2025 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG G-Class

A luxury SUV icon that’s as much a part of the culture as it is a built-for-purpose off-roader, the G-Class imposes its presence, and no variant of it more so than the AMG version, the Mercedes-AMG G 63. Brash, powerful, and ferociously quick, yet refined, comfortable, and surprisingly practical, the G 63 is perhaps AMG’s greatest finesse, transforming an erstwhile military transport into one of the most impressive luxury performance SUVs on the planet.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of upper-tier luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

For 2025, the AMG G-Class gets an upgraded V8 engine with 48-volt mild hybrid system, updated MBUX infotainment, new Offroad Cockpit and virtual transparent hood features, and subtly revised exterior design including a new front bumper. New items on the options list include active rolls stabilization via AMG Active Ride Control suspension, four new wheel designs, and a range of custom paint and interior finishes.

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 starts at $187,250, including destination fees, which puts it in rarefied company alongside the most expensive variants of the Porsche Cayenne, Lexus LX 700h, and BMW X5 M, all of which are a bit more affordable than the G 63 AMG. The Land Rover Range Rover lineup covers the $180,000s and continues up beyond $230,000, and beyond that, there’s only the hyper-luxury Bentley Bentayga and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. In a way, then, the G 63 could be seen as a value option.

The G 63 AMG corrals its considerable 577 hp to sprint from standing to 60 mph in a fleeting 4.2 seconds, which is simultaneously crazy and wonderful for a large and heavy SUV.

The AMG G 63 is the most engaging G-Class, and its standard adaptive suspension offers a broader range of comfort and sportiness than the non-AMG (which offers the adaptive suspension as an option — we recommend it). If absolute smoothness and serenity are high on the list of priorities, though, we’d say check out the plusher and more tranquil Range Rover.

Fuel Economy

Unbelievably, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG G 63 gets 1 mpg better gas mileage than the base non-AMG variant at 15 mpg combined. That’s not a particularly impressive figure, but it’s the reality of preposterously quick acceleration of a large, rectilinear shape through the atmosphere.

That’s a reality the competition must also face; the BMW X5 M returns the same 15 mpg as the G 63, and most of the rest of the segment is below 20 mpg combined, with less powerful models managing somewhat greater efficiency.

Refined and luxurious without becoming impractical, the 2025 G 63’s cabin is inviting, fitted with leather upholstery, wood trim, heated front seats, and other luxuries. Running boards and a grab handle make it easier to climb up into the G 63.

Once inside, you’ll find fair space, with 39.5 inches of legroom in the second row and 37.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats. Fold the second row, and that expands to 68.6 cubic feet — but it’s worth pointing out that the space is narrower than in some competitors. The Range Rover has more space in general, with up to 83.5 cubic feet of total cargo capacity.

The iconic blocky outline of the G-Class hasn’t changed much since it was first introduced in Europe in 1979, and that’s just fine by us. The satisfying mechanical “ka-chunk” of the doors closing likewise remains the same.

The G 63 has 20-inch alloy wheels, side exhaust pipes, and a model-specific grille. The spare wheel is mounted on the rear door (instead of stowed underneath), maximizing ground clearance and departure angles when off-roading. And the door itself is hinged at the side — no heavy tailgate to lift.

Offroad Cockpit
Accessed via the digital instrument screen, this system shows off-road-specific data like tire pressures, steering angle, elevation, and other details. It’s a great complement to the virtual transparent hood feature.

AMG Ride Control suspension
Some buyers may want to maximize the off-road potential of their new G-Class luxury SUV. We’ve found that one way is to select the AMG Performance Package offered with the G 63 for about $4,400. It includes an off-road-optimized adaptive suspension.

Burmester audio
This 18-speaker, 760-watt 3D surround sound audio system is standard equipment. To our ears, it’s a truly excellent system. Its drilled metal speaker grilles look pretty nice, too.

Guard 360 security system
Another standard feature, this system keeps an eye on your vehicle while it’s parked, potentially detecting if it’s been damaged. It leverages the vehicle’s built-in Surround View cameras to monitor the whole exterior.

Extensive standard safety tech
It might not be top-of-mind with a passion purchase like the AMG G 63, but having the latest in active safety technology onboard is reassuring when you’re all loaded up with family and friends. The G 63 comes with attention assist, active lane-keeping, dynamic cruise control, traffic sign assist, and much more.

Wireless charging & phone integration
Nothing says luxury like complete freedom from cables. Here, you can charge your phone, pair via NFC, and use both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, gloriously free of cord clutter.

The 2025 AMG G 63 SUV offers a single engine: a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The total system output is 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission routes power through permanent 4-wheel drive, and the G 63 comes with a 2-speed transfer case.

Warranty

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 has a 4-year or 50,000-mile new vehicle warranty, whichever comes first. The powertrain is covered for the same term. Both are typical among luxury manufacturers.

Safety

The expensive and luxurious G-Class hasn’t been crash-tested by the usual agencies in the U.S., but our European counterparts in the Euro NCAP program rate the G-Class at five stars. The AMG G 63 comes standard with a host of safety equipment, including active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention assist, steering assist, lane-keep assist, and more.