Price (as tested) 💲: $180,150
Powertrain ⚙️: 4.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8
Output 💪: 577 hp/627 lb-ft of torque
Transmission 🕹: 9-Speed Automatic
0-60 MPH 🚦: 3.9 seconds
Top Speed 💥: 149 mph
MPGe (as tested) ⛽️: 13 city/16 hwy/14 combined
Curb weight ⚖️: 5,783 lbs
In 1972, Mercedes-Benz was churning out two-door coupes, four-door sedans, and Pullman limousines. Apart from its Unimog utility vehicle, a purpose-built 4×4 wasn’t anywhere on the company’s radar. Then Mohammad Reza, the Shah of Iran, placed a call to MB’s headquarters.
Reza was keen on buying a German-built off-roader – trouble was, such a thing didn’t exist. To make the Shah’s vision a reality, Mercedes-Benz recruited Austrian military vehicle manufacturer, Steyr-Daimler-Puch to do the development work. Over the next seven years, the ‘G-Model’ took shape. Finally, in 1979, the hand-built 4×4 entered production.
Each year, the G-Model (known later as the G-Wagon) became more refined, but also more capable. Leather, wood-grain trim, and air conditioning were juxtaposed with three locking differentials, short overhangs, and torquey powertrains. Soon after the G-Wagon changed its name to G-Class, it became a status symbol.
Today, the G-Class – especially the G63 – spends little time off paved roads, but remains a rugged, capable SUV. Following its 2019 redesign, the G63 carries over with only mild tweaks for the 2021 model year (and won’t be produced at all for 2022).
The G63 brings a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8, iconic styling, and sumptuous amenities to the battle for superfluous automotive spending (where the BMW X5 M Competition, Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic, and Lamborghini Urus await). Which six-figure statement piece is best? Find out in this in-depth review.