Few cars are as imposing as the Mercedes Benz G-Class, especially one with the added AMG nameplate. Before you even step into the massive SUV, you get the sense that you can go anywhere in the new G63 AMG. Once on the inside, however, you are overwhelmed by effortless luxury that only cars in this league possess. From the plush leather-clad steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles to the bespoke two-tone seats, the interior, much like the exterior, is purpose-built.
Start the engine up and immediately the twin-turbo V8 roars to life. Although the cabin is well insulated, you will be under no illusion as to the monster that lurks beneath the bonnet in front of you. On take-off, there is a hush but addictive rasp coming from the AMG sports exhaust.
The G63 feels super solid but most owners will use this car in the urban jungle with little to challenge its supremacy instead of off-road where this car has very few peers. It does have an annoyingly wide turning circle and it’s not as comfortable as its closest competitors namely the Range Rover, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. This shouldn’t be surprising as the G-class has been around for over 30 years and although it is very solid, it is very mechanical and its core qualities will only really be appreciated by the truly adventurous at heart.It is very utilitarian, even the doors are heavy with hinges reminiscent of a Jeep Wrangler. By comparison, the Urus is very sports orientated while the Bentayga focuses on luxury to the point of neglecting fluent design. The Range Rover then is a more comparable alternative even though it doesn't quite match the G63 for raw speed even in its raunchiest V8 Supercharged engine guise.
Despite its massive size, the latest Range Rover just isn’t as imposing alongside the G63. It is a lot more comfortable though and features technology that even NASA could be proud of, making it easier to live with every day. The upgraded infotainment system is more of a novelty than a technological marvel but the car itself is quite capable of doing the daily commute to school then to work, meetings, gym, school and back home. It is equally at home in rough terrain although unlike in the G63 you would be more worried about something possibly going wrong. It won’t but nevertheless, it fails to give that assured feeling you get in the Mercedes despite its legendary reputation in this regard.
Ultimately the choice between the two cars boils down to individual taste and the reason behind the purchase. The G63 has that unmatched presence and is a lot more exclusive whereas the Range Rover is a bit nimbler, more obviously luxurious and ultimately easier to live with as a daily commute. It isn’t as rare though and although recently refreshed it still seems a bit dated compared to the new G63.
Of course neither of them are cheap with the G63 starting at over R2 million while the Range Rover Autobiography with its supercharged V8 engine will also set you back at least R2.2million
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