2023 Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared Review: Portal Combat

Running boards have never been more essential than they are here. Whereas many crossovers have an ideal height that allows you to simply slide into your seat, the incredibly tall 4x4 Squared SUV requires you to hoist yourself up and into the cabin. Care must also be taken when exiting, especially for shorter individuals or kids. Once seated, it's standard G63 fare, which means there is enough interior space for five adults to be seated comfortably. From the driver's perch, the sensation of superiority one gets from sitting above most other road users is undeniable.

Cargo space specs have not been published for the 2023 AMG G63 4x4 Squared, but we expect it to match or get close to the 38.1 cubic feet behind the second row of the regular G63. Folding the rear seats should yield an area measuring over 68 cubic feet. Because the 4x4 Squared sits so high, the load height of the trunk makes it more difficult to load heavier items. And, with a heavy spare wheel mounted at the back, the tailgate door is quite heavy to swing open. A roof rack, accessible via a rear-mounted ladder, is available for further storage.

Interior storage space comprises typical door pockets, a glovebox, a covered center compartment that can be used as an armrest, and front seatback map pockets. The usual assortment of cupholders also applies.

Mercedes does not offer a configurator for the AMG G63 4x4 Squared - at least not publically - so a complete list of customization options is hard to come by. As standard, the SUV comes with an instrument panel wrapped in Nappa leather and the Superior Line interior treatment. Leather upholstery with classy stitching forms part of this, and there are enough bright elements to break up the dark color scheme, if that's what you go for, but lighter interior colors are available. Optional materials include special leather with red contrast stitching, an AMG Performance steering wheel in a mix of microfiber and carbon fiber, red seat belts, and AMG carbon fiber trim. The roof liner is finished in black Dinamica microfiber.

Mercedes says there are enough options for every 4x4 Squared to be unique, including genuine wood flooring for the trunk area.

It may do a fine impression of a military vehicle, but the 2023 Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared is not a spartan off-roader. It comes with multi-zone climate control, active multicontour front seats with electric adjustment, multicolor interior ambient lighting, a heated windshield, a sunroof, an interior digital rearview mirror, air ionization, and the Energizing Comfort control system that syncs lights, the interior temperature, and more depending on whether you want to relax or be energized.

Ahead of the driver are dual 12.3-inch displays using the older Mercedes COMAND system. The center screen isn't touch-responsive, so a physical controller lower down must be used to navigate the various menus. Fortunately, it comes with all the essential connectivity goodies like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, live traffic updates, and navigation. Audio inside the 4x4 Squared is delivered via a Burmester surround sound system, and while the speaker count hasn't been specified, we know the standard G63 has 15 speakers.

The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared produces 577 hp, the same as the normal AMG G63, along with 612 lb-ft of torque. Since the 4x4 Squared sits extraordinarily high off the ground and is likely even heavier, it's not quite as quick as the normal G63. It's not slow, however, with the benchmark 0-60 mph run taking approximately five seconds for the Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared, according to the automaker. The drivetrain consists of a nine-speed automatic and permanent four-wheel-drive system. It's unknown if the 4x4 Squared will match the 7,000-pound tow capacity of the normal G63.

The first thing that strikes you when setting off in the AWD 4x4 Squared is the comically high seating position, allowing you to look down on drivers in their Escalades with ease. That's because of the portal axles, both on the independent front system and rear solid axle. There are three locking differentials, while drivers can access Sand, Trail, and Rock driving modes. Off-road, the 4x4 Squared makes its driver feel like a hero. The 13.8-inch ground clearance, wading depth of 35.8 inches, and 40-degree ramp angle allow it to clamber over the largest obstacles. That ground clearance is better than the Ford Bronco Raptor, one of the most formidable off-road SUVs at any price.

On normal roads, it feels remarkably similar to the normal G63. The axle roll out issue that often plagues vehicles on portal axles has been effectively dialed out here, and it rides comfortably enough. Through the twisties, it remains planted and stable for something so heavy and tall.

Buying a Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared for its fuel efficiency is the equivalent of buying a Corolla for track days. According to the EPA, the Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared will return only 10/12/11 mpg city/highway/combined, making it one of the thirstiest vehicles on the market. Even though it has a large 26.4-gallon fuel tank capacity, the range between refills is only about 290 miles. The EPA says buyers can expect to cough up $22,000 more in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new car.

No crash safety review for the Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared has been conducted by the IIHS or NHTSA, and the same applies to the normal G63. Limited production numbers and a high price make it unlikely that a crash test of this SUV will ever take place.

的大小和重量G63可能be in the occupants' favor in the event of a crash. Like the normal G63, the 4x4 Squared should also have ten airbags placed around the cabin. It also comes with usual safety technologies like electronic stability control and tire pressure control. Driver-assistance equipment includes parking sensors with a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot assist, pre-safe accident detection and preparation, attention assist, and lane-keep assist. The eCall emergency system can inform first responders when assistance is needed.

No recalls have been issued for the G63 in the last two years, so one can expect decent reliability from the Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared. However, the normal G63 was recalled seven times for the 2021 model year for issues ranging from a loss of drive power to a disabled emergency call system, faulty airbags, and a rear door that could open while driving. Mercedes likely sorted all these problems out before the arrival of the new G63 4x4 Squared.

保修范围为2023年梅赛德斯amg G63 4x4 Squared is expected to mirror that of the normal G63. That means limited and powertrain cover for four years or 50,000 miles.

We suspect that many well-heeled customers will buy the Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared simply because of how it looks. The normal G-Class's iconic boxy shape remains a hit, and the 4x4 Squared's significantly raised ride height simply adds to the cool factor. Various carbon fiber elements are found outside, and the rig rides on 22-inch AMG forged wheels with high-gloss machined details and a black finish. Brake calipers have a red finish, and there are 40 exterior colors to choose from, including wild ones like green. The SUV also has rear privacy glass, full LED headlights, and a spare wheel mounted to the rear door.

A roof rack accessible via a rear-mounted ladder is one of the available extras. There are also various AMG Night packages that finish items like the Mercedes star and AMG-specific grille in black.

没有的话我们可以用花$349,000 on an ultra-tall SUV that isn't even that luxurious, considering what else you can get for the money. Its gas mileage is horrendous, it's slower than a normal G63, and you'll draw disapproving glances from EV drivers everywhere. And yet, the G63 4x4 Squared is hard not to love. It's a genuinely impressive feat of engineering, providing a level of off-road prowess generally unmatched for something this size. Mercedes has also refined the portal axle mechanicals to the point where the 4x4 Squared is a hoot to drive on normal roads, too, and we'll never tire of the eight-cylinder's sound. We recommend throwing all logic out of the window and - if you can afford it - driving off into the sunset with a huge smile on your face, regardless of whether the road is paved or not.