V-12-Powered Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG On Its Way For 2016: Report
By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

14,891 views
Sep 2, 2014

























If you thought the G63 AMG wasn’t badass enough, wait until the G65 AMG hits the scene in 2016. The V-12 brute has been on sale elsewhere since 2012 but a new report claims we’ll be seeing it introduced to local showrooms for the 2016 model year.

According to Automotive News (subscription required), the G65 AMG will be priced higher than $250,000 when it lands. This makes sense because the vehicle in Germany is priced from 264,180 euros ($346,431) with taxes.

Although that may seem steep, the G65 AMG is the most powerful SUV currently in production. The vehicle packs Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 found in the likes of the SL65 AMG and S65 AMG—and most recently in the S65 AMG Coupe. In the G-Class-based G65 AMG, the mighty motor is tuned to deliver 612 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.

Drive in the G65 AMG goes to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic, and accelerating to 62 mph from rest takes just 5.3 seconds—not bad for a vehicle that weighs almost 6,000 pounds. Top speed is limited to 143 mph.

It may be old, but the Mercedes-Benz G-Class shows no sign of fading away. Mercedes continues to update the venerable Gelandewagen with new versions, the latest of which was teased this week on Facebook.

The Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4² concept looks to emphasize the G-Class' off-roadability with jacked-up suspension and bigger wheels and tires. The radioactive green paint should help this concept stand out on an auto show floor.

ALSO SEE: Freeway Three Way: Corvette Z06 Vs. Challenger SRT Hellcat Vs. Mustang Shelby GT500

Mercedes isn't ready to discuss details or explain what the "squared" designation means, but this appears to be the finished version of the bright green prototype we spotted testing a few months back. That vehicle was a four-wheeled G63 AMG equipped with some hardware from the G63 AMG 6x6.

Of course, the concept is badged G500, not G63, but the two appear similar. Either way, it appears Mercedes is serious about a G-Class variant for buyers who want the 6x6's off-road capability, but can't fit one in their garages.

The G500 badging also means the concept will likely feature the 5.5-liter V-8 offered in the U.S. with the G550. That engine is normally rated at 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, and teamed with a seven-speed automatic transmission. If the G500 4x4² ever sees production, a more powerful AMG version could be built as well.

Mercedes will released more details on the G500 4x4² concept later this week. Expect this latest G-Class iteration to make its public debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, which opens March 3.

If you thought the G63 AMG wasn’t badass enough, wait until the G65 AMG hits the scene later this year. The V-12 brute has been on sale elsewhere since 2012 but it’s now coming to the U.S., priced from a staggering $218,825, including a $925 destination charge.

This means the Mercedes-AMG skunk works now has four models priced above $200k, with the other three being the SL65 ($216,175), S65 ($222,925), and S65 Coupe ($231,825). Of course, there’s also the bonkers G63 6x6, which cost upwards of half a million dollars, though this six-wheeled monster has just ended production.

Despite costing less than half the price of the G63 6x6, the insanity factor by no means has also been cut in half when we’re talking the G65. It’s twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 delivers 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, allowing the big brute (it weighs almost 6,000 lbs) to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, rivaling many dedicated sports cars.

But unlike a sports car, the G65 is also fully capable off the road thanks to its raised ride height, transfer case and trio of differential locks. The transmission is a seven-speed automatic, and the vehicle's top speed is electronically limited to 143 mph.

The U.S. remains one of the biggest markets for the G-Class, with 2014 being the best year yet for sales of the vehicle. Buyers here snapped up 3,090 of them last year, with more than half of these being Mercedes-AMG’s G63 variant. We wonder if the G65 will fare any better. Sales start in November.

All Mercedes-Benz G-Class models will in future offer up to 16 percent more power and lower fuel consumption. The range includes the G 500 with a new, powerful 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine. All engines are compliant with the latest Euro 6 emissions standard. A new suspension setup, together with more sensitive ESP® control results in increased driving stability, safety and road comfort. The exterior and interior have also been given an upgrade. At the same time, an exclusive AMG special edition will be available.

Mercedes-Benz's classic off-roader is beginning a new chapter of its success story which spans more than 35 years. With its continuously improved technology and high-class equipment specification, this cult all-terrain vehicle has consistently satisfied the highest expectations of off-road fans. True to this tradition, a new 4.0-litre directly injected V8 biturbo engine already unveiled in the G 500 4x4² show car is now celebrating its world premiere in the G-Class.

The new 8-cylinder powerplant in the G 500 can point to an exclusive heritage. It is based on the new generation of Mercedes-AMG V8 engines that have already coaxed exceptional levels of performance out of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-AMG C 63. For use in the G-Class, the V8 has been modified to deliver 310 kW (422 hp) with torque of 610 Nm. Other standout attributes include a spontaneous response and high tractive power which are made possible, for example, by two turbochargers, which instead of being configured on the outside of the cylinder banks are arranged between them in the V – the so-called "hot inside V". This layout allows a compact design, optimal response and low exhaust emissions. High efficiency is ensured by Mercedes-Benz's use of piezo direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion. Maximum strength with lowest possible weight is guaranteed by the aluminium crankcase of the V8 engine. The cylinder bore surfaces feature Daimler's NANOSLIDE® technology, which makes them twice as hard as conventional cast-iron linings. This minimises both internal friction and fuel demand.

More power, lower fuel consumption

The engines of the other G-Class models have likewise been further developed and improved in the interests of superior tractive power and optimised fuel economy:

- the G 350 d benefits from a hike in output from 155 kW/211 hp to 180 kW/245 hp, with its torque climbing from 540 to 600 Nm.
- The AMG G 63 now delivers 420 kW/571 hp (i.e. an extra 20 kW/27 hp) with torque of 760 Nm.
- Instead of 450 kW/612 hp, the 12-cylinder powerplant in the AMG G 65 now puts out 463 kW/630 hp with torque of 1000 Nm.

