Unleashing the Off-Highway Energy of Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 4×4 Squared

Formally, this automobile doesn’t exist. 

Whereas the brand new Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4×4 Squared was noticed throughout growth, it was by no means formally introduced. There’s no official spec sheet. It’s not even listed on Mercedes-Benz’s web site. This factor is a ghost, but I spent almost per week in a matte-gold Mercedes-Benz G 63 4×4 Squared. It’s actual. It’s outrageously costly. It’s fantastic.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 4×4 Squared formally returned in 2022. Since then, Mercedes sellers have been quietly taking orders from well-heeled patrons upon request. For the few who’ve the means, the G-Class Squared is a extra luxurious and much more off-road succesful model of the already achieved G-Class. 

Mercedes G-Class 4×4 Squared brings again the portal axles

The G-Class 4×4 Squared is a Mercedes-Benz G 63 that provides 4.3 inches of floor clearance because of trick portal axles in any respect 4 corners. What’s a portal axle? The wheels don’t mount to the ends of the axles by way of conventional hubs. As a substitute, a further gearset mounts to the hubs and wheels, creating an offset, which in flip drops the wheels for the extra floor clearance. 

The portal axles assist create an astonishing 13.8 inches of floor clearance, a 41.3-degree method angle, a 36.8-degree departure angle, and a 42.0-degree breakover angle. These wild numbers are among the many greatest out there. To place them in perspective, the Ford Bronco Raptor has 13.1 inches of floor clearance, and much more spectacular 47.2- and 40.5-degree method and departure angles because of its donut-like 37-inch tires and quick overhangs. However the 4×4 Squared bests the Braptor’s 30.8-degree breakover angle by a large margin. The Rivian R1T and R1S SUV greatest each with 14.9 inches of floor clearance, partly as a result of there are not any differentials to hold down, however it could’t compete by way of off-roading angles. Simply look forward to the electrical EQG to return together with its 4 motors, and picture if the wizards at AMG slap some portal axles onto it. It may boast even higher off-road credentials.

Mercedes G-Class 4×4 Squared will get AMG remedy

The primary G-Class to get this remedy was the G 550 4×4 Squared, and we thought it was costly in 2019 at $225,000. Instances change, and all the things from the worth to the horsepower have inflated. The AMG G 63 4×4 Squared I drove was technically a 2022 mannequin with a base value of $349,000. However loaded with choices together with $6,500 matte-gold paint and a $3,600 AMG Night time Package deal (code for blackout bundle) as examined, the SUV I took off-roading value an eye-watering $363,820. Earlier than choices, it now begins at $358,150 together with $1,150 for vacation spot.

The newest 4×4 Squared makes use of the AMG G 63’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that churns out 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, which is up 161 hp and 177 lb-ft over the G 550 4×4 Squared that used a model of the identical engine. Enhance is a hell of a drug. It’s hooked to a 9-speed automated transmission, up two gears from the earlier 7-speed, and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with three locking differentials. The rear, entrance, and heart differentials are every engaged with a button on the dashboard. Few manufacturing automobiles outdoors the aforementioned Rivians and Braptor include this sort of {hardware}

Mercedes G 63 4×4 Squared can’t be stopped

Standing subsequent to the burbling facet pipes of the G 63 within the staging space of Rowher Flats OHV park, I requested buddy and fellow auto journalist Jonny Liebermann if I might actually need to interact all three lockers at present. “Undoubtedly, in a single spot,” Liebermann quipped as he continued airing down the tires on his yellow Rivian R1T. Professional tip: It’s at all times sensible to deliver a buddy with an extremely succesful machine and restoration gear when going off-roading.

Regardless of our plan of heading up a triple black diamond path, we didn’t trouble airing down the 22-inch 325/55 Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain tires on the 4×4 Squared as a result of it appeared pointless. The chutzpah this Mercedes exudes whereas simply sitting makes most different off-road automobiles appear inferior.

For day-to-day driving, the 4×4 Squared has an AMG-tuned four-wheel-drive system with a 40:60 rear bias.  I shifted to impartial and put the 2-speed switch case into 4Lo, figuring I might interact varied off-road modes when wanted. However solely the 5 normal drive modes—Consolation, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, and Particular person—got here up on the display. Confounded, Liebermann and I attempted to seek out the off-road modes, however we couldn’t. We did not know the cheat code.

As we have been about to begin up the hill sans off-road drive modes, Liebermann, who’s fairly acquainted with Rowher Flats, advised I interact the middle differential to lock a 50:50 cut up of energy to the entrance and rear wheels. Out of the blue Path, Rock, and Sand off-road drive modes grew to become out there, the digital stability management system turned off, and the roof-mounted amber working lights on the entrance and rear carbon-fiber spoilers turned on. Cheat code accepted.

Heading up the triple black diamond path, the G 63 didn’t break a sweat, however as deep ruts began showing on the path I tapped the right-most plastic differential button to interact the rear locker so the Pirellis wouldn’t tear up the earth with all of the engine’s out there torque. 

Each hill, rut, and valley that the yellow Rivian conquered in silence, the 4×4 Squared adopted with a low burble.

