2018 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG launched in India at Rs 2.19 crores

-Second generation AMG spec G-Class for the Indian market

-4.0-litre turbo V8 with 576bhp

-New platform

The latest generation Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG has been launched in India at Rs 2.19 crores (ex-showroom) ushering a second coming for the German automaker’s most iconic nameplate in the country. The previous G63 AMG was launched here in 2013 and was the first vehicle in Mercedes’ big AMG push for the country. This 2018 G63 AMG is only being offered in the top-of-the-line variant.

The most iconic element of the G63 is its exterior design. Mercedes has retained the boxy exterior of the previous generation(s) but has added in the right elements of its latest design philosophy to bring the nameplate into its modern era. These include the Panamerica grille, alloy wheels, LED headlamps and bumpers. 

The retro looks and the massive presence that this car carries (thanks to expanded dimensions) are more than sufficient to garner enough attention for the price tag this car commands but equally impressive is the cabin. 

It’s retained all the hallmarks of the G-Class design in terms of layout but is now a modern three-pointed star and of this, the most modern highlight are the dual digital displays on the dashboard. One is for the instrument cluster while the other is the display for the touchscreen system running the latest version of the MBUX operating system.

The rest is quilted leather, chrome plastics, electrically adjustable seats, AMG badges and stitching and oodles of space for five occupants to travel along to the soundtrack of that 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces an AMG nameplate worthy 576bhp/850Nm. Channelling power to the wheels is a nine-speed AMG speed-shift and 4MATIC AWD system. This kind of explosive power is worth a 0-100kmph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 220kmph (electronically limited).

It’s a niche SUV but with quite a few rivals cars to take it on. You can also have the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Lamborghini Urus, BMW X5 M and the Range Rover Sport for a similar amount of cash. All these are niche SUVs and offer similar levels of uniqueness and speed.