Mercedes-AMG G63: Like a Batmobile, Jeep & State Limo, But Faster
YouTuber MotoManTV lays out a strong case to crown the latest G63 as ‘the best SUV ever.’
Another day, another glowing review of the new Mercedes-AMG G63. The SUV to end all SUVs is unimpeachably great. And at this point, it’s hard to find anything new to say about it. But this recent review from YouTuber George Notaras at MotoMan TV finds a whole new angle. They start with a question, then use their review to answer it. Yes, the G-Wagen is great. But why?
At the outset, George asks this: “What is the one cross-country vehicle that simultaneously is A) the preferred choice for multiple heads of state B) the conveyance of a major religious leader, and C) has served in 40-plus militaries around the world?” Laying out the Gelandewagen’s credentials like that, we’re hooked.
Good. It’s just so good.
It also doesn’t hurt that the new G63 is packing AMG’s 4.0-liter, 577-horse twin-turbo V8 that makes 627 pound-feet of torque and can go anywhere. And, of course, it’s bonkers. It weighs 5,842 pounds, it’s body-on-frame, and it has a solid rear axle with leaf springs, and there are three locking differentials. But it has its exhaust – hot rod style – behind the front right wheel, and it goes from zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds. It shouldn’t make sense. But somehow, it really does.
Of course, there are some downsides to driving the fastest brick in the world.”There are three things you have to keep in mind,” he says. “One, it’s a box. Two, it has nearly 600 horsepower, and three, it’s a box.” The result is a paltry 11.4 miles per gallon combined. Fitted with 22″ wheels, the G63 really isn’t the G-Wagen you want if you’re looking to go off-roading. But it’s still plenty capable.
Other than that, it’s sublime. The interior is opulent and reminiscent of the older trucks, while still being laden with Mercedes’ latest tech. “It’s evolved in design, as well as color, trim, and tactile feel,” George says. The massive brakes are fantastic with minimal fade. The steering and road feel are shockingly good for a car its size. Rear legroom has increased over five inches. And aside from some griping about the ridiculous options list, George finds just about every convenience feature to be right on the money.
At the close of the video, we get a short history lesson on what makes the G-Wagen so great. But then, after the review, it’s a little redundant. The old model was a military truck, a Popemobile, and a vehicle for heads of state. The new one is even better. That’s pretty impressive.
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