Then I noticed the 135.8-inch wheelbase Rivian porpoise backwards and forwards over a set of deep undulations. Its 4 motors tried to get the ability to the bottom because the truck teeter-tottered. Lieberman gave it some throttle and the rear finish slid left towards a rock wall on one facet whereas the entrance slid proper towards the opposite rock wall. My palms acquired sweaty. That Rivian was Liebermann’s, however this $363,820 Mercedes definitely wasn’t mine. Was I about to tear off this factor’s working boards, facet pipes, or rear bumper extension? What would Mercedes say if I slid this factor’s carbon-fiber fender flares right into a rock wall?

My fears have been overblown. The G 63 4×4 Squared’s shorter 113.1-inch wheelbase, which is 5.3-inches shorter than a four-door Jeep Wrangler’s, prevented the Mercedes from porpoising by way of this impediment. The tires clawed on the earth, the suspension prolonged the tires down into the deep holes, and the Mercedes simply continued climbing. No carbon-fiber fender flares have been harmed in the course of the traversing of that or any path. However my blood stress in all probability rose too excessive.

About an hour into our journey towards the heavens, the G 63 4×4 Squared lastly blinked. Going up an undulation with the middle and rear lockers engaged, the driver-side entrance tire began to spin. I tapped the left-most silver differential button to interact the entrance locker. I felt a click on, eased into the throttle, the entrance wheels grabbed on the dusty, slippery, rock-strewn earth, and the burbling SUV started to maneuver ahead as if the undulations didn’t exist. If this Mercedes didn’t have a entrance locker, I may have used the ample energy to beat the state of affairs, however that might’ve torn up extra grime. 

Upon reaching the summit of the mountain path, Liebermann famous that just about no proprietor will ever do what we simply did. What against the law. This machine is constructed for this.

Heading again down a a lot simpler path I disengaged the lockers and shifted to 4Hi. We picked up the pace and the distant reservoir shocks saved the experience disruptions to a minimal as they absorbed the beating. The experience by no means tossed me side-to-side, nor did my neck really feel drained as soon as we reached the underside of the hill. 

Mercedes G 63 4×4 Squared goes to extremes

After I pulled again out onto the road, the G 63 4×4 Squared drove like a lifted G-Class, with the related further physique roll round corners. It’s nonetheless steady in sweeping canyon roads, although. 

Mercedes estimates the G 63 4×4 Squared can dash from 0-60 mph in about 5.0 seconds, and my butt dyno estimates that’s about proper, if not a tish faster. That’s on the way in which to an electronically restricted 130-mph high pace. It requires some journey planning, although, particularly for parking, as a result of the high-riding Mercedes requires 7-feet 4-inches of clearance, that means it gained’t slot in all parking garages or by way of all drive-thrus.

Surprising nobody, this flying German brick drinks gasoline. It carries EPA gas financial system scores of 10 mpg metropolis, 12 mpg freeway, and 11 mpg mixed. These numbers are seemingly spot on. Over the course of 264 miles of blended driving, with two thirds of it on the freeway, I averaged 10.8 mpg, in keeping with the journey pc. 

Inside, the G 63 Squared is a loaded G-Class with a leather-wrapped dashboard, quilted leather-based massaging entrance seats, and a giant seize deal with on the passenger facet of the dashboard. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster will get its personal 4×4 Squared startup sequence, and the rearview mirror has been swapped for a rear digicam mirror. This turns out to be useful for the reason that huge spare tire blocks the rear view. Unique to the 4×4 Squared are a microfiber-wrapped efficiency steering wheel and matte carbon-fiber trim bits. However the low, flat dashboard and 12.3-inch infotainment display, which isn’t a touchscreen and nonetheless runs the final era of MBUX, will all be acquainted to anybody who has frolicked in a latest G-Class.

Small particulars add as much as a special angle for the outside. The carbon-fiber fender flares bulk up the look whereas protecting the chunky all-terrain tires. The carbon-fiber roof spoilers are particular to the 4×4 Squared, although the white LED driving lights mounted within the entrance spoiler don’t perform attributable to U.S. rules. The amber working lights mounted on the roof spoilers work, however solely when the automobile is in 4Lo. The rear bumper has an extension to fulfill U.S. crash requirements, and it simply seems awkward. You’d suppose the working boards would make getting out and in simpler, however they don’t. In actual fact, they virtually get in the way in which since they’re mounted up so excessive. A carbon-fiber spare tire cowl mounted to the rear hatch is there to impress onlookers at any given LA-area Starbucks.

Nearly nobody outdoors of the automotive fanatic realm realizes what the G 63 4×4 Squared is or why it’s particular. To most individuals, this simply seems like a lifted bro truck model of a G-Class. It type of is, nevertheless it’s additionally a lot extra. The value is absurd, however so is the Mercedes-Benz G 63 4×4’s off-road functionality. Mercedes builds the 4×4 Squared in restricted numbers and gained’t even disclose manufacturing figures. If you happen to see one, make a want. 

Cash can’t purchase all the things, nevertheless it definitely can purchase probably the most succesful manufacturing off-road automobiles. In case you have the means, I extremely advocate selecting one up and really taking it off-road.