A G-Wagon That All Can Do With?

Let’s face it, a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, even in its base spec, is something pretty rough-and-tough. It can trounce treacherous terrains without breaking a sweat. If you want something spicier, bolder and punchier iterations are also available. And then you’ve got the AMG version – the G63 – which offers everything amplified. Not many would think that the G-Wagon would need anything extra. But, of course, there’s always another level. Enter the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared.

Before getting to the details, let me first put things in perspective. The newest, limited-run version has a distinguished lineage. The utterly bonkers G 63 6×6 from 2013 and the outrageous Maybach G 650 Landaulet from 2017 are two examples. However, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared is linked to those specimens only in spirit and nothing else. And that spirit is to create a belief-defying package.

So, what makes the newest version so unique? First of all, it comes with portal axles at either end. It’s tough to explain what they bring to the package without being boring. But, just look at it this way: they enable the G-Wagon to make the most ridiculous terrain seem like a walk in the park. And as an added advantage, the on-road presence goes a notch higher.

Since we’ve touched upon “higher”, the 4×4 Squared’s water wading capacity is 910mm, and ground clearance measures 351mm. In the same order, the standard G’s numbers are 700mm and 238mm. And get this – it can attack climb grades up to 45 degrees.

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Under the bonnet is the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 but with a few extra ponies. Maximum output is rated at 585hp, 8bhp more than the standard G63. The oomph, obviously, goes to all four wheels. Let’s put it this way: the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared adds up to be the most hardcore version of the current generation’s breed.

And one won’t have to explain anything, as the exuberant styling cues will paint the story perfectly. The wheel arches, for instance, are much broader and rounded off with carbon fibre inserts. Actually, the use of carbon fibre is quite evident all over, including on a roof-mounted housing with LED lights. Even the full-sized (22-inch) spare wheel at the back has its own carbon fibre casing.

Of course, customisations are available via Mercedes’ G Manufaktur program. As many as 40 shades of exterior colour are available, including the Green Hell Magno shade that honours the infamous Nurburgring track. Open the doors, and the matt carbon trim pieces, a customised digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting in AC surrounds, the new digital rear-view interior mirror and Nappa leather upholstery reaffirm this model is something special.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the AMG G63 4×4 Squared on its G-specific “Private Lounge”. We could draw inferences from that, and we should. One of them is the asking price, which could be around USD 250,000. Second, it will be a limited-run model. And three, this one will be the last of its kind as Merc’s V8 is on its way out, and the next-gen model will feature electrification. We’ll get more information once Mercedes bothers to release that. But, that last aspect makes this version all the more special. Doesn’t it?

Note: Apologies for the grainy pictures. They were screen-grabbed from the following video.