The 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is RIDICULOUS! I mean that in the most sincere and respectful way. This vehicle is the most outrageous example of a luxury off-roader. Don’t wave the keys to your Range Rover Sport, or Jeep Cherokee SRT’s in my face. They don’t have the same offbeat level of cool. Don’t go bringing up the Lamborghini LM002 or Lada LaForza – those were exotic. The G-Wagen is eccentric.
On one hand, we have is a 563hp Autobahn scorcher that has 560lb-ft of torque. That seems to be the exact amount needed to change the rotation of the earth at the touch of your right foot. A 5600lb block of metal with a 5.5 liter twin turbo V-8 with a 7-speed automatic transmission, capable of propelling itself to 60 from a standstill in 5 seconds. You can accelerate briskly and response from the gas pedal is instant. Come to a turn and things get a little hairy. Wheel corrections are almost constant, thanks to 20-inch wheels and tires tramlining all over he place.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is also a bullet-proof, military grade transport vehicle. This stump-pulling four wheel drive system can traverse rocks, gravel, inclines or rugged terrain and never flinch.It feels solid ad impervious on rough terrain. Say your journey has suddenly gone downhill? No problem. Press a couple buttons to lock the three differentials, engage engine braking and this tank will roll intrepidly down a slope. No sissy hill decent control here. This car does things the way nature intended! Maybe you need to do reconnaissance. No problem. Bring-’em-back-alive with 7000lbs of towing capacity. When you have a 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, there are only two choices; go over it or go through it. Case closed.
This is a truck – not an SUV – a military truck that was designed in 1972 but comes equipped with Bluetooth, Navigation, Heated and Ventilated seats, Quilted leather, Infotainment and every modern gizmo and doo-dad in the AMG treasure chest. The GL thought it was the heir apparent but 30+ years of unwavering service and a resurgence in sales allow the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to announce to the world that it is alive and kickin’.
Even in this heroic trim level, there are a few flaws. The steering feels a bit numb disconnected. Any strong crosswind reminds you that you are as vertical as a skyscraper. The brakes and tires are stretched to their limit trying to control the weight of this behemoth. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG needs to be able to tow 7000, because you will need your own oil rig to deal with the 13 mpg you’ll get. You also don’t get as much interior space as I would have expected. The car is tall and narrow, s three across rear seating would be tight. Finally, you can buy a Land Rover Range Rover and a Ford Escape for the $139,000 price. Even with these foibles, this is a capable four-wheel drive vehicle. A slap in the face to your high school physics teacher because it defies everything the textbooks told you. When I climbed down from my perch with a grin, I uttered: “Ridiculous!” respectfully, of course.
Check out this video featuring the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG’s sibling, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL mashing up against the Lexus GX off-road!
