Used 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G63 AMG SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2013 Mercedes G-Class G63 AMG SUV will take you places most vehicles can only dream about. Powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine with twin turbochargers, reduced displacement and numerous innovations, it manages to accelerate zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. This fierce engine is mated with the industry’s first seven-speed automatic transmission to deliver 536 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. If you have a load to tow, the G63 AMG can safely handle up to 7,500 pounds. The permanent all-wheel drive allows the vehicle to be ready for anything, and its unique suspension lets you tackle rough and steep terrain with ease. In fact, it can even climb an 80 percent grade and handle an impressive 54 percent lateral slope. Everything about this vehicle is designed for the outdoor enthusiast. This does come with a price though. Steering is slow to respond, cornering needs to be done at slow speeds and parking and maneuvering in tight spaces is a challenge. All that being said, regardless if you are on rough path or the highway, you will enjoy a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.

Technology

• Navigation - An 80GB hard drive navigation will get you where you need to go, and even offer scenic routes, if you choose. It includes Zagat® Survey too, so you can find out where the closest ATM or gas station is and check reviews of nearby hotels and restaurants.
• Audio - A Harmon Kardon LOGIC7® surround sound offers 12 speakers, one subwoofer, 450 watts of power, in-dash CD player, MP3 media interface, USB port and auxiliary audio jack.
• 10GB Music Register - Store up to 10GB of music on your in-dash hard drive.
• COMAND - A 7-inch LCD color display mounts atop the dash to give you control of navigation, audio, video and hands-free calling.
• Bluetooth - Never take your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road to send, receive and end calls. All controls are at your fingertips on the steering wheel.

Safety

Don’t expect to see any crash tests done on the 2013 G63 AMG, as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does not traditionally wreck vehicles priced in triple digits, if they can help it. Passengers are kept safe with six-way air bag protection and a long list of safety features, including:
• Electronic stability program
• Mercedes-Benz mBrace2™
• Brake assist
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Headlamp washers
• Rear view camera
• Post-collision response
• Blind-spot assist
• PARKTROIC
• Child seat anchors
• Traction control
• Tire-pressure monitoring
• Self-leveling headlights
• Emergency brakeforce distribution
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Turn signal mirrors
• Engine immobilizer
• Cornering lights

Appearance

Developed originally to excel in military operations, the 2013 G63 AMG is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road. It receives a few visible upgrades from the G550 to make it more distinct. Just a few of these include a large mesh intake, a matte chrome strip under the air dam, widened front fenders and an aggressively sculpted rear bumper. Add in the 20-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheel and stainless steel and polished chrome accents and you get a vehicle that demands a lot of attention.

Comfort

One of the reasons why the cabin of the G63 AMG is so special is because it is crafted entirely by hand. Chrome accents and polished wood are used generously throughout while supple leather drenches the seats, dashboard and doors. Although the four-spoke wood and leather steering wheel does put a lot of controls at your fingertips, many of the gauges and knobs on the dash do feel a bit distant. Not to mention, the COMAND interface could use a facelift. Both rows of seats are comfortable, but the rear seat could use a little more legroom. As far as head room goes, there is more than enough for the tallest passenger.

Cargo

Although the G63 AMG looks as though it would offer an abundance of cargo space, some will be disappointed. While there is 45.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 79.5 cubes behind the front seat, there are also two awkward humps in the floor that won’t allow you to load wide cargo.