Mercedes G63 AMG 63 6x6

Overview

The Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 is special off-road vehicle build in a low volume from 2013 till early 2015. Its combination of 6-wheel drive, portal axles and 37” tyres make it a very capable off-roader. The powerful V8 turbo engine and the luxurious leather interior bring the vehicle into the top end of the luxury car market.

Base vehicle
Suspension
Central tyre inflation system
Sales
Tuning
Specifications
Links
Gallery

Base vehicle

G63 6x6

It is based on the frame of the military G 6x6. The engine is the AMG 5.5-litre V8 twin turbo, 544 hp (400 kW) and 760 Nm. A 7-speed automatic gearbox and a 2-speed transfer case bring this power to the portal axles. Inside the second axles sits a transfer case, which sends power in 60/40 split to the rear axles. 3 modes can be selected in the 7-speed gearbox: “Controlled Efficiency” (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M). Thanks to the communication between the engine and gearbox electronics, the throttle can be adjusted to provide faster up- and downshifts.

Despite wearing the AMG badge, the role of AMG in the production was limited to its V8 turbo engine and the upmarket leather interior. Mercedes did use technology for partners Magna, LeTech and Oberaigner. Magna does build the G class vehicles in its Steyr factory (Graz Austria). LeTech (Lennartz-technik) is the designer and manufacture of the portal axles and central tyre inflation system. Oberaigner did design the second transfer case to provide 6-wheel drive for the G 6x6.

Mercedes does quote a fuel consumption combined: 19.6–11.2 l/100 km and a combined CO₂ emissions: 459–295 g/km. The top speed is limited to 160 km/h.

G63 6x6

Suspension

Coil springs are used on all axles. The rear axles do not have a load sharing mechanism. Mercedes does use different spring ratings on the second and third axles. This results in a 60/40 weight distribution over the 2 rear axles, which should reduce the turning circle of the vehicle. The first two axles have uprated coil springs (from the armoured G wagon 4x4). Öhlin gas bypass shocks complete the suspension.

G63 6x6

Central tyre inflation system

One of the key elements in the great off-road capabilities of the vehicles, is the combination of the special 18” beadlock wheels and a central tyre inflation system. This allows the vehicle to run at a very low tyre pressure on lose sand. Under these conditions, the pressure exerted on the ground is the equivalent of the footprint of an average person. It is possible to raise the tyre pressure from 0.5 bar (soft sand driving) to 1.8 bar (on-road use) in less than 20 seconds. Thanks to the vehicle’s compressor and the 4 air tanks (20-litre each) which are mounted inside the rear wheel arches. The central tyre inflation system is operated from the overhead console.

G63 6x6

Sales

Just over 100 vehicles have been sold, at a price of € 450000 each. All of these vehicles being left hand drive versions. Some sources indicate 15 right hand drive version have been sold in Malaysia by tuner Brabus. These are probably vehicles which are converted from left and to right hand drive.

Tuning

Despite its hight price, a number of vehicles have been modified by tuners like Barbus (700 HP) and Mansory 829-hp (618 kW / 1000 Nm), Carlsson (630 HP / 900 Nm) and Dartz (1019 hp / 1000 Nm). Given the fact the G63 uses a stock AMG V8 engine and 7-speed gearbox, most tuners install their excising tuning kit for this AMG engine. This engine tuning is combined with a modified interior (different colours, more leather) and some exterior modifications. Dartz does have an stretched version (wheelbase and body) and an armored version of the G 63 AMG 6x6.

The G63 AMG 6x6 was never on sale in Europe, the US and Australia.