2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Breaks Cover With 577HP, 0-60 In 4.4 Seconds

Mercedes-AMG has revealed its take on the 2019 G-Class in the form of the new G63.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 is now powered by the widely-used twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, which produces 577hp (585PS) and 627lb-ft (850Nm) of peak torque between 2,500 and 3,500rpm.

Strapped to it is the company’s latest 9-speed automatic transmission, enabling the new G63 to hit 60mph from a standstill in just 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds). Top speed is limited to 137mph (220km/h) but customers can opt for the AMG Driver’s package that lifts the limiter to 149mph (240km/h).

Just like the rest of the AMG 63 models, the 4.0-liter engine houses the two twin-scroll turbochargers inside the V for compact dimensions and more spontaneous throttle response. For better fuel efficiency, AMG has also fitted the engine with a cylinder deactivation system which shuts down cylinders two, three, five and eight.

To harness all this power, the chassis now features the company’s new AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive which comes with a rear-biased torque split of 40 to 60 percent, giving the 2019 G63 greater agility and improved traction.

Of course the main difference comes from the re-engineered platform of the new G-Class which hosts for the first time ever an independent, double wishbone front axle directly mounted to the ladder frame without a subframe. The rear employs a five-link suspension setup.

A set of electronically controlled adaptive dampers is standard as you would expect, with AMG also adding a front strut tower brace for added rigidity and additional transverse stabilizers at both axles for less body roll.

Despite the obvious focus on on-road performance, Mercedes AMG claims that the new G63 still offers great off-road performance too; the traditional three locking differentials are still here, as is the low-range option for the transmission, together with three off-road modes: Sand, Trail and Rock.

The lighter bodyshell is 55 percent more rigid than that of the previous model, thanks to revisions like the laser-welded roof. Side and rear doors now get a protective foil cladding on the inside, which means no water can enter the cabin when fording watercourses. Mercedes has also applied a special treatment to the surfaces of the frame, floor and body to withstand the most extreme conditions –be it water, snow, salt or sand.

On the outside the new Mercedes AMG G63 features a model-specific radiator grille and bumper with larger air intakes, LED headlamps, red brake calipers with perforated brake discs, and up to 22-inch alloy wheels. As an option AMG offers the so-called Night package which has the headlamps, tail lights, indicator lenses and rear windows dark-tinted.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 is heading to the Geneva Motor Show for its world premiere, with the order books set to open for Europe in March 18 and the first customer cars to arrive from June. A US market launch is expected to take place by the end of 2018.