2018 Mercedes-AMG G63/G65

Overview

Since its introduction way back in 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G-class—better known as the Geländewagen or G-wagen—has become an off-road icon and a certified status symbol. Apparently, the lumbering luxury SUV's specialized skills and astronomical price fascinated the speed freaks at AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division. Enter the 563-hp G63 and the 621-hp G65, two frighteningly quick and insanely expensive twins that function primarily as enablers of macho braggadocio. While their horrible handling and choppy ride could only appeal to masochists, those qualities only increase their mystique. Most people don’t understand the illogical appeal of these absurd anachronisms. As for us? We get it: It’s a G thang.

What's New for 2018?

Mercedes-Benz is overhauling the G-class inside and out for 2019 as it prepares to launch the next generation of the legendary off-roader. But before the curtain is lifted on the new model, Mercedes has added light updates to the 2018 AMG versions. These include new packages with specific paint colors, chrome accents, and a two-tone Saddle Brown leather interior with carbon-fiber flourishes.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• G63: $143,795
• G65: $223,695

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The powertrains in the G63 and G65 are impressive exercises in brute force, and we applaud AMG for its use of large-displacement engines in both the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 G63 and the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 G65. Both pair with a seven-speed automatic transmission that is too eager to seek higher gears at times but shifts quickly, preventing it from feeling too clunky. Those who want a top-heavy SUV with either 563 or 621 ponies pumping through a structure that was first designed 40 years ago will get their wish here. Both the G63 and G65 carry the same powertrain and drivetrain components for 2018. While Mercedes has already announced that the next-gen G63 will get a 577-hp 4.0-liter V-8, the company has not yet released details on the inevitable G65 version. In a straight line, the performance G-class SUVs are blazingly quick. The eye-opening speed of a charging rhinoceros comes to mind. The vehicles' cornering abilities are closer to those of an elephant, however.

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 mil-spec utilitarianism dipped in luxury. Rather than the warm, welcoming, swoopy cabins that greet passengers in many of Mercedes-Benz's other vehicles, the Gs' interiors are made up of the straight-edged geometric shapes you’d find in a military vehicle—which is what the G-class originally was, after all. Many of the surfaces are covered in quality materials, but there are still plenty of hard-to-the-touch areas; the large front-passenger-side grab bar is a reminder of what this vehicle was originally designed to do. Although the narrow interior and stadium-seating layout restrict space for passengers, trick rear seats open up plenty of room for storage. Whereas most SUVs have second-row seats that fold down to create a level load floor with the cargo area, the G-wagens' elevated second-row seats sit on top of that load floor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Mercedes has shoehorned the latest technology into the G-wagen for decades, but nothing new pops up in that regard for 2018. While these AMG versions already have a lengthy list of infotainment features, they'll be better integrated when the all-new 2019 versions hit showrooms. 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 controls are easy to navigate, but the system sometimes requires excessive clicks to get to the most basic commands.

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.