Hi all,

I've been on the forum for sometime now but haven't had a Merc on the "fleet" in the past few years which I want to change with getting a G. The background to this is I've always been a fan of the G but since I already have a Land Rover Defender (the proper one, not the new stuff), it seemed somewhat like a duplicate in terms of the type of vehicle. I couldn't justify having 2 off roaders. However, I've recently had a chat with a friend who has a W463a G63 and I now realized the late W463 and W463a are actually much more comfy/car like versus the W460 and Defender. So, I went on a test drive last weekend in a 2017 G63. Even without the IFS update, it was much more refine than I had imagined and my 4 year old loved it, in fact his words were "can we bring it home!". More importantly however, whilst my wife wouldn't drive my Defender but she could really see herself driving the G class, so I now have approval for another vehicle!

Anyway, back to the question. Now that I've decided I want to get one, the question is which one. As far as I can see, there were numerous exterior changes and drivetrain changes during the years but the axle, chassis and suspension stayed largely the same. In terms of the interior and dash design, there were mainly 4 "generations" within W463 and I believe these where the more major change points in the vehicle. I just wanted to see if anyone has some experience with the different model years and if there is much difference between them in terms of general noise and comfort? Other than better performance from the newer engines, am I really just looking at preference on interior design or is there more to it?

Thanks

1993-2002 - Classic style dash
2002-2007 - More modern, 90s/00s dash
2007-2012 - Similar to above in shape but instrument layout changed, more safety stuff
2012-2018 - New dash before MBUX in W463a

 

2017-18 main diff from that gen is the center screen is fully flat vs a thick bezel that protrudes some. Also can use CarPlay as it’s built in. Lastly loses the rubber front radio antenna in front of sunroof. Was moved to back part of roof and just a Small bulge. Good thing is it won’t get messed up by a car wash over time. Oh and many will have red seat and dash stitching.

2018 is determined to had better brake pedal angle, making it more comfy. Little more sound deadener. A exterior diff between them all and only on the 2018 on the cargo area side glass it no longer has the thick rubber surround. It matches the way the doors look. It’s a major subtle diff but once you see it to me it was a big diff. I am unsure what they changed to allow for it and if an older one can be retrofitted to that style. I really need to ask my buddy to owns a certified MB repair center if he can tell.

 

2018


2002-2017

 

Thanks. I did wonder about the screen change as I saw that in come of the ads but wasn't sure if that was some sort of optional extra or a MY change.

I didn't notice the antenna thing but I did actually spot the window seal change, it was actually something I thought was a bit odd in the older model.