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Soon: 2020 G63 Currently: 2016 GLE63 SUV + 97 F250HD, Before: 2013 G550, Range Rover Sport, 1984 CJ7
2020 G63: Thoughts on first 1k miles
Good news here on my first 1k miles. Below are my thoughts, not a review.
First 1k miles are: 25% City, 25% windy backroads / some dirt and snow, and 50% highway miles (75mph average).
Fuel consumption average is 15 mpg driving mostly in Sport. Keep it mind I am in my break in period.
As a married, father, twin two year olds, who mostly drives weekends, mostly 100mile trips at a time, the G63 is a perfect vehicle for me so far. No complaints at all.
Presence: the G wagon has significant presence. When I am driving and I look at fellow road-goers, they all take a long look at the G, half of them in awe and admiration, while the other half just seem confused by its glory. Point is, everyone is looking. I like they are looking at the truck and not me.
On a long drive: On the long drive to Vermont, there is a 100 mile stretch of highway. The g63 handles it very very well. You can feel its heft but the power and comfort keep the drive fun and cozy. My Gle63 made the drive forgettable, in that it was so easy the car practically drove itself. The G is nearly there but not quite. In the left lane on a crowned road, I do feel my wrist correcting the G not to pull a bit. It also has some (tolerable) wind noise at 80mph. My driver-side mirror has some vibration where as passenger is still. Quirk that I am not concerned with as it is minor.
On Comfort: It is so much better than my old G550 that I can not even compare it! If a 2020 Range Rover drives like a 10/10, and the Volvo XC90 was a 9/10 , the G is probably an 8/10 in comfort, the same as my GLE63. Very high score! 2013 G550 was a 3. My old Rover Sport was a 6/7 (seats sucked).
The seats are fantastic! The headrest is a pillow. The hot stone massage is wonderful.
The active side bolsters work superbly! (WOW) I didn’t think they would react quick enough and feel gimmicky. Get this option! (I didnt get the $7k seats, just the comfort package with active bolsters.)
The way the G absorbs bumps is fantastic - I am afraid of nothing in this G!
The upright driving position is incredible. I am king of the road.
All the knobs and buttons are well thought out mostly. Managing the info system is a breeze to use one you get used it to.
What Am I Most surprised About?
Driving the G feels like you are commanding a luxury tank. There is NO other feeling I have had in any car. Maybe my snowmobiles? When you press the pedal the G moves instantly forward, and in my head I am saying “F*% YES!”. I don’t even feel a need to go fast, it is unbelievably fun to drive at any speed. Not because it looks cool but because it is cool. Moving a few tons effortlessly with an upright window, so high up off the ground; I am a kid driving a front-end loader, “roooooaaarrrrrmmm”
What changed for me since owning it?
I now really love the led day-time lights. I thought they looked like a jeep, but they are so much nicer than I thought. Classic yet, futuristic in how well it works. And when jeeps see me coming, they say, “wait is that another … wait no it’s the G Beast” :-)
Concern Resolved:
I was most concerned about the new-G on highways. The previous G is 10/10 excellent in the city and 11/10 offroad. But it frankly sucked at speed on highways and the steering had about 6” of headspace 3/10. The new G is a 8/10 on highways. Cruise-control on at 80mph is perfect, as fast as I need to go with an occasional pull to light-speed. If there was no wind noise and it was a bit more aero, id be perfect, but then not a G.
If you forced me to complain… I suppose don’t like:
That I fear the windshield will break
My driver side mirror vibrates above 55mph like others mentioned.
The parktronics is a bit sensitive.
It is very high vertically. The difference between 78” and what could have been an easy 76” would help most parking garage situations.
Wish I had a place for sunglasses
Getting in and out is a bit clumsy. But I like it too. Fun to jump in or out of something so high up. Pants get dirty a lot on side step.
The NAV button only activates Benz Nav (it will not go back to my CarPlay Apple Maps - super annoying!).
Wish there was a spot for my Escort Max 360 (I have an EZPass where the square is on the windshield, both don’t work!)
Wish it unlocked based on key proximity.
Exhaust could be more emotive in sport + with exhaust on. In sport, exhaust is turned off. I think Sport+ should work the same so when you put exhaust on in sport plus it sounds even meaner and poppy.
