2024 Mercedes-AMG G63 facelift in Malaysia – 585 PS, mild hybrid, new MBUX, hydraulic anti-roll, RM1.9mil

Hello everyone! We’re at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s (MBM) Luxury Like No Other event, where the facelifted Mercedes-AMG G63 is one of several models launching today. Now codenamed W465 (the pre-facelift model confusingly shared its W463 designation with its predecessor), this latest version of the legendary Affalterbach-fettled off-roader – still the only variant of the G-Class offered here – has been given some significant upgrades to keep it fresh after six years on the market.

Unfortunately, those upgrades have been accompanied by a RM150,000 price hike, the G63 now retailing at a cool RM1,948,888 on-the-road without insurance. Plus, given that this 4×4 is sold on an indent order basis, MBM will happily sell you various customisation options that will push the final figure even farther north. As usual, each purchase includes a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

Despite the downsizing happening elsewhere in Mercedes-AMG’s lineup, the G63 retains its venerable 4.0 litre M177 twin-turbocharged V8, still punching out 585 PS at 6,000 rpm and 850 Nm from 2,500 to 3,500 rpm. The big news here is the fitment of a 48-volt mild hybrid system, consisting of a 20 PS/200 Nm belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) that provides additional accelerative power when needed.

As such, this 2.6-tonne behemoth will fling itself from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds – a tenth of a second quicker than before – although because the G63 has the aerodynamic properties of a brick, its top speed is still only 240 km/h (20 km/h higher than standard, thanks to the AMG Performance Package). Putting the power to the ground is an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic gearbox and a permanent four-wheel-drive system with triple locking differentials, as is customary for a G-Class.

Also an integral part of the geländewagen‘s makeup is the body-on-frame chassis, low-range transfer case, coil springs and solid rear axle (you do get modern double wishbone suspension up front). But to keep the car pointing in vaguely the right direction on a twisty road, the G63 now gets AMG Active Ride Control suspension, adding cross-linked hydraulic dampers (much like a McLaren) that improve roll stabilisation, ride comfort and wheel articulation.

Given that the design of the G-Class is about as iconic as the Schöckl mountains on which its capabilities are tested, Mercedes has done well to leave its bluff looks – already completely revamped back in 2018 – well alone. But there are a few changes, starting with a redesigned front bumper with larger, more rounded air intakes, as well as a very slightly re-profiled rear bumper.

Elsewhere, the reverse camera has moved from behind a circular cover on the tailgate to just above the rear number plate, replete with its own washer nozzle. The blocky exterior has also been made slightly more aerodynamic thanks to touches borrowed from the all-electric G580, including smoother A-pillar cladding and a lip spoiler on the roof edge. The G63 also gets increased sound insulation to reduce wind noise, a bugbear on the outgoing model.

Unique to the AMG variant are the new shark-like slotted corner air intakes, AMG bonnet roundel (this logo can also be found in the exterior mirror projection) and silver fuel filler cap, joining the trademark Panamericana grille, cross-drilled brakes with red callipers, twin side-exit exhausts and 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged alloy wheels. The standard local specification adds the AMG Night Package, giving a dark finish to the grille, door mirrors and fake front skid plate.

Inside, the changes to modernise the cabin are a bit of a mixed bag. The good news is that the G63 is now fitted as standard with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system – replete with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen – that finally banishes the horrid Comand setup and rotary controller to the history books. Better yet, it’s the first iteration of the system introduced on the W177 A-Class, which means you still get physical air-con controls.

As part of this change, you now get the “Hey Mercedes” voice control system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and USB-C ports, plus standard augmented reality navigation. Unique to the G-Class is the Offroad Cockpit with specific vehicular displays to aid in traversing difficult terrain. Unfortunately, the G63 has switched over to Mercedes’ latest (and infuriating to use) capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel, now an AMG Performance item with split spokes and rotary controllers.

Other AMG-specific bits include carbon fibre trim, countless AMG badges, an exclusive Supersport screen with a central rev counter for the 12.3-inch digital instrument display and, rather incongruously for such an antiquated off-roader, the AMG Track Pace lap timer and data logger.

Otherwise, the G63 is as per what came before, with a no-nonsense dashboard design featuring turbine-style air vents (now illuminated in concert with the ambient lighting), three diff lock buttons in the centre and a passenger grab handle.

One feature that brings the car bang up to date is keyless entry, which was sorely missing on the old model. Mercedes has finally redesigned the door handles to include a button (no sensors, unfortunately) to lock and unlock the door. Larger vents on the D-pillars also help equalise external and internal air pressure, allowing the doors themselves to close with less effort.

As befits such a high-end vehicle, the standard kit list is vast and includes Multibeam LED headlights, push-button start, a sunroof, power-adjustable active multi-contour seats with memory, heating, ventilation and massage functions, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, heated and cooled cupholders, a Qi wireless charger, twin 11.6-inch rear touch monitors, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D sound system, park assist and a 360-degree camera system with a “transparent bonnet” function.

Meanwhile, the list of driver assists has been bolstered with the addition of lane centring assist, joining the existing autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind spot monitoring, door opening warning and adaptive high beam.

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