2025 Mercedes-AMG G 63 First Test: Expensive Yet Exquisite, Refined and Ready for Anything

In the rarefied air of ultra-luxury SUVs, few vehicles command the same immediate recognition and respect as the Mercedes-AMG G 63. Originally designed as a military vehicle in the late 1970s, the G-Wagon has undergone perhaps the most remarkable transformation in automotive history—evolving from a utilitarian, boxy off-roader into a symbol of opulence that dominates both Rodeo Drive and the Rubicon Trail with equal authority.

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG G 63 represents the pinnacle of this evolution: a hand-built, twin-turbocharged statement piece that starts north of $180,000 and can easily surpass $250,000 with personalization options. But in a world where luxury SUV options abound, from the sophisticated Range Rover to the athletic Porsche Cayenne and the extravagant Bentley Bentayga, does the G 63’s performance justify its breathtaking price tag? After putting Mercedes-AMG’s latest iteration through its paces on highways, city streets, and challenging off-road terrain, we have our answer.

Design: Iconic Evolution Rather Than Revolution

The G-Class’s silhouette remains instantly recognizable—intentionally so. Mercedes-AMG understands that the boxy, upright design is sacred to G-Wagon aficionados. The 2025 model maintains this distinctive profile while incorporating subtle refinements that modernize without sacrificing heritage.

The front fascia features AMG’s distinctive Panamericana grille—21 vertical slats finished in high-gloss chrome that announce this vehicle’s performance pedigree. Flanking the grille are the circular LED headlights that blend modern illumination technology with classic G-Class styling cues. The squared-off hood sports twin power domes that hint at the formidable engine lurking beneath.

For 2025, Mercedes-AMG offers new exterior color options including Manufaktur Moonlight White, a pearlescent finish that shifts subtly depending on lighting conditions, and AMG Green Hell Magno, a matte finish inspired by the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife where this unlikely track performer was tested.

The side profile remains dominated by exposed door hinges, prominent protective strips, and the characteristic flat glass surfaces. Our test vehicle rode on the optional 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels in matte black with high-sheen rim flanges ($4,500), which somehow manage to look both oversized and perfectly proportioned on this imposing SUV.

Around back, the spare tire cover (a G-Class signature) now receives AMG-specific badging, while the LED taillights integrate seamlessly into the vintage-inspired design. The side-exit exhaust tips produce a thunderous soundtrack that turns heads before the vehicle even comes into view.

Powertrain: Handcrafted Brutality

The heart of any AMG vehicle is its engine, and the 2025 G 63 doesn’t disappoint. Under the hood resides a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that now produces 585 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque—an increase of 8 horsepower over the previous model. Each engine bears the signature of the single AMG technician who assembled it, a reminder of the human craftsmanship behind this mechanical marvel.

This prodigious power is channeled through a revised 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT transmission that delivers quicker shifts than its predecessor. The standard AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system features a 40:60 front-to-rear torque split that provides the rear-biased handling character AMG enthusiasts expect while maintaining exceptional traction.

The performance figures defy the G 63’s 5,842-pound curb weight and brick-like aerodynamics. Our testing revealed a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds—astonishing for what amounts to a luxury apartment on wheels. The quarter-mile passes in 12.5 seconds at 112 mph, at which point physics begins to win the battle against horsepower as the G 63 pushes through the air with all the slipperiness of a garden shed.

More impressive than straight-line acceleration is the sophisticated AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping. The system continuously adjusts each damper independently based on driving style, road surface, and the selected drive mode. This technology transforms what should be an unwieldy off-roader into a surprisingly composed performance SUV.

The G 63 offers five on-road driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, and a new Slippery mode for challenging weather conditions. Each reconfigures the engine response, transmission behavior, suspension firmness, exhaust note, and steering weight. In Comfort, the G 63 does a remarkable job smoothing out road imperfections; switch to Sport+, and the suspension firms up noticeably as the exhaust baffles open to release the V8’s full acoustic potential.

Off-Road: Ready When You Are

While many G 63s will never leave paved surfaces, Mercedes-AMG refuses to compromise the legendary off-road capability that forged the G-Class reputation. In addition to the on-road drive modes, three dedicated off-road modes—Sand, Trail, and Rock—optimize the drivetrain for specific terrain challenges.

