Doug DeMuro Praises 2020 AMG G63 for Embracing Modernity
With a brand new interior and chassis, DeMuro thinks buyers are justified in wanting a new G63.
When Mercedes-Benz introduced the completely redesigned G-Class last year, it represented a massive upgrade from the model that came before. Instead of an SUV that sits on underpinnings from the late 1970s, the new G63 is all-new. That enabled the automaker to completely update everything to 21st century standards. It still exudes the same toughness as the old model, but contains none of the drawbacks of the old platform. No wonder why it’s so highly sought after.
YouTube favorite Doug DeMuro jumped at the chance to review the 2020 G63 after covering the base G-Class last year. In a similar vein to what he said last year, DeMuro found the new G63 to be a modernized SUV that successfully improved upon everything that made people love the old model in the first place. Overall, it seems like the new G63 really impressed him.
New Model, Same Old G63 Goodness
Overall, DeMuro liked how the new model kept the little features that makes it feel like a true SUV. He also celebrated the plethora of quality of life upgrades that were very much overdue. But there were several crucial things that the company kept from the old model that were essential. Chief among them is the sound of the door latches and locks. They both make very satisfying mechanical noises. “To me those noises will be forever associated with the G-Wagen and that solid sound that the doors make when they click and when they lock is one of the reasons people love this car so much,” says DeMuro. However, there is one clear downside to the traditional door mechanisms. As pointed out by DeMuro, the inclusion of those types of door locks and latches means the G63 cannot unlock its doors when an owner puts their hand on the door handle. “In order to keep that old school sound they had to keep the old school door locks and door handles. So for the G-Wagen you actually have to press the unlock button when you approach in order to get into the car. But that’s the sacrifice we must make for the perfect door sounds,” says DeMuro.
Boxy Style, Blistering Performance
In addition to all the great usability and tech upgrades, the biggest benefit of getting a current model is the updated performance. DeMuro really loved how the new model felt on the road. “The driving experience is a thousand times better. This car is more comfortable than the old model. It’s easier to drive. The steering is a lot better. Vastly, vastly improved,” says DeMuro. After saying all that, he stomps on the gas and instantly smiles and laughs. “You know, it’s not like crazy sports car fast. It’s not exotic car fast. It’s not 911 Turbo fast. But this is a boxy, blocky SUV that looks like a file cabinet! And that to me is the crazy thing. There’s an expectation that’s exceeded here,” says DeMuro. Although it looks quite similar to the old model, its actual performance is in another realm.
To DeMuro, the blend between capability, performance, and old-school appeal make the G63 hard to resist. He didn’t particularly think the previous generation justified its price, but understands and endorses buyers opting for the 2020 G63. In fact, he thinks its the best luxury SUV in the entire segment. There’s a lot he covered in his review, so make sure to watch the whole thing to find out exactly why he liked the new G63 so much.