The sturdy platform and iconic styling of the G-Class leave much room for experimentation, and Mercedes-AMG’s G63 4×4 Squared builds upon the already capable G63 to become an even more outrageous off-roader. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 makes a beefy 577 horsepower, so being quick is a given, but it’s the 4×4 Squared’s portal axles and dramatically increased ride height that truly make it something special. It will conquer obstacles most other SUVs can only dream about, and it does all of this while wrapping its occupants in a typically luxurious Mercedes interior. At around $350,000, the cost of the G63 4×4 Squared is more than the most extravagant Bentley Bentayga Speed W12, but that’s far more about on-road comfort and opulence. Even the top Land Rover Defender, also a formidable off-roader, costs close to a third of the Merc’s price. If you’re talking raw off-road skills, something like the Ford Bronco Raptor or Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 could be considered at a fraction of the price. But a vehicle like the G63 4×4 Squared can’t be judged by normal standards. Even if not used to its peak capabilities, it makes a statement like no other SUV, and that alone will sway the right kind of buyer.
New for 2024
The new Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared SUV falls somewhere between the previous G500 4×4 Squared and the G63 AMG 6×6, having arrived for the 2022 model year. Unlike the latter, the G63 4×4 Squared sticks with four wheels, but it stands tall thanks to those portal axles. It produces the same power as the normal AMG G63, but with a 40-degree ramp angle and 13.8 inches of ground clearance, not much will get in the 4×4 Squared’s way. No major changes have been announced for the 2024 model year.
2024 Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared Price: Which One to Buy
The starting price of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared is $349,000, almost double the price of the normal G63. This MSRP excludes a delivery charge of $1,150 for customers in the USA, but getting your hands on one is a challenge – only existing G-Class owners can even get on the waiting list.
There aren’t multiple trims for this SUV, but you can add options like special paint and appearance packages, easily tacking on another $15-$20k if you aren’t careful.
Interior and Features
Besides some G63 4×4 Squared branding and a much higher step-in height, the interior is largely similar to the one in the normal AMG G63, a disappointment considering the price premium.
Besides requiring more effort to climb into, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared is typical G-Class. Although luxurious and packed with features, the squared-off dashboard has an old-school look and still uses the previous controller for the infotainment system, which feels a generation behind the latest MBUX system. The well-finished interior is quite comfortable, including leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats, but some may be disappointed that the 4×4 Squared’s much higher price hasn’t led to a dramatic improvement in the cabin. It’s obvious that the vehicle’s elevated cost has gone almost exclusively into its mechanicals.
Space
Running boards have never been more essential than they are here. Whereas many crossovers have an ideal height that allows you to simply slide into your seat, the incredibly tall 4×4 Squared SUV requires you to hoist yourself up and into the cabin. Care must also be taken when exiting, especially for shorter individuals or kids. Once seated, it’s standard G63 fare, which means there is enough interior space for five adults to be seated comfortably. From the driver’s perch, the sensation of superiority one gets from sitting above most other road users is undeniable.
Cargo
Cargo space specs have not been published for the 2024 AMG G63 4×4 Squared, but we expect it to match or get close to the 38.1 cubic feet behind the second row of the regular G63. Folding the rear seats should yield an area measuring over 68 cubic feet. Because the 4×4 Squared sits so high, the load height of the trunk makes it more difficult to load heavier items. And, with a heavy spare wheel mounted at the back, the tailgate door is quite heavy to swing open. A roof rack, accessible via a rear-mounted ladder, is available for further storage.
Interior storage space comprises typical door pockets, a glovebox, a covered center compartment that can be used as an armrest, and front seatback map pockets. The usual assortment of cupholders also applies.
Materials and Colors
Mercedes does not offer a configurator for the AMG G63 4×4 Squared – at least not publically – so a complete list of customization options is hard to come by. As standard, the SUV comes with an instrument panel wrapped in Nappa leather and the Superior Line interior treatment. Leather upholstery with classy stitching forms part of this, and there are enough bright elements to break up the dark color scheme, if that’s what you go for, but lighter interior colors are available. Optional materials include special leather with red contrast stitching, an AMG Performance steering wheel in a mix of microfiber and carbon fiber, red seat belts, and AMG carbon fiber trim. The roof liner is finished in black Dinamica microfiber.
Mercedes says there are enough options for every 4×4 Squared to be unique, including genuine wood flooring for the trunk area.
Features and Infotainment
It may do a fine impression of a military vehicle, but the 2024 Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared is not a spartan off-roader. It comes with multi-zone climate control, active multicontour front seats with electric adjustment, multicolor interior ambient lighting, a heated windshield, a sunroof, an interior digital rearview mirror, air ionization, and the Energizing Comfort control system that syncs lights, the interior temperature, and more depending on whether you want to relax or be energized.
