Overview
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG G63 is all about making things seem effortless, whether that's blasting down the autobahn with the speedometer in the triple digits or crawling rocks in Moab at single-digit speeds. It also will undoubtedly make your valet experience effortless as those guys are sure to leave your truck up front. This modernized version of the iconic original G-class has all of AMG's go-fast bits and baubles, including a 577-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine under its squared-off hood. Inside, a host of contemporary infotainment and tech features is at your fingertips and your behind is perched on a leather-wrapped throne with just the right amount of bolstering to keep you upright during any of the G63's off-road antics. Living so effortlessly comes at a price, but if you're rich enough to afford one, the G63 is worth the investment.

What's New for 2021?
Mercedes's souped-up G-class model receives a wireless smartphone charging pad as standard equipment for 2021 and sees an expansion to the G manufaktur customization service that can provide an even deeper level of personalization. Elsewhere, a new AMG Night package adds black exterior trim pieces, and a new spare tire cover in Night Black Magno is now available.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG G63 comes with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters sends all that power to the all-wheel-drive system (4Matic, in Mercedes marketing lingo). Low-range gearing (2.93:1 reduction) is standard as are three locking differentials, allowing the G63 to scale steep dirt grades with ridiculous ease. At our test track, the nearly 5800-pound G63 rocketed from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Along with its extra power, the G63 has AMG-specific suspension tuning. Ride comfort is vastly improved versus older G-wagens, but given this SUV's towering height and off-road mission, you shouldn't expect much in the way of handling ability. And there's still quite a bit of wind noise at highway speeds. Properly equipped, the G63 can tow up to 6500 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Frugality is not within the grasp of a fast, box-shaped SUV. The EPA rates the 2021 G63 at 13/15 mpg city/highway. In our 75-mpg highway fuel economy test, the G63 beat its EPA rating by delivering a 16-mpg result.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Although the excessively rectilinear cabin will feel familiar if you've ever set foot in an older G-class, this is now a thoroughly modern place, with a 12.0-inch digital instrument panel, high-quality materials, and conveniences such as cupholders and a surround-view camera system. Taller drivers and passengers will find plenty of head- and legroom in both the front and rear. Around the back of the G-class, there's still no power liftgate, and you'll need to be in good shape to open the side-hinged gate, which has a full-size spare tire mounted on it. With the rear seats up, you'll have 38 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding them down (60/40 split) provides nearly 69 cubic feet.

Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2021 G63 has a standard 12.0-inch infotainment interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration as well as navigation. There are two USB ports up front, along with an SD card reader. Also included is a three-year subscription to Mercedes-Benz's connected car services, which provides basic features such as remote engine starting and stolen vehicle tracking. Options include Wi-Fi and a rear entertainment system, which features dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, each of which has its own USB, auxiliary, and HDMI ports.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested the Mercedes G-class. The Mercedes-AMG G63 is not available with as many driver-assistance aids as the automaker's cars and crossover SUVs. The G63 comes with adaptive cruise control, for example, but the system does not offer extended restart capability in stop-and-go traffic. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking
Standard lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-AMG's limited and powertrain warranties are on par with other high-end SUVs. Instead of complimentary scheduled maintenance, however, there are prepaid maintenance plans available at extra cost when you purchase your 2021 G63.

2021 Mercedes-AMG G63

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED
$175,945 (base price: $148,495)

ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
243 cu in, 3982 cc
Power
577 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
627 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/rigid axle
Brakes (F/R): 15.7-in vented, drilled disc/14.6-in vented, drilled disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV, 295/40R-22 112W MO

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.8 in
Length: 191.9 in
Width: 78.1 in
Height: 77.4 in
Passenger volume: 107 cu ft
Cargo volume: 16 cu ft
Curb weight: 5783 lb

C/D
TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 3.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 10.0 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 19.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.1 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.5 sec @ 110 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.75 g
*stability-control-inhibited

C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 12 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 14/13/15 mpg