In 2013, Mercedes-Benz presented the most spectacular cross-country vehicle of its time: G 63 AMG 6x6. With its superior handling characteristics, it scored points both on and off the beaten track.
No compromises.
The G 63 AMG 6x6 combined the best of two worlds: Mercedes-Benz's more than 30 years of off-road experience by 2013 and the G-Class series production models ensured the effortless poise and balance of the vehicle, which was without parallel in the off-road scene. The absolute robustness, functionality, and outstanding off-road capabilities was derived from G-Class models. And the renowned luxury and high-performance division, Mercedes-AMG, was responsible for the engine technology and the luxurious and comfortable interior.
Assuredly on top of things.
The G 63 AMG 6x6 kept a cool head in the desert and equally stayed ship-shape when the floodgates open, making driving through such extreme terrain a sheer delight. However tough the going got, it would always find a way through. The voluminous tyres on the three axles, the vast ground clearance, the overall height of almost 2.30 metres combined with a width of a good 2.10 metres and the clear, straight-lined design made the G 63 AMG 6x6 a real eyecatcher. Despite its imposing appearance and its total weight of 3.85 tonnes, however, the pickup boasted awesome driving dynamics and almost catapult-like acceleration. It knew on-road and off-road challenges – and it knew how to see them off. This special model took even the highest sand dunes in stride. And its unerring directional stability saw it cope effortlessly with desert tracks, too. It clambered over rocky terrain with astounding agility, while an impressive fording depth of one metre ensured that it is anything but water-shy.
The special model Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6x6 show car was uncompromising. It was the most effortlessly superior and extravagant off-roader to be developed and built by engineers at the time. Its performance and equipment were in a league of their own:
With 400 kW of power, six driven wheels, off-road reduction gears in the transfer case, portal axles, five differentials that can be locked while on the move and a tyre pressure control system that operated at a high speed, the G 63 AMG 6x6 was made to conquer all the topographic conditions that stopped other vehicles in their tracks in its day. And the ex-factory exclusively appointed interior guaranteed the very best in high-class comfort for the driver and guests, whatever the rigours encountered in tough off-road terrain.
The essence of automotive power.
The vehicle's unique performance was attributable to numerous elements from the proven off-road modular system for G-Class models from Mercedes-Benz and its luxury and high-performance division AMG. Such elements included a portal axle drive developed just for the special model, which allowed the wheels to be located substantially lower than their customary position in line with the centre of the axle. This increased ground clearance by almost half a metre. As the G 63 AMG 6x6 featured independent axle suspension rather than independent wheel suspension, all three rigid axles operated autonomously, ensuring the best possible adhesion to the surface underneath the vehicle.
Confident on six wheels.
The vehicle's powerful performance was attributable in large part to the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, which, through technological highlights, generates 760 newton metres of torque; and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The automatic transmission featured three modes and automatic double declutching during downshifting, supplying power via a cardan shaft to the transfer case with reduction gear. In "Controlled Efficiency" mode (C), the most economical possible driving style was the central focus for the engine and drive control strategies. Sport (S) and Manual (M) modes saw the engine-transmission set-up in markedly more agile form. A brief and exactly defined retardation of ignition and injection during upshifting at full load provided for shorter shift times here.
The superiority of the G 63 AMG 6x6 was also demonstrated by a special tyre-pressure control system that enabled the driver to vary tyre pressure for the front axle and the two rear axles separately. Thanks to a high-capacity compressor and four 20-litre pressure vessels installed in the rear wheel arches, tyre pressure adjustment took place in an extremely short time: the system took less than 20 seconds to raise tyre pressure from 0.5 bar for use on sand to 1.8 bar, which is appropriate for road use.
Furthermore, the special beadlock wheels enabled tyre pressure to be reduced to such an extent that the pressure exerted on the ground by the G 63 AMG 6x6 was equivalent merely to the footprint of a person of normal weight – a very exceptional function for the time.
Uncompromising on design and equipment, too.
The design of the G 63 AMG 6x6 also celebrated a vehicle that is emphatically in a league of its own. Highlights included the signature AMG "twin blade" radiator grille and trim with integrated LED light strips above the windscreen. The ample wheel arch flares featured a stylish carbon-look finish, while the rear loading area sported a striking stainless steel roll bar.
Inimitable class on the inside, too.
The G 63 AMG 6x6 showed real confidence on the inside, too, with a spectacular interior design concept featuring an exclusive dashboard whose new instruments and a large central colour display were enough to steal the show in their own right. The off-roader also offered a designo leather backdrop with individual contrasting topstitching and an attractive diamond pattern. Other highlights included four individual, electrically adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats and a special centre console in the rear.