What I love:
The 22” wheels are a thing of beauty. They don’t look terribly “low profile”, but just right.
The gigantic breaks look so cool and absurd
The black package adds darkness to the headlights and top blinkers that is really sharp.
Very cozy inside.
The interior led lights are well placed, fun but tasteful.
The locking sound is absurd! Maybe louder than the old model? Love it.
It sort of hugs turns! On Vermont country roads at 55 it is sure footed. I feel very planted.
Tank
This truck is as solid as a tank. Everything about it is solid, heavy and truck like. Nothing rattles. Everything you touch is heavy. So heavy you will convince yourself it can’t be that fast. It feels more solid than my G550 despite its new luxury. I don’t understand how it is as fast as it is. I opted for the $550 leather wrapped handles which may had to the touch ./feel of the truck. I am surprised how often I use them. A worthy upgrade to option.
Tire Reviews:
On 22” all seasons - drive great! Feels good and adaptive to different driving modes
On 20” winter wheels - drives great! Maybe softer in sharp turns. Softer on bumps. Feels unstoppable in snow and ice. My house is on one of the steepest dirt hills in southern Vermont
The drive quality between the 22s and 20s is generally unnoticeable. The R3’s are incredible! (Switched from Blizzaks to them due to stronger sidewall tech).
I like driving…
My Gle63 was a beast. It sounded scary and it managed curves like it was on rails. It was too quick. But outside of just going fast, it didn’t do anything else for me. It didn’t sound loud unless I downshifted in sport+. And while comfortable, well of course it was, it was a GLE. But it didn’t stand out, it didn’t have any neat quirks. It did not turn heads at all. Frankly it was in some way just exactly what it was, a very fast GLE.\
The G-wagon is so different. I want to sit in a chair in front of it and crack a 6-pack and just stair. It’s a tractor. In all the video reviews about the new G, the host says this phrase “I just feel I am better than anyone else”. The G really does that. No I am not better than anyone. But damn it sure can make you feel special. I am not “stunting” my G around the mall parking lot. I drive this thing to Vermont and I take it on the trails in snow and mud. When I am alone in the G, driving it in Vermont, my smile is ear to ear. If I could have any car in the world today, I am petty sure it is the G63.
Great summary. Meaningful to me because I'm replacing a MY '16 G 550 and have only driven the new model on a test drive. Mine hits the Baltimore port on 1/1. Probably another couple of weeks to get to my dealer. Can't wait...especially after reading your thoughts. HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!
This was awesome to read, thanks for taking the time to provide such detailed information. I have a 2020 G63 on order, currently have a GLE63s, like you did. It's going to be tough getting rid of this, I would love to have both.
I’m glad it works for your road trips as I know you were worried. I do enjoy the road trips as well.
Only thing I’d like to add, exhaust has powerful and balanced modes and in sport mode it’s in balanced mode. If you really wanna enjoy the beast, put it in sport+ in manual mode and shifts between 1 and 2 are brutal. Also, hear awesome crackles when locked in same gear and release the gas from high to low.
I think you’ve been getting too good mpg..15? Wow!
Good news here on my first 1k miles. Below are my thoughts, not a review.
First 1k miles are: 25% City, 25% windy backroads / some dirt and snow, and 50% highway miles (75mph average).
Fuel consumption average is 15 mpg driving mostly in Sport. Keep it mind I am in my break in period.
As a married, father, twin two year olds, who mostly drives weekends, mostly 100mile trips at a time, the G63 is a perfect vehicle for me so far. No complaints at all.
Presence: the G wagon has significant presence. When I am driving and I look at fellow road-goers, they all take a long look at the G, half of them in awe and admiration, while the other half just seem confused by its glory. Point is, everyone is looking. I like they are looking at the truck and not me.
On a long drive: On the long drive to Vermont, there is a 100 mile stretch of highway. The g63 handles it very very well. You can feel its heft but the power and comfort keep the drive fun and cozy. My Gle63 made the drive forgettable, in that it was so easy the car practically drove itself. The G is nearly there but not quite. In the left lane on a crowned road, I do feel my wrist correcting the G not to pull a bit. It also has some (tolerable) wind noise at 80mph. My driver-side mirror has some vibration where as passenger is still. Quirk that I am not concerned with as it is minor.
