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Few models in the automotive domain wear the “iconic” adage with the utmost aplomb and reverence. Consider how many models that have been around for decades are still among the most popular, revered, and desired. Porsche’s 911, VW’s Golf, the Jeep Wrangler, and, the subject of this article, the Mercedes Gelandewagen – colloquially known as the G-Class – are all steeped in automotive history. These legendary nameplates have managed to pull out the stops in recent years to defy the relevance of time that plagues some brand names.
Four decades on, the G-Class has remained a desirable status symbol that seems to balloon in pricing, making it appealing to the very well-heeled individuals. That said, the model has continued to be improved over the years, particularly in the safety and convenience stakes, but it remains a G through and through. For the model year 2025, the Affalterbach outfit has given the model a few design tweaks, like the new front valance with updated air intakes, a new wheel design, black dual exhausts on either side of the vehicle, and, in the instance of our test car, a new lick of paint dubbed MANUFAKTUR vintage blue, which looks ace.
The cabin has also received some minor updates, including the ergonomically sound and functional AMG leather-bound steering wheel, the latest MBUX infotainment system, and some tasty carbon fibre inserts in the instance of our well-decked-out press unit. These all conspire to give the G a new lease of life, if you will. And it works well since incremental upgrades are what the model requires without digressing from what customers have come to expect.
Even bigger news is the addition of a 48V mild-hybrid system that, while it helps to reduce emissions, aids in making the model’s power delivery that much smoother when setting off, as it gives you 200Nm from the starter generator from the onset before the V8 lump takes over proceedings at higher revs. Surprisingly, the G63 prefers being driven in a more relaxed fashion where the new suspension – AMG Dynamic Ride Control – manages to further iron out road imperfections better than the outgoing model – once again, incremental improvements.
Being the flagship model in the range, it still commands its fair share of attention and applause, with youngsters goading you to give ‘em the odd engine rev. And that speaks huge volumes about the G’s overall appeal and status it so eloquently commands. Performance remains colossal with more than ample torque to send the G going down the road, nose pointing skywards when you give it the full boot. Accompanying that drama is the thunderous rumble from the exhaust pipes that makes you appreciate the fact that these sorts of engines still exist. Kudos, AMG!
The G63 has chalked up in pricing, now coming in at R4 673 415 before extras. It is decidedly becoming the ever elusive niche model that will appeal to the most discerning of buyers. That said, there is no denying why it continues to be a popular choice among trendoids who simply won't settle for anything less to convey their expensive palette. It remains a flawed design for the most part, with very little in the way of aero efficiency, and perhaps therein lies the appeal.
Interestingly, the G is now also available in a fully electric guise known as the G580, which remains a truly capable model that so happens to be powered by voltage. Of course, we will put this particular model to the test soon, but suffice it to say that the local outfit has been inundated by customer orders, which is a pleasant surprise considering just how popular the G63 model remains.
As a standalone model, the Mercedes-AMG G63 is the metaphorical middle finger to the green conservatives, and we like its abrasive and unabashed character. It is over the top and obsolete as a hardcore off-roader compared to its other G siblings, yet it remains the one that many lust after. Think of it as a guilty pleasure, and you get the gist of why it remains the ultimate G of them all.
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