If there is one car that tuners just refuse to let go of, it’s the Mercedes-AMG G63. Although the same can be said for the manufacturer itself who still invests resources to keep it going due to the never-faltering demand. Manhart is one esteemed tuning firm that has some experience fettling with the G-Wagen. Its latest rendition of its existing aftermarket package is by no means the most extreme revision to the performance SUV, but it’s still pretty impressive.
Mercedes-Benz’s iconic G-wagen SUV has roots as a military vehicle, but the high-performance 2022 Mercedes-AMG G63 model serves an entirely different driver than the 1970s original. A 577-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 engine gives the G63 incredible performance, and its posh cabin offers all the modern amenities we’ve come to expect from a top-spec Mercedes. A host of infotainment and other tech features that would have seemed like science fiction to the designers of the original truck are standard. Want to go off road? The G63 can tackle those tasks too, although we’d be nervous about nicking its sporty-looking 20-inch wheels. No matter how you intend to use it, though, the G63 is built to impress—and its price tag reflects both its skillset and status.
A limited run of Edition 55 models will be offered this year and feature a red-and-black interior theme, unique exterior graphics, and 22-inch wheels. Only 55 will be sold in the United States. Mercedes-AMG has made no other notable changes to the G-class for 2022. It remains one of the craziest offerings in Mercedes’s lineup thanks to its combination of bread-box styling and 577 horsepower.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
G63 Edition 55 – $175,000
G63 – $180,050
Although the 2022 G63 starts around $160,000, most vehicles go for considerably higher than that due to its myriad customization options. The standard equipment list is quite livable, however, since every Mercedes-AMG G63 comes with 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension damping, a front brush guard, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and three-zone climate control. We would option our G63 with the Seat Comfort package (to get the multicontour seats with ventilation and massage) and the AMG Trail package so we’d have the proper tires for off-roading.
Replacing its previous G700 Inferno kit from 2019 is this new G800 Inferno which consists of uprated turbochargers for the 4.0-liter V8. In its standard state, this engine delivers 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, but with the upgrades applied, it is now good for 798 hp and 863 lb-ft.
Together with the turbochargers, the G800 Inferno also benefits from an all-new stainless steel exhaust system with valve controls. In regions where it is allowed, it can also be fitted with downpipes and without catalytic converters. This is coupled with the existing upgraded intercooler, air intake, and ECU remap from the G700 Inferno.
It’s all about the visuals too. For this, Manhart approached TopCar Design for its carbon fiber wide-body kit. This is coupled with a set of H&R lowering springs to create a more imposing stance. The black and gold signature color scheme is applied to both the body and Manhart forged alloy wheels.
If buyers want any interior revisions, Manhart will gladly reupholster it with gold and black trimmings to match the exterior at an additional cost together with Alcantara or perforated premium leather for the seats and certain controls. If these colors don’t suit, there is an extensive catalog of materials and colors to choose from.
Where power outputs are concerned, it looks like Manhart is still a way off from Brabus’s 900-hp package for the G63. While these figures are very impressive, the big question is what kind of figures will we be seeing when the G-Wagen takes on the form of a fully electric EQ SUV and what kind of techniques are going to be used to bump those figures up?
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All G63s come with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters sends all that power to the all-wheel-drive system (4Matic, in Mercedes marketing lingo). Low-range gearing (2.93:1 reduction) is standard as are three locking differentials, allowing the G63 to scale steep dirt grades with ridiculous ease. At our test track, the nearly 5800-pound G63 rocketed from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Along with its extra power, the G63 has AMG-specific suspension tuning. Ride comfort is vastly improved versus older G-wagens, but given this SUV’s towering height and off-road mission, you shouldn’t expect much in the way of handling ability. And there’s still quite a bit of wind noise at highway speeds. Properly equipped, the G63 can tow up to 6500 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Frugality is not within the grasp of a fast, box-shaped SUV. The EPA rates the G63 at 13/15 mpg city/highway. In our 75-mpg highway fuel economy test, the G63 beat its EPA rating by delivering a 16-mpg result. For more information about the G-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Although the excessively rectilinear cabin will feel familiar if you’ve ever set foot in an older G-class, this is now a thoroughly modern place, with a 12.0-inch digital instrument panel, high-quality materials, and conveniences such as cupholders and a surround-view camera system. Taller drivers and passengers will find plenty of head- and legroom in both the front and rear. Around the back of the G-class, there’s still no power liftgate, and you’ll need to be in good shape to open the side-hinged gate, which has a full-size spare tire mounted on it. With the rear seats up, you’ll have 38 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding them down (60/40 split) provides nearly 69 cubic feet.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2022 G63 has a standard 12.0-inch infotainment interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration as well as navigation. There are two USB ports up front, along with an SD card reader. Also included is a three-year subscription to Mercedes-Benz’s connected car services, which provides basic features such as remote engine starting and stolen vehicle tracking. Options include Wi-Fi and a rear entertainment system, which features dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, each of which has its own USB, auxiliary, and HDMI ports.
