Skip advert
Advertisement
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG G63 (2012-2018) review

Modern AMG power and an archaic chassis. What could possibly go wrong?

Evo rating
RRP
from £131,675
  • Occasionally hilarious handling characteristics
  • Often terrifying handling characteristics

evo Verdict

Let’s not pretend the G63 is a proper performance car. Who cares if it’s got a 563bhp twin turbocharged, AMG V8. It also weighs 2550kg, has solid beam axles, a separate ladder chassis and is permanently shaped like an airbrake. But the G63 carves its own, very niche, path so despite some major flaws it will undoubtedly find enough fans that are willing, and capable enough, to fork out the huge amount needed to buy it.

evo Tip

If you’re buying any sort of G63, it’s safe to assume you’re no shrinking violet. So why no go the whole hog and buy the lariest looking of them all, the Colour Edition. It may well be almost £20,000 more expensive than the base G63 but with either bright yellow, orange, red, green or purple bodywork and black accents, it certainly attracts plenty of attention. Great, if you like that sort of thing.

evo Comment

‘The G63 down a challenging road is pure comedy. The combination of live axles front and rear and a ladder chassis, with all the rigidity of balsa wood means the G63 is constantly being reined in by the omnipresent ESP stability control that refuses to turn off’ Harry Metcalfe 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Honda Prelude review – the Audi TT alternative you’ve been looking for?
Honda Prelude front
Reviews

New Honda Prelude review – the Audi TT alternative you’ve been looking for?

The Honda Prelude returns after 25 years, with Type R suspension and glider-inspired styling
27 Oct 2025
Best cars of the 2010s – the modern classics that defined the decade
Best 2010s cars
Best cars

Best cars of the 2010s – the modern classics that defined the decade

The 2010s saw kerb weights and bhp figures begin to rise significantly. Happily, it was still a decade shot through with bonafide thrillers
24 Oct 2025
BMW M2 CS review – another all-time great M car?
BMW M2 CS – front
Reviews

BMW M2 CS review – another all-time great M car?

The original M2 CS is one of the best M cars of the modern era, and the first BMW to win evo Car of the Year. Can this new G87 version repeat its succ…
27 Oct 2025