-AMG G63: New Looks, and Tech to Match
Lest you think the G63 has gone full street hot rod
Mercedes-AMG assures us that’s not the case. As always 4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard equipment on the G63, and the hardware sounds impressive. This system is setup for a 40:60 bias split, front-to-rear, improving driving feel and agility.
When the going gets rough, this AMG is equally rugged, too. The reduction gear in the transfer case has gone from a 2.1:1 ratio to a 2.93:1 ratio. This improves the G63’s ability to creep and crawl at low speed. The differential locking is electronically-controlled with an “intelligent multi-plate clutch,” allowing for superior control over wheel slip. Naturally, the center diff is able to be locked in-car by the driver’s command, and all three differentials are able to be locked independently of one another for maximum wheel control.
The suspension is all-new, too, with a fully-independent double wishbone front suspension and a “rigid axle” with five-link suspension out back, with coil springs all around. That front suspension is mounted directly to the truck’s ladder frame, sans subframe. The pick up points for those wishbones are mounted as far forward as possible, for the best ride quality possible. Oh, and that rear axle has 9.5″ of ground clearance. The AMG-tuned suspension is most notable for the adjustable adaptive damper technology, which allows the driver to choose between three different sets of damping characteristics, “Comfort,” “Sport” and “Sport+”.
AMG Dynamic Select: Not just marketing jargon
AMG Dynamic Select is an in-car drive mode adjuster, allowing for eight modes that alter all aspects of the G63. There are five on-road modes: “Slippery,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+” and “Individual,” and three off-road modes: “Sand,” “Trail,” and “Rock.” The characteristics of each range from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. Key parameters such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering are modified in the process.
Independently of those, the driver has the option of pressing the “M” button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. If required, the stages of the adaptive adjustable suspension can be selected as well.
So, a lot of changes underneath, but it doesn’t end there. The new G-Class is larger than it’s predecessor, with a focus on wheelbase, and passenger comfort. It’s grown 4″ in length, 4.8″ in width and 1.6″ in height. Specifically, legroom is massively increased, with 1.5″ more in front, and a whopping 5.9″ more for rear passengers.
The new, 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 will celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6, 2018, with a pricing announcement and US market launch to take place by the end of 2018. Stay tuned for more news on the latest G-Class.
