2018 Mercedes Benz G Class G63 Amg

The 2018 Mercedes Benz G Class G63 AMG blends rugged off-road capability with ultra-luxury refinement. With a 577-horsepower twin-turbo V8, timeless boxy design, and cutting-edge tech, it’s a statement on and off the road.

The 2018 Mercedes Benz G Class G63 AMG is more than just a vehicle—it’s a legend on wheels. With its boxy, no-nonsense silhouette and thunderous V8 roar, it commands attention wherever it goes. Whether you’re cruising down Rodeo Drive or crawling over boulders in Moab, this luxury SUV does it all with style, power, and confidence. It’s the kind of car that turns heads not because it’s flashy, but because it’s timeless. The G-Class has been around since the 1970s, originally designed for military use, but over the decades, it’s evolved into the ultimate symbol of rugged luxury.

What makes the 2018 G63 AMG so special is how it balances raw capability with refined comfort. It’s not just about looks or horsepower—it’s about the experience. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by hand-stitched leather, brushed aluminum trim, and a driver-focused cockpit that feels more like a private jet than an off-roader. Yet, beneath that polished surface lies a mechanical beast built to tackle the toughest terrain. This isn’t a soft-roader pretending to be tough; it’s a true off-road warrior dressed in a tuxedo.

Key Takeaways

📑 Table of Contents

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the 2018 Mercedes Benz G Class G63 AMG lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that’s nothing short of spectacular. This powerhouse delivers 577 horsepower and a staggering 627 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most potent engines ever fitted to the G-Class. Paired with a 7-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission, the G63 AMG rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds—faster than many sports cars. That kind of acceleration in a 5,000-pound SUV is nothing short of mind-blowing.

The engine isn’t just about straight-line speed. Thanks to AMG’s performance tuning, throttle response is immediate, and the exhaust note is a deep, guttural growl that turns into a roar under hard acceleration. Whether you’re merging onto the highway or overtaking on a two-lane road, the G63 AMG delivers power with authority. The turbochargers are twin-scroll units, which reduce lag and improve efficiency, ensuring that power is always on tap.

Driving Modes and Transmission

The G63 AMG offers multiple driving modes to suit different conditions. You can choose from Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual settings. In Comfort mode, the suspension softens, the steering lightens, and the transmission shifts smoothly for relaxed cruising. Switch to Sport or Sport+, and the car transforms—the suspension firms up, the exhaust opens up, and the transmission holds gears longer for maximum performance. The Individual mode lets you mix and match settings, so you can have sporty steering with a comfortable ride, for example.

The 7-speed automatic transmission is lightning-fast, with paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. It’s tuned for performance, but it’s also smart—it can detect cornering and hold lower gears to keep the engine in its power band. Whether you’re driving in the city or on a winding mountain road, the transmission delivers seamless shifts and excellent responsiveness.

Top Speed and Handling

Despite its size and weight, the G63 AMG handles surprisingly well. The AMG-tuned suspension includes adaptive damping, which adjusts to road conditions in real time. On smooth pavement, it feels planted and composed, with minimal body roll in corners. The steering is precise for a vehicle of this size, though it’s not as sharp as a sports car’s. Still, it gives you confidence when pushing the G63 through tight turns.

The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, which is more than enough for any real-world driving. Even at high speeds, the G63 remains stable and quiet, thanks to excellent aerodynamics and sound insulation. It’s not a track car, but it’s far more capable than most luxury SUVs on the road.

Off-Road Capability

2018 Mercedes Benz G Class G63 Amg

Visual guide about 2018 Mercedes Benz G Class G63 Amg

Image source: media.autoexpress.co.uk

While the G63 AMG is a performance machine, it doesn’t forget its off-road roots. In fact, it’s one of the few luxury SUVs that can genuinely tackle serious trails. The secret lies in its robust mechanical setup, which includes three locking differentials—front, center, and rear. These locks ensure that power is distributed evenly to all wheels, even if one or two lose traction. It’s a system borrowed from the military version of the G-Class, and it’s incredibly effective.

Four-Wheel Drive and Low-Range Gearing

The G63 AMG comes with permanent all-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. You can switch between high and low range using a console-mounted dial. In low range, the gearing is reduced, giving you more torque at the wheels for crawling over rocks or climbing steep inclines. This is essential for serious off-roading, where low-speed control is more important than top speed.

The center differential lock is always engaged in 4WD mode, but you can manually lock the front and rear differentials for maximum traction. Once all three are locked, the G63 AMG becomes nearly unstoppable. It can climb 80% gradients, ford water up to 23.6 inches deep, and traverse side slopes up to 54 degrees. These numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re class-leading.

Suspension and Ground Clearance

The suspension system is another key to the G63 AMG’s off-road prowess. It uses solid axles front and rear, which are stronger and more durable than independent setups. The adaptive damping system adjusts the shock absorbers based on terrain and driving style, so you get a smooth ride on pavement and maximum articulation off-road.

Ground clearance is 9.5 inches, which is excellent for an SUV of this size. Combined with short overhangs and approach/departure angles of 35 and 26 degrees respectively, the G63 can tackle steep obstacles without scraping. Skid plates protect the underbody, and the optional off-road package adds even more protection and recovery equipment.

Real-World Off-Road Example

Imagine driving through the desert in Utah, navigating rocky trails with loose gravel and steep drop-offs. The G63 AMG handles it with ease. You engage low range, lock the rear differential, and slowly crawl over a boulder. The suspension flexes, but the tires maintain contact. You unlock the differentials and continue on, confident that the G63 can handle whatever comes next. It’s this kind of capability that sets the G-Class apart from other luxury SUVs.

