“Major upgrade needs to be done with this vehicle. Keep the look but upgrade the interior design and the seats. The sitting position kills my back. Way too much reflection on the window glasses at night. Turning radius is about as big as a semi. Totally not a driver's car.”
Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class is a high-performance luxury SUV known for combining V8 speed and a plush cabin with the rugged construction and serious off-road hardware of the standard G-Class. Its upright, unmistakable shape is part of the appeal.
The AMG G-Class has long mixed sports-car-like power with the tough foundation of a traditional off-roader. Permanent all-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and three locking differentials have remained central even as its cabin, road manners, and technology improved. The 2019 redesign made it roomier and more modern without changing that basic character, while the 2025 refresh brought its touchscreen system up to date.
Strengths
- It retains serious off-road equipment, including low-range gearing and three locking differentials.
- Its V8 delivers forceful acceleration and the distinctive sound expected from an AMG model.
- The upright body and familiar boxy shape give it a commanding presence that has remained recognizable across generations.
- The 2019 redesign brought a roomier cabin and better road manners while preserving its ladder-frame toughness.
- Its cabin combines luxury materials and modern technology with a design that still feels tied to the original G-Class.
Who it's for
It fits someone who wants a luxury SUV with commanding presence, dramatic V8 performance, and genuine trail hardware rather than a road-focused performance crossover. It also suits buyers who value distinctive character more than subtlety, efficiency, or simplicity.
Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class lineup
The AMG G 63 is the heart of the lineup, pairing strong V8 performance with the full luxury and off-road character of the G-Class. Pick the G 63 for the core experience and the broadest selection on the used market. The older G 65 was the V12 flagship, aimed more at rarity and excess than at adding off-road ability. The limited G 63 4x4² took the opposite approach in 2022, adding portal axles and a much taller, wider chassis for buyers who wanted the most extreme trail-focused version.
Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class generations
From 2017 to 2026, the AMG G-Class spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — W463A arrived for 2019, following the 1st Generation — W463 (2002–2018).
2nd Generation — W463A (2019–Present)
The 2019 redesign brought a new body and frame, independent front suspension, a roomier cabin, and a 577-hp twin-turbo V8. A 2025 refresh updated the powertrain, refined the exterior, and added a modern touchscreen system while keeping the upright shape and serious off-road hardware.
1 In Stock
2026
No significant equipment, performance, technology, or capability changes.
2025Mid-cycle update
Updated the twin-turbo V8, revised the grille and other exterior details, and added a touchscreen system with wireless smartphone integration and new off-road displays.
2024Trim changes
Carried over without significant changes; this was the final year before the 2025 refresh.
2023
No significant model-wide changes. The regular G 63 and G 63 4x4² kept their existing equipment and mechanical setups.
2022Trim changes
The G 63 AMG 4x4² joined the US lineup with portal axles and a taller, wider chassis for much greater obstacle clearance.
2021
Wireless smartphone charging became standard; the powertrain, structure, and main technology carried over.
2020
Steering-wheel performance controls became standard for quicker access to drive and chassis settings.
2019New generation
A complete redesign introduced a new body and frame, independent front suspension, a roomier cabin, a 12.3-inch central display, and a 577-hp twin-turbo V8 with a nine-speed automatic.
1st Generation — W463 (2002–2018)
This original US-market generation used the older body, cabin, suspension design, and powertrains that the 2019 model replaced. In its final years, the AMG range included the V8-powered G 63 and V12-powered G 65, both with permanent four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and three locking differentials.
4 In Stock2018
No significant changes. This was the final model year before the complete 2019 redesign.
2017
A redesigned instrument cluster, smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors became standard; the powertrains and chassis carried over.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class.
2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Mercedes-AMG G-Class different from a typical luxury SUV?
It combines sports-car-like V8 performance with genuine off-road hardware. The AMG G-Class keeps the upright body, ladder frame, permanent AWD, low-range gearing, and three locking differentials, then adds AMG-tuned responses, strong brakes, a performance exhaust, and a leather-lined cabin.
Is the Mercedes-AMG G-Class actually good off-road?
Yes. It has permanent AWD, low-range gearing, three locking differentials, and a tough ladder-frame structure. Those are serious trail features, not just rugged styling. The specialized G 63 4x4² goes further with portal axles and substantially greater ground clearance.
Is the Mercedes-AMG G-Class a hybrid?
Newer AMG G 63 models use a 577-hp twin-turbo V8 with 48-volt hybrid assist, but the vehicle remains gas-powered. Earlier versions in this used range have a gas engine without the newer 48-volt assistance.
Does every Mercedes-AMG G-Class have AWD?
Yes. The G 63, historical G 65, and specialized G 63 4x4² all have permanent AWD or four-wheel drive. They also pair it with a two-speed transfer case for low-range gearing and three locking differentials for difficult terrain.
Is the AMG G-Class more of a performance SUV or an off-roader?
It is both. The AMG V8, adaptive suspension, strong brakes, and performance exhaust support quick road driving, while the ladder frame, low range, permanent AWD, and three locking differentials preserve real off-road ability.
Who is the Mercedes-AMG G-Class a good fit for?
It suits someone who wants strong V8 performance, a richly equipped cabin, unmistakably upright styling, and real off-road hardware in one SUV. Its unusual mix matters more than pure road focus or pure trail specialization.
How different is the second-generation AMG G-Class from the older version?
The second generation, introduced for 2019, is substantially more modern. It brought a new body and ladder frame, independent front suspension, electromechanical steering, a roomier cabin, dual-screen technology, and a 577-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a nine-speed automatic.
Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class.
4.4
Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class
(380 reviews)
“This is a statement vehicle, not a driver's vehicle. Those two should not be conflated.”
“It is a significant upgrade from the previous model. A much easier and luxurious drive.”
“The driving position is excellent, you can see the 2 front corners of the car when you drive.”
“It will make other cars feel cheap and not fun to drive! It's powerful, but has so much control and the seats hug you.”
“The G63 meets all of my expectations. The appearance and design is perfect. Interior is beautiful and so well laid out. You can do any function at least 3 different way. It drives so smooth, yet the pickup and speed is amazing. I love everything about the vehicle!”