The New Mercedes AMG G63 4×4 Squared
The Mercedes G-Wagons (also referred to as the G-Class) have dominated the ultra-luxury SUV market for decades, being a top choice for celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenneger and Megan Fox, among many others. The high quality of the interior materials, combined with cutting-edge technology, iconic styling, legendary off-road prowess, and big engines set the G-Wagons apart from every other vehicle on the market. From its humble origins as a utilitarian military transport, Mercedes has constantly refined and upgraded the G-Class over the years, with each new special edition turning up the dial on the Insanity Meter one more click. This evolutionary process has led us directly to the new limited edition AMG G63 4×4 Squared – and it is an absolute monster.
Mercedes reserves it’s “4×4 Squared” moniker for only the most insane (and expensive) of their creations. Generally, this line features wide, upgraded bodywork, exclusive trim and color options, and the most extreme level of off-road capability Mercedes can build into it. Big tires, extra lights, roof racks, and trick suspension parts are also the name of the game. This newest offering in the Squared line is based on the G63 and is a worthy successor to the previous G550 Squared.
From parking lots to lots of rocks, this SUV can do it all. Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the things that make this vehicle a standout.
The New
The Mercedes AMG G63 4×4 Squared is an entirely uncompromising vehicle both on the road and off, at home pulling into the valet at the casino or pulling into a dispersed camping spot in Death Valley. The Squared is the choice for those who want to get out and do. As with the last G550-based run, this Squared edition does come with a number of serious upgrades over the garden-variety G-series vehicles (which themselves are nothing to sneeze at).
Under the hood, this new G63-based model will feature a 4.0-liter, twin turbo, AMG-tuned V8 that’s good for an insane 585 horsepower and 627 ft/lbs of torque. Much of the upgraded and aggressive-looking body work is now carbon fiber – this includes the wider fender flares and spare tire carrier. You can also option the vehicle out with a roof rack and a rear ladder. The huge 325-sized tires provide much more ground clearance than standard, and are a nice visual compliment to the light bar integrated into the top of the windshield frame. As you’d expect, all of the lighting is LED, and there’s ample badging all over the vehicle to let people know you’re driving the best of the best.
Inside, the cockpit is about as cutting-edge as one can get. The “glass cockpit” design is reminiscent of the new avionics you can find in airplanes, and looks to be extremely configurable. Because the large spare tire blocks nearly the entire rear window, the rear-view mirror is now completely digital. Along with the unique interior color combinations and trim options that can only be found on the Squared, you can also find additional mood lighting throughout the cabin. On the outside, Mercedes is offering over 40 paint colors reserved solely for the run of the new 4×4 Squared.
The standard G-Class models are eye-catching vehicles to begin with, but these touches (subtle and not-so-subtle) on the new Squared all combine to result in a truly unmistakable and iconic offering from Mercedes. With all of the custom options available, a prospective owner can spec their vehicle as loud or as low-key as they’d like.
Portal Axles
To enthusiasts that like to leave the pavement far behind, the coolest piece of engineering on this vehicle is likely going to be the portal axles. This is an extremely uncommon feature, normally only found on the most purpose-built of rigs, like the Hummer H1, and military vehicles. Traditionally, axles run in line with the center of the wheels. With portal axles, the axle shafts are offset to the tops of the wheels, closer to the body. This does add about four inches of ground clearance all by itself, and when combined within the 325/55VR22 All-Terrain tires… there’s few things on the landscape that the new Squared can’t handle. Independent front and rear suspension means that this flavor of the G63 will behave very well on the pavement, as well.
All in all, the new AMG G63 4×4 Squared will boast an extremely impressive 17.2” of ground clearance. Compare that to a new Jeep Wrangler, which usually sports just under 11” of ground clearance, and it’s clear this isn’t just a gussied-up mall crawler.
The End of an Era?
If a big, AMG V8 motor powering your G-Wagon is your dream vehicle, you might want to make a move soon on this new Squared – it doesn’t look like internal combustion motors aren’t going to be around too much longer in this format. Mercedes seems poised to release a plug-in hybrid edition in the near future, and there’s some speculation that future generations might go fully-electric. Over the past few years, Mercedes has also been experiencing apparent supply chain difficulties in producing their V8s, and even temporarily discontinued a few models in 2021 because of this. Given the way the automotive industry as a whole is heading with regards to ditching internal combustion engines, and the fact that the new Squared is expected to make about 11 miles per gallon optimistically, it’s hard to believe that the days of the AMG V8 aren’t numbered.
Conclusion
If the new AMG G63 4×4 Squared tickles your fancy, you’re going to have to pony up some major cash to grab one before they sell out. While official pricing hasn’t been released yet, the previous G550-based model had a base MSRP of $227,300. It’s not unlikely that this vehicle could touch $300,000 while they last. This new ultra-AMG can handle any adventure you’d throw at it, and do it in comfort, style, and the lap of luxury. Serious buyers should make a move sooner, rather than later – when they’re gone, they’re really gone.
