Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 463 review

Edition 463 special edition of Merc's G63 SUV gets a power boost and visual tweaks

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes G-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Changes to the G63 do nothing to change its character– there is still nothing quite like it and it’s both awesome and flawed in equal measure. Our star rating reflects this by being the midpoint between the five stars it earns for style, performance and off-road ability and the half a star it earns for everything else.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Motoring icons are like listed buildings – major alterations are forbidden. That’s why changes to the latest Mercedes-AMG G63 have been kept to a minimum – with a mild power upgrade and light visual tweaks. 

Best SUVs on the road

The rest of the shape is pretty similar to the 1979 original, with that familiar boxy shape, slab-sided panels, exposed screw heads and old-fashioned round headlamps.

Most people struggle to comprehend why anyone would want a G-Class over one of Merc’s more modern SUVs – and they’d be aghast that the £138,000 AMG version is actually the best seller. 

However, take a step back and you start to see the appeal. The AMG G63 is one of a handful of vehicles with undeniable charisma. First there’s the thumping V8 soundtrack from the ostentatious twin chrome exhaust pipes. Then there’s the juxtaposition of its utilitarian and AMG sporting frippery. And the contrast is even more extreme with our Edition 463 model.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

G Class

2024 Mercedes

G Class

47,000 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L

Cash £124,995
View G Class
G Class

2019 Mercedes

G Class

43,500 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L

Cash £119,499
View G Class
G Class

2024 Mercedes

G Class

30,938 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L

Cash £134,682
View G Class
G Class

2024 Mercedes

G Class

41,968 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L

Cash £139,200
View G Class

That number relates to Merc’s codename for the current model iteration, which hasn’t benefitted from any major structural changes since its introduction in 1990. 

This upgrade pack adds a stainless steel under body guard, 21-inch wheels and stripes. 

Another thing that’s reminiscent of the nineties is the ‘clank’ the G’s door makes when you slam it. Yet inside this tractor throws another curveball by feeling no less modern than any other model in the range. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Edition 463 includes a two-tone dash, carbon fibre trim and diamond pattern seat and door panels. After just a few miles though, you’re back in the 1990s as the central locking engages with the crack of a starting pistol. 

At least the G63 AMG gets out of its blocks pretty sharpish. The 5.5-litre twin-turbo engine now has 563bhp – an increase of 27bhp – while there’s 760Nm of torque which, as we discovered, is enough to spin up all four wheels in damp conditions. 

Which brings us on to another update – the improved stability control. It’s vital on a vehicle which accelerates like a rocket ship, yet turns like a cruise liner. It doesn’t help there’s loads of play in the steering.

Like a toddler, the wheel requires constant attention as it meanders off line without repeated corrections, while the bumpy ride will be a shock to anyone who is used to the air-sprung waftiness of the Mercedes GLE

Once again though the G63’s charm makes you overlook it failings. Yes the ride is appalling but it provides strength to deal with extreme off-roading. The low ratio gearbox and three locking differentials add to the weight, but they will prevent you getting stuck in the mud.

It doesn’t matter that most people will never use these features because, as you manhandle the turbo-boosted, luxury-lined G63 through town, at least you know that like a listed building, the G-Class is still 100 per cent authentic.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mercedes G Class

Mercedes G Class

RRP £134,220Used from £102,000
Land Rover Range Rover

Land Rover Range Rover

RRP £105,675Avg. savings £7,125 off RRP*Used from £73,590
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
BMW X7

BMW X7

RRP £79,135Avg. savings £9,033 off RRP*Used from £44,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025