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I currently own a 2019 G550. Absolutely love it as my daily. Intrigued by a 2021 China Blue G63. I need some common and expert views of the 2. Why choose one over the other. Is one superior.
I know in the end it's which I prefer.
All opinions/facts appreciated and thank you for your time!
First and foremost, the sound it emits, a combination of the engine and exhaust, is something I genuinely enjoy. It's a subtle but defining characteristic of the G63.
Its design, with the lower-positioned bumper bar, is aesthetically pleasing in my view, whereas the placement on 550 bothers me on a subconscious level.
The G63 also tends to hold its value quite well over time, I expect better than the 550.
One feature that stands out to me is the 360-degree camera. It is invaluable when parking near curbs, given the significant cost of each wheel. This becomes even more essential when my wife drives the vehicle. On the 550, the higher-mounted bar blocks the front camera, preventing a 360-degree view.
The surround cameras, grille, bar appearance, and wheel options make the G63 appealing to me. I was originally going to get a G550 in 2021 but realized the delta wasn’t that much. No looking back now.
Good luck with the decision! The China blue is a really neat color.
I ordered a 2023 G550 china blue with a platinum white interior in Jan of this year from a dealer in LA. 2 days before I was supposed to get delivery I saw a G63 in china blue at a local dealer and went to look at it. I bought the car on the spot for the reasons mentioned above - the front grille and the overall aesthetic of the car is just way too much better than the 550. Also - i found out much late that monoblocks were only available on g63 and not 550. i don't like the upward placement of the grill in the 550. The steering wheel is out of this world. I am not educated enough in automobiles to notice the sound etc but the aesthetic of it all was leaps and bounds ahead of the 550. Since I got the same china blue i wanted i went with g63 even though it was hard to let go of the exact config i had ordered. I am really happy i did. and it looks amazing. If you can afford the difference i don't see any reason to get the 550.
I like them both, but prefer the G550. It to me is more a 4 x 4 and less a WRX in looks. Where I live I would rather hit a deer with the G550 front guard than the G63. Also I cant stand the G63 side exhaust I am pretty sure I would rip it off out having fun. Would like the power of the G63 however.
I had a 2016 G63 and removed the brush guard to give it a more updated look.
I have a new G63 arriving any day now but if I had a G550, I would simply remove the brush guard and get the deletes on eBay ($150.00) so it is less distinguishable between a G63 and G550.
The lower facia on the G63 has larger grills so that and the wheels are the easiest way to tell the two apart.
Much prefer the G550. I think the aesthetic items mentioned above are nice for sure, but I actually think that the 550 has a more aggressive look - especially with tires like Ridge Grapplers. Also if you plan to do more than a shopping run then having exhaust that extends another 1.5 inches below the bottom of the vehicle doesn't help when traversing rocks, etc. Maybe the question is more about how you intend to drive it? I off road (mud pits, rock climb, overland) with my G550 so prefer it. It feels more rugged. I'd never off road a 63 (nor have I ever seen pics of one doing it). If I was mainly on Freeways then the G63 is an absolute beast.
Much prefer the G550. I think the aesthetic items mentioned above are nice for sure, but I actually think that the 550 has a more aggressive look - especially with tires like Ridge Grapplers. Also if you plan to do more than a shopping run then having exhaust that extends another 1.5 inches below the bottom of the vehicle doesn't help when traversing rocks, etc. Maybe the question is more about how you intend to drive it? I off road (mud pits, rock climb, overland) with my G550 so prefer it. It feels more rugged. I'd never off road a 63 (nor have I ever seen pics of one doing it). If I was mainly on Freeways then the G63 is an absolute beast.
cool. Yes just a daily for work and running kids around for sports. Never off road.
I’m also on team G550. I prefer the classic look especially with the bullbar on the 550 over the weird lower one on the G63. Also, I don’t feel that the extra horsepower is worth another $50k. I daily drive mine with 3 car seats in the back and you can’t have a better dadmobile imo!
Granted both trucks are awesome!
Last edited by tonygwagon; 05-17-2023 at 09:22 PM.
I find the mandatory brush bars on both models detract from their looks and wish you could get them without, “European style.” I would take it off, but don’t want to have that be an excuse for them to invalidate my warranty. I went with a G550 last year solely because build slot availability was easier/faster, and it’s proven to be a great vehicle. I do really miss the 360 camera.
I ordered a 2023 G550 china blue with a platinum white interior in Jan of this year from a dealer in LA. 2 days before I was supposed to get delivery I saw a G63 in china blue at a local dealer and went to look at it. I bought the car on the spot for the reasons mentioned above - the front grille and the overall aesthetic of the car is just way too much better than the 550. Also - i found out much late that monoblocks were only available on g63 and not 550. i don't like the upward placement of the grill in the 550. The steering wheel is out of this world. I am not educated enough in automobiles to notice the sound etc but the aesthetic of it all was leaps and bounds ahead of the 550. Since I got the same china blue i wanted i went with g63 even though it was hard to let go of the exact config i had ordered. I am really happy i did. and it looks amazing. If you can afford the difference i don't see any reason to get the 550.
The 10% difference is what makes it better overall. You can nitpick value , but it’s undeniably a better vehicle.
”undeniably” is purely an opinion and imo it’s not a better vehicle, at least for me... My G isn’t a garage queen and I’m also not interested in a few extra horsepower when I’m daily driving it, especially as a family vehicle. I also prefer the look of the G550 over the G63 and like that I’m not overpaying for tires, brakes, and a general service every time it’s in the shop. I also think the ride on the G550 is better than a G63.
Don’t get me wrong, I get that the market is hotter for G63s and they are great models but since this is a “vs” thread it really just depends on what you’re looking for and how you plan to drive it as to which one is “better”.
I always think if you can afford a $150k truck you can afford a $180k one too. Only difference is how easy each model is to get depending on where you live.
I appreciate all of the opinions. Almost traded and didn't. I have a good relationship with my salesman and he gave me all the things I should consider & all the things that are different/the same. The Gs were definitely disected. In the end he pretty much talked me out of it & I agreed with why. So again, I appreciate your feedback. Maybe if I buy ANOTHER one I'll get a 63 so I'll have both. Congratulations to all who chose the 550 &/or 63.
05-15-2023, 10:27 AM