On Comfort: It is so much better than my old G550 that I can not even compare it! If a 2020 Range Rover drives like a 10/10, and the Volvo XC90 was a 9/10 , the G is probably an 8/10 in comfort, the same as my GLE63. Very high score! 2013 G550 was a 3. My old Rover Sport was a 6/7 (seats sucked).
The seats are fantastic! The headrest is a pillow. The hot stone massage is wonderful.
The active side bolsters work superbly! (WOW) I didn’t think they would react quick enough and feel gimmicky. Get this option! (I didnt get the $7k seats, just the comfort package with active bolsters.)
The way the G absorbs bumps is fantastic - I am afraid of nothing in this G!
The upright driving position is incredible. I am king of the road.
All the knobs and buttons are well thought out mostly. Managing the info system is a breeze to use one you get used it to.
What Am I Most surprised About?
Driving the G feels like you are commanding a luxury tank. There is NO other feeling I have had in any car. Maybe my snowmobiles? When you press the pedal the G moves instantly forward, and in my head I am saying “F*% YES!”. I don’t even feel a need to go fast, it is unbelievably fun to drive at any speed. Not because it looks cool but because it is cool. Moving a few tons effortlessly with an upright window, so high up off the ground; I am a kid driving a front-end loader, “roooooaaarrrrrmmm”
What changed for me since owning it?
I now really love the led day-time lights. I thought they looked like a jeep, but they are so much nicer than I thought. Classic yet, futuristic in how well it works. And when jeeps see me coming, they say, “wait is that another … wait no it’s the G Beast” :-)
Concern Resolved:
I was most concerned about the new-G on highways. The previous G is 10/10 excellent in the city and 11/10 offroad. But it frankly sucked at speed on highways and the steering had about 6” of headspace 3/10. The new G is a 8/10 on highways. Cruise-control on at 80mph is perfect, as fast as I need to go with an occasional pull to light-speed. If there was no wind noise and it was a bit more aero, id be perfect, but then not a G.
If you forced me to complain… I suppose don’t like:
That I fear the windshield will break
My driver side mirror vibrates above 55mph like others mentioned.
The parktronics is a bit sensitive.
It is very high vertically. The difference between 78” and what could have been an easy 76” would help most parking garage situations.
Wish I had a place for sunglasses
Getting in and out is a bit clumsy. But I like it too. Fun to jump in or out of something so high up. Pants get dirty a lot on side step.
The NAV button only activates Benz Nav (it will not go back to my CarPlay Apple Maps - super annoying!).
Wish there was a spot for my Escort Max 360 (I have an EZPass where the square is on the windshield, both don’t work!)
Wish it unlocked based on key proximity.
Exhaust could be more emotive in sport + with exhaust on. In sport, exhaust is turned off. I think Sport+ should work the same so when you put exhaust on in sport plus it sounds even meaner and poppy.
What I love:
The 22” wheels are a thing of beauty. They don’t look terribly “low profile”, but just right.
The gigantic breaks look so cool and absurd
The black package adds darkness to the headlights and top blinkers that is really sharp.
Very cozy inside.
The interior led lights are well placed, fun but tasteful.
The locking sound is absurd! Maybe louder than the old model? Love it.
It sort of hugs turns! On Vermont country roads at 55 it is sure footed. I feel very planted.
Tank
This truck is as solid as a tank. Everything about it is solid, heavy and truck like. Nothing rattles. Everything you touch is heavy. So heavy you will convince yourself it can’t be that fast. It feels more solid than my G550 despite its new luxury. I don’t understand how it is as fast as it is. I opted for the $550 leather wrapped handles which may had to the touch ./feel of the truck. I am surprised how often I use them. A worthy upgrade to option.
Tire Reviews:
On 22” all seasons - drive great! Feels good and adaptive to different driving modes
On 20” winter wheels - drives great! Maybe softer in sharp turns. Softer on bumps. Feels unstoppable in snow and ice. My house is on one of the steepest dirt hills in southern Vermont
The drive quality between the 22s and 20s is generally unnoticeable. The R3’s are incredible! (Switched from Blizzaks to them due to stronger sidewall tech).
