2025 Mercedes-AMG G63 Review: Power, Price and Features

The Mercedes-AMG G63 is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the planet. When it comes to bold design, brutal power and unapologetic luxury, few vehicles command attention like it. This is not just an SUV; it is an icon that blends decades of off-road heritage with modern AMG engineering in a way that very few vehicles can match.

For 2025, the G63 received one of its most important updates in years, including a mild-hybrid V8, a new active suspension system and a heavily updated interior. In this review, we take a deep dive into what makes the latest G-Wagen special, how it drives on and off the road, what it costs and who should buy one.

From Military Vehicle to Luxury Icon

The G-Class began life in 1979 as a rugged off-road vehicle developed with Austrian manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch and used by military and government customers around the world. Its boxy body, short overhangs and three locking differentials made it one of the most capable off-road vehicles of its time.

Over the decades, the G-Class evolved into a luxury status symbol. AMG versions with powerful V8 engines turned the “G-Wagen” into a favorite of celebrities, athletes and collectors. Despite that transformation, Mercedes-Benz has kept the G-Class true to its roots, and it is still built in Graz, Austria, and still capable of serious off-road driving.

Design: Instantly Recognizable

Few vehicles are as easy to identify as the G-Class. Its upright windshield, flat body panels, exposed door hinges, round headlights and spare wheel on the rear door have remained part of the design for more than four decades. The AMG version adds the vertical-slat Panamericana grille, wider fender flares, larger wheels and side-exit exhaust pipes positioned just ahead of the rear wheels.

Those side pipes are a signature G63 detail and give the SUV an especially dramatic sound. Optional night packages, matte paint finishes and forged wheel designs allow owners to create anything from a stealthy, blacked-out look to a bold statement in bright colors.

2025 Mercedes-AMG G63 Performance

Under the hood lies AMG’s hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. For 2025 it gains a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter-generator that can add up to 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque for short periods at low engine speeds. The result is quicker response and a claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, remarkable for a vehicle of this size and shape.

AMG Active Ride Control: A Big Step Forward

One of the most important updates for 2025 is the available AMG Active Ride Control suspension. Instead of traditional anti-roll bars, it uses an interconnected hydraulic system with valves on each damper and a central pump. On the road, the system can reduce body roll dramatically, making the tall G63 feel far more composed in corners.

Off road, the same system can disconnect the hydraulic links so that each wheel can move more freely, improving articulation on rough terrain. It is a clever solution to the age-old conflict between on-road handling and off-road ability, and reviewers have praised the improvement in ride and handling compared with older G63 models.

How the G63 Drives on the Road

Driving a G63 is unlike driving any other performance SUV. The seating position is high and upright, the hood seems to stretch into the distance and the V8 rumbles loudly through the side exhausts. Acceleration is strong enough to surprise sports car drivers, and the 9-speed transmission shifts quickly in its sportier modes.

Older G-Class models were known for a bouncy ride and heavy body roll. The current generation, with independent front suspension and the new active suspension option, is far more refined. It still feels tall and heavy compared with lower SUVs like the BMW X5 M, but it is comfortable and confident on the highway and surprisingly composed on winding roads.

Built for Terrain, Styled for the Streets

The G63 still carries its boxy, tank-like silhouette, but underneath it is a fully modern machine. Key off-road features include:

• Three locking differentials as standard
• Multiple drive programs for different surfaces, including off-road modes
• A low-range transfer case for steep climbs and descents
• A camera-based “transparent hood” view that shows the terrain beneath the front of the vehicle
• High ground clearance and strong approach and departure angles

Whether you are climbing a rocky trail or cruising down a city boulevard, the G63 is designed to handle both.

Interior: Luxury Meets Technology

Step inside and you are greeted by Nappa leather, a flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel and a wide digital display combining the instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The latest MBUX system brings advanced voice control, high-resolution graphics and updated AMG-specific displays that show performance and off-road data.

Ambient lighting with dozens of color options, a Burmester surround sound system, heated and ventilated seats and carbon fiber or wood trims remind you that performance and comfort can coexist. The iconic grab handle in front of the passenger, the three differential lock buttons in the center of the dashboard and the solid sound of the doors closing keep the G-Class character intact.

What Is New for 2025?

The 2025 update brought several meaningful changes to the Mercedes-AMG G63:

• A 48-volt mild-hybrid system for the V8
• Available AMG Active Ride Control suspension
• An updated interior with the latest MBUX software and touch-sensitive controls
• Subtle exterior updates, including revised front-end details and new wheel designs
• Improved aerodynamics and new paint and trim options

Mercedes has managed to modernize the G-Class while keeping its unmistakable design and heritage intact.

G63 vs the Electric G-Class

Mercedes-Benz now also offers an all-electric version of the G-Class, sold as the G 580 with EQ Technology. It uses four individual electric motors, one for each wheel, and can perform tricks such as turning on the spot. It is quieter and offers instant electric torque, but it does not have the V8 sound and character that many G63 buyers love. For buyers who want the classic AMG experience, the G63 remains the emotional choice.

Mercedes-AMG G63 Rivals

The G63 has few true rivals because it combines extreme luxury, AMG performance and genuine off-road ability. Buyers often compare it with the Range Rover Sport SV, the Lamborghini Urus and the BMW X5 M Competition. The Range Rover offers a more modern design and strong off-road technology, while the Urus and X5 M focus more on on-road performance. None of them, however, has the iconic presence and cultural status of the G-Wagen.

For a broader look at high-performance SUVs, read our guide to the most powerful SUVs.

Practicality and Everyday Use

Despite its compact footprint compared with some full-size luxury SUVs, the G63 offers seating for five adults and a usable cargo area behind the rear seats. The side-hinged rear door with the spare wheel makes loading easy in tight parking spaces. Its upright shape also gives excellent visibility over traffic, which many owners appreciate in daily driving.

Pricing and Ownership

The Mercedes-AMG G63 is one of the most expensive SUVs in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The 2024 model started at about $184,000 including destination, and well-equipped 2025 models can easily exceed $200,000 once options are added.

Running costs are high, as expected. The V8 requires premium fuel and has significant fuel consumption, tires and brakes are expensive, and insurance can be costly. On the positive side, the G63 has historically held its value very well thanks to strong demand, which can make the total cost of ownership more reasonable than the purchase price suggests.

Buying a Used Mercedes-AMG G63

Because the G63 holds its value well, used examples are rarely cheap, but they can still offer savings over a new model. When shopping used, look for a complete service history, check the condition of the suspension and tires, and ask whether the vehicle has been used off road. A G63 that has spent its life on city streets is often in better mechanical condition than one used heavily on rough trails. A pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes-Benz specialist is always recommended.

Who Should Buy the Mercedes-AMG G63?

• Buyers who want an iconic luxury SUV with unmatched presence
• Drivers who need genuine off-road ability without sacrificing luxury
• Enthusiasts who love the sound and power of a hand-built AMG V8
• Owners who value strong resale value and timeless design

Final Verdict on the Mercedes-AMG G63

If you want something that can outrun many sports cars, conquer difficult trails and make every arrival feel like an event, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG G63 might be your perfect match. The updates for 2025 make it more refined and capable than ever, especially with AMG Active Ride Control.

It is not the most practical or efficient SUV, but that has never been the point. The G63 is a rolling statement of power, prestige and individuality. To learn more about the brand behind it, read the history of AMG, or configure your own on the official Mercedes-AMG USA website.