Ahead of the driver are dual 12.3-inch displays using the older Mercedes COMAND system. The center screen isn’t touch-responsive, so a physical controller lower down must be used to navigate the various menus. Fortunately, it comes with all the essential connectivity goodies like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, live traffic updates, and navigation. Audio inside the 4×4 Squared is delivered via a Burmester surround sound system, and while the speaker count hasn’t been specified, we know the standard G63 has 15 speakers.
Performance
The unique mechanicals of the 4×4 Squared make it a bit slower than a normal G63, but those portal axles provide exceptional off-roading capabilities and surprising composure on normal roads.
The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared produces 577 hp, the same as the normal AMG G63, along with 612 lb-ft of torque. Since the 4×4 Squared sits extraordinarily high off the ground and is likely even heavier, it’s not quite as quick as the normal G63. It’s not slow, however, with the benchmark 0-60 mph run taking approximately five seconds for the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared, according to the automaker. The drivetrain consists of a nine-speed automatic and permanent four-wheel-drive system. It’s unknown if the 4×4 Squared will match the 7,000-pound tow capacity of the normal G63.
The first thing that strikes you when setting off in the AWD 4×4 Squared is the comically high seating position, allowing you to look down on drivers in their Escalades with ease. That’s because of the portal axles, both on the independent front system and rear solid axle. There are three locking differentials, while drivers can access Sand, Trail, and Rock driving modes. Off-road, the 4×4 Squared makes its driver feel like a hero. The 13.8-inch ground clearance, wading depth of 35.8 inches, and 40-degree ramp angle allow it to clamber over the largest obstacles. That ground clearance is better than the Ford Bronco Raptor, one of the most formidable off-road SUVs at any price.
On normal roads, it feels remarkably similar to the normal G63. The axle roll out issue that often plagues vehicles on portal axles has been effectively dialed out here, and it rides comfortably enough. Through the twisties, it remains planted and stable for something so heavy and tall.
Fuel Efficiency
Buying a Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared for its fuel efficiency is the equivalent of buying a Corolla for track days. According to the EPA, the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared will return only 10/12/11 mpg city/highway/combined, making it one of the thirstiest vehicles on the market. Even though it has a large 26.4-gallon fuel tank capacity, the range between refills is only about 290 miles. The EPA says buyers can expect to cough up $22,000 more in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new car.
Safety
There is no crashworthiness review of this or the normal G63, but there are surely worse places to be in an accident than in a large, heavy SUV that towers above other road users.
No crash safety review for the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared has been conducted by the IIHS or NHTSA, and the same applies to the normal G63. Limited production numbers and a high price make it unlikely that a crash test of this SUV will ever take place.
The sheer size and weight of the G63 are likely to be in the occupants’ favor in the event of a crash. Like the normal G63, the 4×4 Squared should also have ten airbags placed around the cabin. It also comes with usual safety technologies like electronic stability control and tire pressure control. Driver-assistance equipment includes parking sensors with a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot assist, pre-safe accident detection and preparation, attention assist, and lane-keep assist. The eCall emergency system can inform first responders when assistance is needed.
Reliability
No recalls have been issued for the G63 in the last two years, so one can expect decent reliability from the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared. However, the normal G63 was recalled seven times for the 2021 model year for issues ranging from a loss of drive power to a disabled emergency call system, faulty airbags, and a rear door that could open while driving. Mercedes likely sorted all these problems out before the arrival of the new G63 4×4 Squared.
The warranty coverage for the 2024 Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared is expected to mirror that of the normal G63. That means limited and powertrain cover for four years or 50,000 miles.
Design
We suspect that many well-heeled customers will buy the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared simply because of how it looks. The normal G-Class’s iconic boxy shape remains a hit, and the 4×4 Squared’s significantly raised ride height simply adds to the cool factor. Various carbon fiber elements are found outside, and the rig rides on 22-inch AMG forged wheels with high-gloss machined details and a black finish. Brake calipers have a red finish, and there are 40 exterior colors to choose from, including wild ones like green. The SUV also has rear privacy glass, full LED headlights, and a spare wheel mounted to the rear door.
A roof rack accessible via a rear-mounted ladder is one of the available extras. There are also various AMG Night packages that finish items like the Mercedes star and AMG-specific grille in black.
Verdict: Is The 2024 Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4 Squared A Good SUV?
There are no words we can use to justify spending $349,000 on an ultra-tall SUV that isn’t even that luxurious, considering what else you can get for the money. Its gas mileage is horrendous, it’s slower than a normal G63, and you’ll draw disapproving glances from EV drivers everywhere. And yet, the G63 4×4 Squared is hard not to love. It’s a genuinely impressive feat of engineering, providing a level of off-road prowess generally unmatched for something this size. Mercedes has also refined the portal axle mechanicals to the point where the 4×4 Squared is a hoot to drive on normal roads, too, and we’ll never tire of the eight-cylinder’s sound. We recommend throwing all logic out of the window and – if you can afford it – driving off into the sunset with a huge smile on your face, regardless of whether the road is paved or not.
2024 Mercedes-AMG G 63 4×4 Squared A Good SUV?
12/10/2023
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Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-AMG
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