AMG G-Wagen Looks Killer with Takashi Murakami Makeover
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Known for blurring the lines between several different art styles, Takashi Murakami makes a beautiful canvas out of a Mercedes-AMG G63.
When the G-Wagen returned to the Mercedes family post-face lift, the reaction was nothing short of positive. Many dedicated G-Wageners were all over the more chic and modern look to the more-than-capable 4×4 off-roader. The Mercedes G-Class, or Geländewagen, was originally created by Mercedes for military use, so it’s no surprise that even today it comes with the ability to lock the front, center, and rear differential — making it one of the few vehicles that can tackle literally everything. With that said, though, the new look sported by the AMG G63 makes it look less like a military grade, off-road assassin and more like the luxury SUV that most owners use them for. After all, the idea of taking an $80,000-plus car off-road to possibly get scratched or damaged isn’t appealing. Enter Takashi Murakami‘s artistic genius.
The G63 has one foot (or should we say, tire) in the off-roading world and one in a more domestic world. On one hand, once again — it sport three locking differentials, an automatic terrain sensing computer, automatic ride height adjustments and cameras aplenty to achieve the perfect approach and departure angle. It would make any Jeep Wrangler quake in its all terrains. On the other, it’s a 20-inch wheel having, posh leather interior, family friendly SUV. It’s even marketed as such. With it being a legend in both realms it’s a part of, it makes it a perfect canvas for the “Andy Warhol of Japan.”
Murakami is an artist with many hats. After earned a handful of art degrees from the Tokyo University of the Arts, he created his own style that blends pop-culture, history, and more than a few dashes of fine art. His art, not unlike the G63, is world renowned and instantly recognizable. While he’s got a unique and distinguishable art style, no two of his paintings or works look the same. Murakami’s work extends from making bubbly anime characters, creepy or violent scenes with terrifying characters, all the way to smiling kawaii animals. Then there’s what he’s added to the AMG G63.
Staying true to his diverse palate, the first thing that’s noticed to many is the bright, lovely color scheme. Across the entire body of the car, there are a plethora of daisy-like flowers with big, unmistakable smiles. On the hood, there’s an unconventional childish face (though, not unconventional to Murakami) with sharp teeth, and three eyes. The other smaller faces are very similar—just making different expressions. On the driver’s side of the G63, the three-eyed character’s sharp teeth are more visible, as it’s making a common angry expression seen in anime. Also featured is a character wearing what looks to be a bunny hat with varying facial expressions. The more you look at what’s on the car, the more you see. It’s a wonderful, diverse, very colorful yet slightly scary piece. Exactly how Murakami would like.
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