New Mercedes-AMG G63 launched as a hybrid

But retains stonking 4.0-litre V8 and adds Octa-rivalling hydraulically interlinked active suspension

Speak of the devil, and he appears. No sooner do we mention the new Mercedes-AMG G63 (in the context of it being the Defender OCTA’s chief rival) than it appears in the flesh. Coincidence? No, of course not. Kudos to Land Rover for nudging into G-Class’s news cycle, even if it wasn’t quite ready to show us the full car. Mercedes, as you can see, is ready - although it helps that the new-for-2024 model is very much a refresh of the current car. The much-anticipated fully electric version is still to come.

Nevertheless, any revision to the G-Class is worthy of attention because Mercedes is quite selective about any changes it makes to its ‘automotive icon’ - especially the G63. The manufacturer makes a fuss of the new G450d and G500 in its extensive press release, but it also concedes what we’ve known for years: the go-faster V8-powered version is very much the best-seller in the three-model lineup. And that’s because there’s nothing else quite like it (well, until Land Rover completes its gatecrash later this year).

Accordingly, the modifications have been heavily previewed. We knew the new G63 would become a hybrid (sharp intake of breath) but as Mercedes had already made clear, it only achieves very mild petrol-electric status thanks to the integration of 48-volt tech and a new integrated starter-generator (relieved exhale). So while there is the additional assistance of 20hp and 148lb ft of torque for a brief moment, it’s still very much the tried-and-tested 585hp 4.0-litre biturbo V8 doing all the work. With the snappy assistance of the nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT, expect 62mph to appear in 4.4 seconds.

Beyond subtly aiding efficiency, the main purpose of the improved electrical architecture is to help power the optional AMG Active Ride Control suspension. This too has been widely trailered, and is a similar set-up to the 6Dynamics system designed by Land Rover, meaning that the adaptive dampers at each corner are interlinked with hydraulic lines. Thanks to pressure regulation via a pump and switching valves - and one hydraulic connection each for the compression and rebound stage of the individual damper - the system ‘allows for a very wide spring-rate spread with reduced rolling movements’. And removes the requirement for anti-roll bars.

As a result, Mercedes claims many of the same benefits we experienced in the Range Rover Sport SV: reduced roll angle on the road and vastly improved wheel articulation off it. So odds on the G63 is going to turn in more adeptly than it did before, and find traction where previously it might not have done. All while being that bit more comfortable, too. Moreover, it unlocks two additional off-road drive modes: AMG Traction Pro, which does what it says on the tin by adjusting the degree of lock you get in the electronically controlled diffs; and AMG Active Balance Control, which lets you manually select your chassis stiffness (just in case, you know, you’re not making fast enough progress on gravel).

Elsewhere, enhancements to the G63 reflect improvements made range-wide, including the introduction of 12.3-inch touchscreen for the first time (which obviously includes the latest MBUX infotainment system) and other wild novelties like Keyless Entry. As ever, you can expect the car to look the part (there are AMG-specific bumpers front and back; Multibeam LED headlights are standard; the wheel sizes range from 20 to 22 inches) and you will be charged an enormous sum for the pleasure of owning one. No word on UK prices just yet, but in Germany the G-Class lineup starts at €122,808 or around £105k. Based on the £174,665 cost of the current G63, expect a fully kitted example of the new flagship to double that number.