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How could a lifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG be more awesome? Add an axle

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury, Off-Road

We are fully confident in saying that this will be the most amazing thing you see all day. First of all, it's a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen - in AMG spec, no less. And it's being shown off in high-definition video glory, blasting through the desert, jumping over sand dunes, and generally being awesome. But here's the kicker: It has six wheels. Three axles. And they're all driven. Holy $%!#.

Under the hood is AMG's usual 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, and total output is rated at 536 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. That's impressive and all, but do keep in mind that the G63 6x6 weighs in at 8,322 pounds or, you know, the weight of two E-Class sedans. Combine that with its 18 inches of ground clearance, 37-inch tires and five locking differentials and you've got a vehicle capable of, well, everything you've ever imagined or will ever imagine for the rest of your life.

But the goodness doesn't stop once you open the doors. Oh, no. This thing is fit for a king - or a sheik, more appropriately - with ultimately luxurious seating for four. The rear bench seat has been removed in favor of two bucket seats with a fixed console in the middle, and the rear seats have been moved back beyond the usual B pillar to allow for more legroom.

According to Autoweek, the G63 AMG 6x6 will actually be for sale. Speaking to the magazine, the the head of G-Class development, Axel Harries, says that the off-road monster will likely be the second-most expensive Mercedes-Benz model, behind the $457,000 SLS Electric Drive. Right now, the automaker is looking to build maybe 20 or 30 units annually.

If the apocalypse is indeed coming, we'll take one of these to ride out the storm. Scroll down to watch a video of the G63 AMG 6x6 blowing your mind.

Continue reading How could a lifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG be more awesome? Add an axle

How could a lifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG be more awesome? Add an axle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG [w/video]

Matt Davis — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury, Off-Road

The Marauder Of The Countryside Is Angry

There are some drive tests where we would love to have automated voice and sound transcription technology to be able to capture for you the thrills in real time. Don't let this plain ol' four-wheeled box fool you; the new Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is so full of character it's fit to burst.

You would not be chastised for staring at the exterior of the G63 and noticing nothing different from the 2012 Geländewagen. The changes outside are just a few and deliberately so; redesigning this icon is just as sensitive an issue as redesigning a Porsche 911 for those rabidly enamored of the old school image. To be brief - there are now turn indicators in the side-view mirrors, LED running lights, and on this new AMG model, the bumper and twin-blade grille are different from those on lesser trims.

Seriously, that's it. And though not a true new-generation truck, this is what passes for a significant refresh of the 463-generation of G-Class that launched way back in 1990, the same year Nelson Mandela was freed from prison, Germany was reunified and The Simpsons first hit the air.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG [w/video]

2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes reveals G63 and G65 AMG ahead of Beijing

Zach Bowman — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, China, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Beijing Motor Show, Off-Road

Mercedes-Benz has been kind enough to give us all a glimpse of the company's 2013 G63 AMG ahead of the super SUV's debut at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. A 5.5-liter AMG-built twin-turbo V8 engine lurks behind the updated face, complete with a heady 544 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. The direct-injection engine is also laden with fuel-saving gear, including a start/stop system and an intelligent alternator that only charges the vehicle's electrical system when needed.

We're guessing the tech may help move the boxy Geländewagen's fuel economy from supremely abysmal to merely exceptionally atrocious. Mercedes-Benz hasn't released any solid estimates beyond saying the numbers have improved by around 13 percent on the EU cycle. Keep in mind, that's with 44 more horsepower than the outgoing G55 AMG. A seven-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties.

If the G63 AMG doesn't provide enough power for you, there's always brawny G65 AMG. With its twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine, the monster delivers 612 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. For perspective, that's more thrust than vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with a Duramax turbodiesel, the Ferrari 458 Italia or the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4. This dog will surely hunt.

European G-Class buyers can look forward to shelling out €137,504 (circa $180k USD) for the G63 AMG, including Value Added Tax. The G65 AMG, meanwhile, starts at a breathtaking €264,180 (roughly $347k). Mercedes-Benz suggests we should see the G63 AMG in the States beginning in August, but it's remaining mum on the G65's prospects, and it has not disclosed U.S. pricing. Learn more in the official release after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes reveals G63 and G65 AMG ahead of Beijing

Mercedes reveals G63 and G65 AMG ahead of Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Traveling across Australia's Outback by Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Australia, Luxury

If you've ever taken a good long look at the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and wondered just how tough the leather-lined SUVs are compared to their military-grade counterparts, Inside Line has the answer for you. Corespondent Alistair Weaver joined up with a Mercedes-Benz convoy in a G of his own as the company took off across Australia's infamous stock route. The trail is little more than a dusty path scrawled across the outback. Weaver braved vicious washboard roads, insects, snakes, dead camels and heinous heat to make the trek. How did his G Wagen handle the rough roads and deep sands? Let's just say there were a few issues.

For starters, the washboard dirt tracks made short work of the AMG's Bilstein rear shocks, forcing mechanics to pull the pieces altogether for one short stint before replacements could be flown in. Likewise, the spare tire carrier and both side-view mirrors suffered cracks along the way. Not surprisingly, the military-spec edition suffered no ills over the course of the trek. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

If that's not enough fun in the Australian sun for you, click back and take a look at Motor Trend's trek across the continent in a Subaru Outback.

Continue reading Traveling across Australia's Outback by Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Traveling across Australia's Outback by Mercedes-Benz G-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Military, Specialty, Off-Road

2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes G550 is an unlikely niche vehicle. As with perhaps every other military-derived civilian 4x4, it's a box on wheels, all straight lines and fender flares. Yet unlike most other military-derived civilian off-roaders, it comes standard with solid axles front and rear, three electronically locking differentials front, center, and rear, and, get this, heated rear seats. Celebs, trendsters, and the generally rich keep it in the public consciousness. When Mercedes decided to kill it, a general uproar caused them to belay the order. It costs $100,250, and has no options. Before we drove it, we didn't know why people dug it. Yet after a week with it in the Autoblog Garage, we think we know why: it is colossally fun.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550

Continue reading Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich

Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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