Interior and Technology

Step inside the 2018 Mercedes Benz G Class G63 AMG, and you’re greeted by a cabin that blends old-school charm with modern luxury. The design is driver-focused, with a wide dashboard, analog-style gauges, and a center console that feels like it belongs in a cockpit. Everything is built to last—metal switches, solid knobs, and high-quality materials throughout.

Seating and Comfort

The front seats are power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, with optional massage function. They’re upholstered in premium Nappa leather, which feels soft and luxurious. The rear seats are equally comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom. Even tall passengers will find the G63 spacious. The seats can be folded flat to increase cargo space, which is already generous at 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row.

The interior is quiet, thanks to acoustic glass and advanced sound insulation. Even at highway speeds, road and wind noise are minimal. The climate control system is dual-zone up front and tri-zone with rear controls, so everyone stays comfortable. Optional features include heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting with 64 colors.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 12.3-inch high-resolution display that runs Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system. It’s intuitive and responsive, with a rotary controller and touchpad on the console. You can also use voice commands or the touchscreen. The system includes navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Burmester surround sound system with 15 speakers.

The digital instrument cluster is customizable, so you can choose what information to display—speed, RPM, navigation, media, etc. There’s also a head-up display that projects key data onto the windshield, so you never have to look away from the road.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The G63 AMG comes with a full suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. It also has a 360-degree camera system, which is especially helpful when parking or navigating tight trails. The parking sensors and rearview camera make maneuvering this large SUV surprisingly easy.

While the G-Class isn’t known for high safety ratings like some newer SUVs, its robust construction and advanced driver aids provide excellent protection. The body-on-frame design is inherently strong, and the airbag system includes front, side, and curtain airbags for all occupants.

Design and Exterior Features

The 2018 G63 AMG’s design is instantly recognizable. It’s boxy, upright, and unapologetically bold. The front end features the iconic round headlights, a bold grille with vertical slats, and a muscular hood with power domes. The AMG-specific styling includes a more aggressive front bumper, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips.

Wheels and Tires

The G63 AMG comes standard with 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, but you can upgrade to 21 or 22 inches. The tires are high-performance summer or all-season rubber, depending on your preference. The larger wheels improve handling and give the G63 a more aggressive stance, though they can make the ride slightly firmer.

The spare tire is mounted on the rear door, a signature G-Class feature that adds to its rugged appeal. It’s not just for looks—it’s fully functional and can be accessed easily.

Paint and Customization

Mercedes offers a wide range of paint colors, from classic black and white to bold metallics like matte gray or AMG-specific finishes. You can also choose from various interior trim options, including wood, carbon fiber, or piano black. The level of customization is impressive—almost every detail can be tailored to your taste.

Optional exterior packages include the AMG Night Package, which adds blacked-out trim, tinted lights, and black exhaust tips. There’s also the AMG Carbon Fiber Package, which adds carbon fiber accents to the exterior and interior.

Ownership and Practicality

Owning a 2018 Mercedes Benz G Class G63 AMG is a statement. It’s not the most practical SUV—fuel economy is around 13 mpg city and 16 mpg highway—but it’s not meant to be. It’s about presence, performance, and prestige. The G63 AMG is a conversation starter, whether you’re at a red light or parked outside a five-star restaurant.

Maintenance and Reliability

The G63 AMG is built to last, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The V8 engine is reliable, but it’s complex and expensive to repair if something goes wrong. Oil changes, brake service, and transmission fluid changes should be done on schedule. Mercedes offers prepaid maintenance plans, which can save money in the long run.

Common issues include electrical glitches, air suspension leaks, and turbo-related problems, but these are relatively rare. Most owners report high satisfaction with the G63 AMG’s build quality and durability.

Resale Value

One of the biggest advantages of the G63 AMG is its strong resale value. Due to limited production and high demand, the G-Class holds its value better than most luxury SUVs. A well-maintained 2018 model can still command a high price on the used market, especially if it’s low mileage and fully optioned.

Daily Driving Experience

Despite its size, the G63 AMG is surprisingly easy to live with. The ride is comfortable, the visibility is good, and the tech is user-friendly. It’s not as nimble as a smaller SUV, but it’s stable and confident on the road. The only downside is fuel economy—you’ll be filling up often—but for many owners, that’s a small price to pay for the experience.

Conclusion

The 2018 Mercedes Benz G Class G63 AMG is a rare breed: a luxury SUV with real off-road capability, breathtaking performance, and timeless design. It’s not for everyone—it’s expensive, thirsty, and polarizing in its looks—but for those who appreciate its unique blend of power, prestige, and practicality, it’s hard to beat. Whether you’re conquering a mountain trail or cruising down the boulevard, the G63 AMG delivers an experience that few vehicles can match. It’s more than a car; it’s a legend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the 2018 Mercedes Benz G Class G63 AMG?

The G63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, thanks to its 577-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Can the G63 AMG go off-road?

Yes, the G63 AMG is highly capable off-road, with three locking differentials, low-range gearing, and adaptive suspension. It can climb steep inclines, ford water, and traverse rough terrain with ease.

What is the fuel economy of the 2018 G63 AMG?

The G63 AMG gets approximately 13 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy is lower due to the powerful V8 engine and heavy body-on-frame construction.

Does the G63 AMG have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, the 2018 G63 AMG comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing seamless smartphone integration through the COMAND infotainment system.

Is the G63 AMG reliable?

The G63 AMG is generally reliable with proper maintenance, though it can be expensive to repair due to its complex engineering. Regular servicing helps prevent major issues.

What makes the G63 AMG different from the regular G550?

The G63 AMG features a more powerful 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (vs. the G550’s 4.0L with less power), AMG-tuned suspension, sportier exhaust, and enhanced performance components for a more dynamic driving experience.