I like driving…
My Gle63 was a beast. It sounded scary and it managed curves like it was on rails. It was too quick. But outside of just going fast, it didn’t do anything else for me. It didn’t sound loud unless I downshifted in sport+. And while comfortable, well of course it was, it was a GLE. But it didn’t stand out, it didn’t have any neat quirks. It did not turn heads at all. Frankly it was in some way just exactly what it was, a very fast GLE.\
The G-wagon is so different. I want to sit in a chair in front of it and crack a 6-pack and just stair. It’s a tractor. In all the video reviews about the new G, the host says this phrase “I just feel I am better than anyone else”. The G really does that. No I am not better than anyone. But damn it sure can make you feel special. I am not “stunting” my G around the mall parking lot. I drive this thing to Vermont and I take it on the trails in snow and mud. When I am alone in the G, driving it in Vermont, my smile is ear to ear. If I could have any car in the world today, I am petty sure it is the G63.
My build
Really, really enjoyed reading this- thank you!!! I am now even more excited for my G. I have told my OH that I’m going to sleep in my G on the first night!!! :-D
this was such a great post! can wait to get mine. I cant believe my G550 build has a higher MSRP than your G63 build... i will likely always wonder if i overdid my build and could have just got a G63 at similar price but less options .... 😒.
thanks for a grt first impression!
Last edited by spourreza; Feb 9, 2020 at 11:32 AM.
this was such a great post! can wait to get mine. I cant believe my G550 build has a higher MSRP than your G63 build... i will likely always wonder if i overdid my build and could have just got a G63 at similar price but less options .... 😒.
thanks for a grt first impression!
Well the price has increased significantly in 2020, depending on which part of the world you are in.
Nice review, I can say the same about my 2019 G550. There is very little wind noise in mine at 80 mph, perhaps the wider lower profile G63 tires are what’s causing it.
I’m also on my break in drive as well. Although I will put close to 2000 miles the first month I’ll be driving it. Currently on a 9 day trip through Florida and loving every minute.
That was an average of 62mph over that tank. That includes highway breaks etc. The cruise was set at 74mph when I was driving between those breaks etc.
Many modern V8 (and some 6) engines have cylinder deactivation to save fuel. The M176 (550) and M177 (63) engines each have this feature. When activated the vehicle can drive with only four of the cylinders. There is no indicator. You never know.
Many modern V8 (and some 6) engines have cylinder deactivation to save fuel. The M176 (550) and M177 (63) engines each have this feature. When activated the vehicle can drive with only four of the cylinders. There is no indicator. You never know.
Originally Posted by Surge
I didn’t think the engine in the G63/G550 has a 4 cylinder mode. Can someone confirm? And is there an indication it’s in 4 cyl mode?
It is indicated by the little blue symbol on the bottom of the dash. I've only seen it go into 4 cylinder mode cruising at around 35-40mph.
I’m not sure if the G550 has the 4 cylinder mode. Maybe you have to be in Eco drive mode? I know it has a “sail” feature which decouples the transmission at certain times, but you have to be in Eco for that. My AMG GTC has that too. Not sure if the G63 has it or only the G550.
Speaking of other differences, I read on Wikipedia that the G550 engine has 48V architecture for 2019, which gives it a ~20 hp power bump. I’m sure that will make its way to the G63 version of the engine, but not yet...? Not sure what’s correct. I will ask my AMG Technician this week.
I’m not sure if the G550 has the 4 cylinder mode. Maybe you have to be in Eco drive mode? I know it has a “sail” feature which decouples the transmission at certain times, but you have to be in Eco for that. My AMG GTC has that too. Not sure if the G63 has it or only the G550.
Speaking of other differences, I read on Wikipedia that the G550 engine has 48V architecture for 2019, which gives it a ~20 hp power bump. I’m sure that will make its way to the G63 version of the engine, but not yet...? Not sure what’s correct. I will ask my AMG Technician this week.
From MB:
ECO Mode – Achieve unrivaled fuel economy when you select Eco Mode. With this mode enabled, you will experience earlier gear changes, a more relaxed engine response and modified climate control settings that are designed to maximize fuel consumption.
ECO Mode – Achieve unrivaled fuel economy when you select Eco Mode. With this mode enabled, you will experience earlier gear changes, a more relaxed engine response and modified climate control settings that are designed to maximize fuel consumption.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