The G 63’s off-road credentials remain impeccable on paper: 9.5 inches of ground clearance, approach/departure angles of 27/29.6 degrees, and a fording depth of 27.6 inches. Three 100% locking differentials (front, center, and rear) can be engaged independently via prominent chrome toggles on the dashboard—a uniquely analog touch in an increasingly digital cabin.

During our off-road testing in California’s San Bernardino Mountains, the G 63 conquered obstacles that would strand most luxury SUVs. The combination of enormous torque, sophisticated traction control, and those lockable differentials makes this vehicle nearly unstoppable when the pavement ends. Rock mode adjusts throttle sensitivity to prevent unwanted power surges while crawling over boulders, while the 360-degree camera system with dedicated off-road views helps navigate tight spots without damaging the exquisite paintwork.

Most impressive is how the G 63 transitions between these disparate environments. One moment you’re navigating a technical off-road section that would challenge a purpose-built 4×4; the next, you’re back on the highway cruising in climate-controlled comfort with a massage function kneading your shoulders. This duality is what continues to set the G-Class apart from both dedicated off-roaders and luxury performance SUVs.

On-Road Dynamics: Defying Physics

Let’s be clear: despite AMG’s best engineering efforts, the G 63 cannot completely escape its origins as a tall, boxy off-roader. Physics still applies. However, what AMG has accomplished within these constraints is nothing short of remarkable.

The steering, while not sports-car precise, provides more feedback than expected and weights up naturally as cornering forces build. Body roll is present but controlled, and the wide 285/45R22 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires provide astonishing grip for a vehicle of this size and height.

Braking performance is equally impressive. The massive 15.7-inch front and 14.6-inch rear discs, clasped by red-painted AMG-branded calipers, brought our test vehicle from 60 mph to a stop in just 116 feet—repeatedly and without fade. The brake pedal offers progressive resistance that makes smooth stops easy in daily driving while providing the confidence needed for more spirited driving.

Highway cruising reveals another side of the G 63’s personality. At steady speeds, the cabin is remarkably quiet despite the upright windshield and boxy shape. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed, allowing the optional 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system ($4,550) to shine. Adaptive cruise control with steering assist reduces driver fatigue on long journeys, though the system sometimes struggles with the G 63’s unique dimensions when navigating narrow lanes.

City driving presents more challenges. The G 63’s commanding seating position and excellent visibility are advantages, but its 16.1-foot length and nearly 7-foot width (including mirrors) require careful maneuvering in tight spaces. The turning circle, while improved over previous generations, remains substantial at 44.6 feet. Parking assist features and the comprehensive camera system help mitigate these challenges, but there’s no escaping the G 63’s substantial footprint.

Interior: Old-World Craftsmanship Meets Cutting-Edge Technology

Step inside the G 63, and you’re greeted by an interior that masterfully balances traditional luxury with modern technology. The upright seating position and flat dashboard are unmistakably G-Class, but the materials and execution are thoroughly contemporary.

Our test vehicle featured optional designo Exclusive Nappa leather in Classic Red/Black ($3,100), with diamond quilting and contrast stitching adorning nearly every surface. The standard AMG Performance steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather with microfiber grip areas and features capacitive touch controls for the infotainment system and driver assistance functions.

The dual 12.3-inch displays that form the instrument cluster and central infotainment screen are powered by Mercedes’ latest MBUX system with AMG-specific displays and functions. The system responds to touch inputs, steering wheel controls, the central touchpad, or natural voice commands prefaced with “Hey Mercedes.” The interface is visually stunning and generally intuitive, though some functions require navigating through multiple menus.

For 2025, Mercedes has added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities and upgraded the augmented reality navigation system, which overlays directional arrows on a live camera feed of the road ahead—particularly helpful in complex urban environments. The optional head-up display ($1,100) projects key information directly into the driver’s line of sight, reducing the need to glance at the instrument panel.

Seating comfort is exceptional for front passengers, with multi-contour seats offering heating, ventilation, rapid heating, and eight massage programs. The driving position is commandingly upright, a G-Class trademark that fans wouldn’t have any other way. Rear passengers enjoy generous headroom thanks to the boxy design, though legroom is merely adequate given the vehicle’s exterior dimensions.

