2017 Mercedes-AMG G63 / G65

Overview

The Mercedes-AMG G63 and G65 are effortlessly cool simply for being what they are: old-school players in a new-school world. Nothing about them makes sense, and maybe that’s the whole point for the celebrities who've made them the darlings of the Hollywood set. To create these beasts, Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division starts with the Geländewagen, a four-wheel-drive military-style vehicle that has been in production as a civilian conveyance since 1979, and transforms it into two outrageously powerful, luxurious, and expensive machines that refuse to follow convention—for better and for worse. They are the boxes that don’t fit into any boxes.

What's New for 2017?

The changes to the G63 and G65 are minimal for 2017. Mercedes-AMG redesigned the instrument cluster and added the Parktronic parking assistant, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise-control system, and blind-spot monitoring to the list of standard equipment. Minor exterior changes are barely noticeable.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• G63: $142,325
• G65: $221,325

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The powertrains in the G63 and the G65 are impressive exercises in brute force, and we applaud AMG for its use of large-displacement engines in both the twin-turbocharged 563-hp 5.5-liter V-8 G63 and the twin-turbo 621-hp 6.0-liter V-12 G65. Both trucks pair with a seven-speed automatic transmission that is overactive at times but shifts quickly, preventing it from feeling too clunky. When the accelerator is depressed, the G63 emits a body-tingling bark. It’s one of the best sounds coming out of any vehicle of any segment or size. The more powerful G65’s engine note is less commanding but still offers a pleasing thrum. In a straight line, the performance G-class SUVs are shockingly quick. The eye-opening speed of a rhinoceros comes to mind. The vehicles’ cornering abilities are closer to those of an elephant, however. On curvy roads, the G63 and the G65 can inject thrills and adrenaline into typically boring commutes—just not in a good way. Drivers would be hard pressed to find steering that feels more disconnected, slow, and numb. Body roll is decently controlled, but on choppy roads the Gs can feel like paint mixers because of their stiffly sprung suspension and large wheels.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interiors of the G63 and the G65, like the exteriors, are an exercise of military-spec utilitarianism dipped in luxury. Many of the surfaces are covered in quality materials, like nappa leather and genuine wood, but there are still plenty of hard-to-the-touch areas. And the large front passenger-side grab bar is a reminder of this vehicle's military origins. Even with its plentiful standard technology and connectivity, it’s obvious the G63 and the G65 should be (and are) in line for a makeover. A center stack thick with buttons and topped by a tablet-style infotainment screen looks as if it has been updated piecemeal over the decades—which it has. Although the narrow cabin and stadium-seating layout restrict space for passengers, trick rear seats open up plenty of room for storage.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Both the G63 and the G65 use the Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system with an 8.0-inch tablet screen that is mounted to the dash and controlled by a knob on the center tunnel. Mercedes-Benz has some of the quickest and most reliable infotainment technology, and it looks great on the screen. The AMG Gs are loaded with standard features, offering few available extras. Two USBs are easily accessible in the center stack, and Bluetooth makes for simple connectivity. Navigation, voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes-Benz mbrace connectivity features are also included.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Mercedes-AMG G63 / G65’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.