By Otsile Kadiege

After a lengthy teaser campaign, Mercedes-AMG has finally unveiled the facelifted G63. The box-shaped behemoth gets minor exterior and interior styling updates, a bunch of new technologies and an electrified bi-turbo V8 powerplant.

Minor exterior updates

The updates done to the Mercedes-AMG G63 are very subtle yet noticeable. You might need to view images of the new and old G63 side-by-side to notice the differences. So, what’s new? The updated G63 sports a new AMG-specific bumper with three vertical louvers in front of the air inlets, as well as stainless-steel inserts.

The AMG crest is featured on the hood and in the exterior mirror projections for the first time, as well as the AMG fuel filler cap in silver chrome with design elements in black. Silver-painted brake calipers, perforated brake discs and new 20-inch AMG alloy wheels in five-twin-spoke design round off the exterior. Six different wheel designs in 20- to 22-inch sizes in up to three different finishes are available. Manufaktur Hyper Blue Magno exterior paint is available exclusively for the top G-Class model.

Optional AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package

Customers who want a unique look can opt for the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package. This package includes a spare wheel cover, bumper inserts and visual under-ride guard at the front and rear which are finished in carbon fiber. It also includes a dark chrome radiator grille, carbon design mirror housings and inserts in the exterior protective trim, spare wheel ring in black Magno/metallic, and darkened headlight housings and indicators at the front and rear.

Noticeable interior updates

Climbing aboard the updated G63, you’re greeted by an AMG Performance steering wheel with twin-spoke design in Nappa leather with integrated capacitive controls fitted as standard. The round AMG Drive Unit steering wheel buttons with brilliant displays and intuitive operation can be used to control AMG-specific driving functions and all drive programs. AMG logos are highlighted on the steering wheel spokes, central display, door sill panels, floor mats and front seat backrests.

Another noteworthy feature is Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system, which is available for the first time in a G-Glass. In the the G63, this infotainment system has AMG-specific menus.

Electrified V8

Underneath the bonnet of the G63 is a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine delivering 430 kW and 850 Nm. The hand-built engine is electrified with a 48-volt on-board electrical system and an integrated starter generator (ISG), which provides support at lower engine speeds with an additional 15 kW and 200 Nm. The engine is paired with a 9-speed auto and has a claim zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.3 seconds. It has a top speed of 220 km/h and a claimed fuel consumption of 14.7l/100 km.

With the optional AMG Off-road Package Pro, the updated G63 gets a newly introduced AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active, hydraulic roll stabilization and adaptive adjustable damping. Active hydraulic elements replace the conventional mechanical torsion anti-roll bars. The adaptive shock absorbers are equipped with two hydraulic connections – one on the compression side of the damper and the other on the rebound side. Damper chambers on all four wheels are connected via hydraulic lines and the control valves of the adaptive dampers.