G 63 AMG armoured

The 2025 G 63 belongs to the W465 generation, which entered production in 2024. The redesign left the silhouette unchanged and reworked everything else: 48 V network, aerodynamic cladding on the A-pillars, enhanced soundproofing, latest MBUX, off-road cockpit and transparent bonnet reconstructed by cameras. The G 63 tops the combustion engine range of the model.

The AMG M177 4.0 biturbo V8, hand-assembled, develops 430 kW (585 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 850 Nm from 2,500 to 3,500 rpm, with the 48 V starter-alternator providing 20 hp and 200 Nm during acceleration. AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed gearbox, permanent 4MATIC with three locking differentials, low range of 2.93, 241 mm ground clearance, 700 mm wading depth. In unprotected specification: 2,565 kg unladen, 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 s, 220 km/h.

The armouring is a workshop conversion, carried out on a stripped body after leaving the factory. On a G 63, it takes the form of a perimeter shell: ballistic steel in the doors, pillars, firewall, roof and floor, overlapping of opening joints, multilayer glazing shaped to the original glass curvature, protection for the fuel tank, battery and ECUs. The European standard CEN 1063 grades the result: BR4 stops a .44 Magnum of 15.6 g at 440 m/s, BR6 the 7.62 x 51 NATO with lead core of 9.5 g at 830 m/s, three impacts in a 120 mm circle.

Armoured vehicle: the weight, 0 to 100 km/h and maximum speed indicated are those of the standard model and do not take the armouring into account.

On a protected vehicle, the first document to check is the carte grise (French registration certificate), section F.2. The category B licence is limited to 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight; above this, article R221-4 of the French Highway Code refers to the C1 licence. A ballistic conversion shifts this weight, which is revised at inspection, and the tyre load index must match the kerb weight shown in section G.

Three usage points. Multilayer glazing is heavy: window regulators become wear parts, and very few windows remain operable on this type of conversion. Braking works on increased mass, which affects the lifespan of discs and pads. Finally, as the armouring is not factory-fitted, its maintenance and warranty are the responsibility of the armourer: identify a competent European workshop before you need one.