2023 Mercedes-Benz G63 4×4² revealed

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4² (or 4×4 Squared) has been revealed, as the most hardcore four-wheeled civilian version of the brand’s iconic G-Wagen off-roader yet.

The successor to the the G500 4×4² of 2015, the new G63 4×4² builds on the ‘standard’ Mercedes-AMG G63 with an overhaul designed for maximum off-road capability, mixed with a dose of luxury.

Despite its Tonka truck-like, motor show concept looks, the G63 4×4² will be road legal and built in limited numbers – though Mercedes-AMG won’t say how many will be built, or if any will be made available in Australia.

Headlining the upgrades are front and rear portal axles (with independent suspension), which see the axles raised above the centre of the wheels, and connected with gear sets – enabling increased ground clearance and the fitment of larger wheels and tyres.

Ground clearance increases by nearly 50 per cent from 238mm to 351mm, the wading depth is up from 700mm to 910mm, and Mercedes-AMG quotes an approach angle of 40 degrees – up on the standard G63’s 27 degrees.

While it’s billed as a hardcore off-roader, 22-inch machined alloy wheels are fitted as standard, albeit wrapped in chunky off-road tyres. It’s unclear if smaller 18-inch wheels will be optional, like the earlier G500 4×4².

Powering the G63 4×4² is the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 as the standard model, sending 430kW and 850Nm to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.

For buyers watching the trip computer, Mercedes-AMG says the G63 4×4² will gulp 20.1 litres of petrol every 100 kilometres, and emit 456 grams of CO2 per kilometre – up 4L/100km and 93g/km on a regular G63.

For context, the off-roader’s CO2 figure is more than 20 times greater than Mercedes’ smallest plug-in hybrid, the A250e hatchback – and is nearly five times the EU’s 95g/km mandated average across manufacturers’ model ranges.

Aside from its obvious wheel and tyre upgrades, the G63 4×4² can be distinguished by a unique ‘spoiler’ above the windscreen with LED driving lights, a new spare wheel carrier with 4×4² lettering, and an optional roof rack with a rear ladder.

Carbon fibre has been used for the aforementioned spare wheel cover and upper front ‘spoiler’, plus the trim along the doors, and the wheel arch extensions.

Silver chrome and matte and gloss black finished are used elsewhere on the body, in conjunction with an optional Night package. Buyers can choose from 40 exterior colours, including matte Green Hell magno – named after Germany’s Nurburgring circuit – borrowed from the AMG GT R supercar.

Inside, upgrades include standard diamond-quilted nappa leather seats, contrast stitching across the seats, door panels and dashboard, a Dinamica microfibre steering wheel, matte carbon trim inlays, and an available wood boot floor.

There’s also a unique start-up screen for the 12.3-inch digital instrument display, joined by a digital rear-view mirror, which shows a camera feed from low on the rear of the vehicle to account for the 4×4² model’s increased height.

Details of launch timing and production numbers for the 2023 Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4² have not been announced, beyond that it will only be “available for a limited period of time”.

Plans for an Australian launch are also confirmed – Drive has contacted Mercedes-Benz Australia for comment – however given the prior G500 4×4² wasn’t sold locally, the new AMG-badged model may not come here.