Interior storage options abound, with large door pockets, a spacious center console, and numerous smaller compartments for personal items. The cargo area offers 29.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats—not class-leading but sufficient for luxury shopping expeditions or weekend getaways. The side-hinged rear door is a heritage feature that proves less practical than the liftgates found on most modern SUVs, particularly in tight parking situations.

Luxury Features and Customization: The Sky’s the Limit

The G 63’s standard equipment list is comprehensive, as one would expect at this price point. Multi-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, power-adjustable steering column, 64-color ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a power sunroof are all included.

Where Mercedes-AMG distances itself from the competition is in the breadth of customization options. Beyond the extensive list of standard features and conventional option packages, the Manufaktur personalization program allows buyers to create a truly bespoke G 63.

Our test vehicle featured several Manufaktur touches, including the Piano Black Flowing Lines interior trim ($2,850), which incorporates hand-applied gold pinstriping on high-gloss black surfaces. Other available customizations include two-tone exterior paint schemes, unique leather colors and patterns, special wood trims, and even custom embroidery of the owner’s choosing.

For those seeking maximum exclusivity, the G 63 Edition 25 celebrates AMG’s 25th anniversary of enhancing the G-Class. Limited to just 200 units worldwide, this special edition features unique color combinations, illuminated door sill plates, and commemorative badging inside and out.

Fuel Economy and Practicality: The Price of Power

Fuel economy has never been a G-Class selling point, and the 2025 G 63 continues this tradition. The EPA rates it at 14 mpg city and 16 mpg highway—figures we found optimistic in real-world driving. Our testing returned an average of 12.3 mpg in mixed driving, dropping to single digits during spirited or off-road excursions.

The 25.4-gallon fuel tank provides a theoretical range of around 350 miles, though expect frequent stops at premium pumps if you enjoy the sound of that hand-built V8. Mercedes has included a mild-hybrid system with a 48-volt architecture that powers the starter-generator and can provide short bursts of additional torque, but its impact on fuel economy is minimal.

Ownership costs extend beyond fuel consumption. The recommended service schedule calls for maintenance every 10,000 miles, with major services at 20,000-mile intervals. These services aren’t inexpensive, but Mercedes-AMG’s four-year/50,000-mile warranty provides peace of mind for the initial ownership period.

Insurance costs reflect both the vehicle’s high purchase price and the expensive components that would need replacement after an accident. Annual premiums typically run several thousand dollars higher than for mainstream luxury SUVs.

Value Proposition: Justifying the Investment

With a starting price of $182,150 (including destination) and our test vehicle optioned to $217,845, the G 63 occupies rarefied air even among luxury SUVs. The Lamborghini Urus starts higher at around $230,000 but offers superior on-road performance. The Range Rover SVR ($125,000) and Bentley Bentayga ($187,000) provide alternative takes on ultra-luxury SUVs with varying degrees of off-road capability.

What none of these competitors can match is the G 63’s unique combination of status, capability, and character. The G-Class has transcended its automotive role to become a cultural icon, recognizable to enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. This cultural cachet contributes significantly to the strong resale values these vehicles command—typically retaining more than 60% of their original value after three years, far better than most luxury vehicles.

Conclusion: An Extraordinary Exercise in Contradictions

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG G 63 remains one of the most fascinating vehicles on the market—a study in contradictions that somehow coalesce into a coherent and compelling package. It’s simultaneously vintage and cutting-edge, luxurious and rugged, excessive and practical.

Is it worth the stratospheric price? For those who appreciate its unique combination of attributes—and clearly many do, given the waiting lists at dealerships—the answer is an unequivocal yes. No other vehicle offers this specific blend of capability, luxury, performance, and presence.

The G 63 excels not because it’s the best at any one thing, but because it’s remarkably accomplished at everything. It can crawl over boulders that would defeat many dedicated off-roaders, accelerate with sports car verve, coddle occupants in sumptuous luxury, and turn heads wherever it goes. That versatility, combined with the handcrafted attention to detail and the unmistakable character, justifies the premium for those fortunate enough to afford it.

For the rest of us, the G 63 represents automotive fantasy—a vehicle that ignores conventional wisdom about aerodynamics, efficiency, and practicality in favor of character, capability, and presence. In an automotive landscape

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