G 63 AMG

The W463A launched in 2018 is the first complete overhaul of the G-Class since 1979. The ladder frame chassis is retained, but the front axle becomes independent with double wishbones, the steering switches to an electromechanical rack, and the rigid rear axle is guided by five links. The G 63 is the AMG version: widened tracks and wings, side exhaust outlets.

Under the bonnet, the M 177 DE 40 AL, 4.0-litre biturbo V8 with turbos housed in the V: 430 kW (585 hp) and 850 Nm, AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G gearbox with wet start-off clutch instead of a torque converter. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 s, limited to 220 km/h, 363 g/km of CO2. Under partial load and in Comfort mode, AMG Cylinder Management deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 from 1,000 to 3,250 rpm.

The off-road hardware remains intact: permanent all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased split, three lockable differentials controllable from the dashboard, two-speed transfer case with a 2.93 low range compared to 2.1 on the previous generation, AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive damping. A 2022 model year is at the end of the W463A's run, so before the 2024 W465 facelift which introduces 48 V mild hybridisation: this is the last version of the G 63 without a high-voltage system.

The entry cost in France is the main consideration. The CO2 penalty due at first French registration follows the scale for the year of first registration: at 363 g/km, a 2022 example hits the ceiling of 40,000 euros, reached from 224 g/km, then reduced by the monthly step depreciation of article L. 421-7-2, in force since 1 March 2025. In return, the capping of article L. 421-74 cancels the weight penalty, which would otherwise apply above 1,800 kg. Added to this is the regional tax on the certificat d'immatriculation (carte grise, French registration certificate), at 60 euros per fiscal horsepower in Centre-Val de Loire for 2026, a significant amount for a fiscal power of this level.

On the mechanical side, two things are worth monitoring on this family of V8s: the cylinder deactivation solenoids, a known wear part, and the oil separator's sealing. On an engine of this type, prolonged immobilisation does more damage than mileage, and the 21 or 22-inch tyres as well as the front brake discs are a recurring budget item, not an unexpected expense.