Lavish luxury? Check. Sports car-like acceleration? Check. Off-roading beast? Check. Loaded with the latest tech? Check. Six-figure price tag? Check. The 2025 Mercedes-AMG G 63 is the iconic large performance SUV from Mercedes-Benz that delivers dynamic handling and extreme off-roading prowess, a posh cabin loaded with features and tech, and a price that can easily climb well above $200,000.
Base Price: $186,100
As Tested: $221,800
Horsepower: 577
Mileage: 14 mpg city/16 mpg highway/15 mpg combined
The Mercedes-AMG 63 is the high-performance sibling of the G-Class SUV and is based on the Mercedes-Benz G550. The G-Class was launched in 1979. It was originally developed as a military vehicle. The G comes from the German word Geländewagen, which means off-road vehicle. The G-Wagen first became available in the U.S. for its 2003 model year.
The 2025 G 63 comes in only one trim and it starts at $186,100. All-wheel drive is standard. There are a myriad of packages and options, and the price can quickly jump into the stratosphere.
The Mercedes-AMG G 63 gets refreshed for 2025 including exterior and interior styling tweaks, a 48-volt mild hybrid system, an updated MBUX infotainment system, an optional new hydraulic adaptive suspension system, and even more standard and available features and tech.
The G 63 is powered by a stout twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that cranks out an impressive 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain gets some help with a 48-volt hybrid system that can boost horsepower by 20 and torque by 148 pound-feet, but there’s no electric-only driving range. The transmission is a nine-speed automatic.
It’s easy to forget you’re behind the wheel of a 5,842-pound behemoth as the G 63 delivers incredible power and torque. The G 63 can hustle! Mercedes-Benz says it can go from zero to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, and with a pleasing growl! It also has effortless acceleration for merging and passing at higher speeds. The ride is smooth and supple over most surfaces. Steering is responsive and well weighted. With the G 63’s tall height, you’ll be at eye level with many trucks and buses, and look down on most SUVs. You can tailor the driving dynamics with five on-road and three off-road driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ and Individual modes, and Sand, Trail and Rock. The G 63’s tall, boxy shape makes for some body roll around tight turns, and the large turning radius can make parking a challenge in tight spaces. But overall, this G-Wagen is exhilarating to drive and you’ll turn plenty of heads!
It’s also one of the few vehicles that you can take to the track in the morning, ford a mountain stream in the afternoon, then head to a ritzy evening out in the city.
Of course, the G 63 is known as an off-road beast. It has a ladder-frame design, three mechanical differential locks, low range off- road gear reduction, solid rear axle and independent front suspension, and high ground clearance. Various options and packages add more off-roading features.
When properly equipped, the G 63 can tow up to 7,716 pounds. Trailer stability assist software comes standard.
Fuel efficiency is poor, even with the mild hybrid system, but it’s about what you’d expect for a performance SUV with a V8. EPA ratings are 14 mpg city, 16 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined. I got 15 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. Premium fuel is required.
The interior is luxurious and upscale, similar to what you’d find in an S-Class Mercedes. Materials and features are all top notch, from rich Nappa leather to concert-like audio from the Burmester surround sound system. Seats are supportive and comfortable, and there’s good leg- and headroom in both rows. But it can be a challenge for some to get into the G 63 because of the high seating position and step rails. The 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen look impressive, stretched across the dash.
Standard features include remote start, proximity keyless entry, rearview camera, surround-view camera system, tri-zone automatic climate control, Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, infotainment system with 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, 15-speaker Burmester audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, multiple USB ports, voice recognition, heated and cooled cup holders, cabin-air purification system, ambient interior lighting, electrically heated windshield, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, fain-sensing windshield wipers, and a sunroof.
Available features include multi-contour front seats with massage and quick heating and ventilation, Wi-Fi hot spot, and rear-seat entertainment system.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, and driver-attention monitoring.
Available driver assistance technologies include a dashcam and trailer-maneuvering assistance.
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system comes to the G-Class for the first time for 2025 with its 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system isn’t that user-friendly at first and takes some time to figure out. Inputs can be made via the touchscreen, a trackpad on the console, and steering wheel controls. The system also has natural-language voice control – just say, “Hey Mercedes.” The navigation uses augmented reality, so you get real-time traffic and directions on the display. One cool feature is a new surround-view camera that can show you what’s underneath the vehicle.
Cargo space is a bit less than other luxury large SUVs. There are 38 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, and almost 68.6 cubes with the second row folded. The rear seats split-fold 60/40. The rear door opens from the side and is heavy, due to the full-size spare tire on the door. There’s no power liftgate so you’ll get a good upper body workout when you open and close it!
The good:
Iconic G-Wagen looks and performance
Off-road beast
Stout performance with V8 engine
Lavish interior loaded with features and tech
Numerous customization packages and options
The not-so-good:
Sky-high price
Bad fuel economy
Infotainment system has learning curve
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $186,100. Monza Grey Magno paint is $6,500. Carbon Fiber design trim is $3,700. AMG Performance steering wheel in carbon-fiber design and microfiber is $900. 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels are $5,350. Grab handles in leather are $550. Instrument panel in two-tone Nappa leather is $600. Armrest heating for driver and front passenger is $800. The AMG Performance Package is $4,400. The Dark Chrome Package is $3,500. The Interior Package Plus is $8,250. The destination fee is $1,150 bringing the grand total to $221,800.
Bottom line:
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG G 63 is one of the most iconic, luxurious, outrageous and over-the-top vehicles. It’s a blast to drive and one of the only vehicles that you can run on the track, power through remote trails, and then head to a glamorous night out on the town. Of course, all of this comes at an eye-popping price that can easily surpass $200,000, not to mention lousy fuel economy. But you’ll get a G-Wagen with a huge, brawny personality!
