2015 Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 463 first drive

The Mercedes-AMG G63 is a lightly facelifted version of the earlier Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG. Along with the subtle alteration in name, the square-rigged off-roader receives a moderate hike in power, some mild chassis tweaks and a more luxurious interior.

It’s hardly a major upgrade, but Mercedes-Benz considers the changes sufficient enough to allow it hike the price from an already inflated £129,375 to £131,675. Choose the limited volume G63 463 Edition model driven here and the sticker rises to a faintly ridiculous £149,970.

While instantly recognisable as the military grade Gelandewagen in production for nearly four decades years now, the facelifted G63 is distinguished from its less powerful G350d and G500 siblings by its own unique front bumper, individual grille insert, wider wheel arch flares, running boards and, on the 463 Edition model, a stainless steel protection plate big 21in wheels shod with 295/40 profile Yokahama tyres.

While decidedly olde worlde in appearance, there’s nothing remotely old-fashioned about the engine. The twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 unit first introduced to the G63 back in 2012 receives a new inlet manifold among other minor tweaks, raising power from a previous 537bhp to a new peak of 563bhp.

Owing to torque loading limitations with the seven-speed AMG SpeedShift automatic gearbox to which it is mated, though, the upgraded engine continues to kick out the same 561lb ft as before.

Despite the increased power, the 2550kg off-roader is no faster off the line or at the top end as its predecessor, with the 0-62mph time remaining at an official 5.4sec and top speed continuing to be limited to 130mph.  Claimed fuel economy and average CO2 emissions also remain unchanged at an eco-challenging 20.5mpg and 322g/km.

Climb up into the G63 and you discover the changes to the interior are every bit as subtle as those made to the exterior. There’s a restyled instrument binnacle and, in the 463 Edition, sumptuous two-tone leather upholstery, which covers most surfaces, including that of the high but shallow dashboard. The steering wheel, instruments, the infotainment system with its 7.0in colour screen and switchgear provide a familiar air to an otherwise old-fashioned cabin.

The driving position is extraordinarily high and upright by contemporary standards, but it’s also very comfortable and gives the driver a truly commanding view of the road. There is also a generous amount of space up front, although the rear suffers from a limited amount of rear legroom. The boot space, at 487 litres, is not exactly big either.

There’s no doubting the acceleration of the G63. Despite its mass and unfavourable aerodynamic qualities, it fires out of the blocks with real force and continues to surge forward all the way up to its limited 130mph top speed. This pace is combined with an alluring bellow of exhaust from the side-mounted exhausts when the twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 engine is stirred with a heavy dose of right foot.

Unlike the new G500, which benefits from a new adaptive damping system offering the choice between Comfort and Sport modes, the G63 retains the same fixed rate dampers as its predecessor. It rides small bumps well, thanks to the long travel springs, but the rigid axles don't provide much control when presented with larger road imperfections, which unsettle the car's composure at speed.