The G 350 d, G 500 and AMG G 63 are equipped as standard with an ECO start/stop function that reduces fuel consumption and emissions by switching off the engine when the vehicle is at rest, e.g. in a traffic jam or at traffic lights.

As is typical of the G-Class, the new models retain the familiar sturdy basis of body and ladder-type frame, which still offers generous reserves to cope with the increased power. Also retained is the unrivalled off-road performance with permanent all-wheel drive, low-range gearbox and three differential locks that can be engaged/disengaged while on the move.

The standard suspension setup has been revised with optimised shock absorbers for improved control of body movements and even greater on-road ride comfort. An adapted ESP® setup makes for enhanced driving dynamics together with increased driving stability and road safety. Optimisations to ASR and ABS result in improved traction while shortening the stopping distance when braking.

In addition, the G 500 is optionally available with a new adaptive damping system with Sport and Comfort modes. This provides a significantly more agile on-road performance in Sport mode with undiminished off-road capability while at the same time reducing the typical SUV roll on corners.

Enhanced inside and out

Visually, the new G 350 d and G 500 models are especially easy to identify by their restyled bumpers and now standard AMG flared wheel arches in the colour of the vehicle. The G 350 d now also comes as standard with 45.7 cm (18-inch) five-spoke light-alloy wheels.

On the inside, the G 350 d and G 500 feature an eye-catching instrument cluster in two-tube look with 11.4 cm multifunction display and redesigned pointers and dials. The two AMG models also sport a redesigned instrument cluster.

New choice of colours

A new Colour package is available for customers wishing to give their AMG G-Class an even more personal look. There are exclusive exterior paint finishes in solar beam, tomato red, alien green, sunset beam and galactic beam. Detachable parts such as mirrors, front and rear bumpers, wheel arch extensions, the ring around the spare wheel cover as well as the roof are painted in obsidian black. The interior topstitching is colour-matched to the paintwork.

New AMG EDITION 463 special model: visible dynamics

With the new EDITION 463 special model, Mercedes-AMG is giving the G-Class an impressive sporty look. The exquisite interior specification includes a two-tone instrument panel, two-tone seats in high-quality designo leather with side bolsters in carbon-look leather and contrasting topstitching, seat and door centre panels in a diamond design, carbon-fibre trim and door pulls in nappa leather.

On the outside, a stainless steel underguard, AMG sport stripes along the sides, a protective-strip insert in black aluminium look as well as exclusive 53.3 cm (21-inch) forged wheels underscore both the dynamics and exclusivity of the special model.

The EDITION 463 special model is available on the basis of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and the Mercedes-AMG G 65.

Maybach's first off-roader is a biturbo V12, portal-axled luxury off-roader. Superb

A mashup to eclipse Danger Mouse’s The Grey Album, perhaps: one part Mercedes-Maybach, one part AMG, all-parts excellent. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the (deep breath) Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet. It is a (even deeper breath) Maybach-badged, AMG V12-engined convertible Mercedes G-Class.

Why, you might quietly cry, does the 21st century need a limited edition, convertible, V12-engined G-Class? Well, we might quietly whisper back, why the hell not? Mercedes’s argument is as follows: “The off-road icon demonstrates that the definition of unique luxury can always be taken to a new level.”

And what a level. We begin our descent at 5.3m long and 2.2m high, with a ground clearance of more than half a metre (thanks, portal axles!). It’s strictly a four seater, and here, if you excuse the pun, we uncover the first part of the mix. While the driver and front passenger get a proper roof, the rear passengers are treated to an electrically folding fabric roof that stows in an unspecified amount of seconds to reveal much sky. Press another button, and a glass partition further separates front and back passengers. Another push of a button, and said glass changes from transparent to opaque. Shady.

And the back is really where you’d probably want to be, because those individual rear chairs have been lifted from the S-Class, which means they can be fully reclined, offer massage programmes and get a calf rest. There’s also a business console with cup holders that allow your chosen refreshment to be either cooled or heated. Even the tables have leather inserts to allow for a “comfortable writing surface”

Though quite how comfortable you’ll be largely depends on your driver. Because while it might be a party in the back, it’s all business up front. Courtesy of AMG’s monster 6.0-litre biturbo V12, which - as in the G65 AMG - produces 621bhp and 737lb ft of torque. Maybach has yet to divulge the performance data on this Landaulet G-Class, but in a ‘regular’ G65, 0-62mph takes a little over five seconds. Brisk, for something so outrageously massive. And outrageous.

After all, it’s got those portal axles, just like the 6x6 G63 and G500 4x4 squared. It’s got 100 per cent diff locks. It’s got a diamond-stitched, two-tone leather interior. There is chrome plating. There are also flared carbon fibre wheel arches, electric “entry aids” to allow easier access into the cabin, a pair of high res rear screens and, to say it again, heated massage functions. And a monster V12.

Just 99 of these Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulets will be built, for an unspecified sum of money. It will be a large, unspecified sum of money, be in no doubt. “The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet is surely the most exclusive form of stylish open-top motoring,” Merc explains. You’ll see it proper at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Admit it, you want one, right?

TG gets a closer look at the all-new G, coming your way in 2018

1: The outgoing one is older than most of Top Gear’s staff
The outgoing G-Class is 38 years old. Add another seven to that if you include the development time, and consider the fact car years are like dog ones, and it’s certifiably ancient. That’s obvious to anyone who’s ever driven one, but still it sells. It’s an enigma on that front, with sales growing at a tremendous rate over the past decade. Enough, indeed, to have the suits in Stuttgart - who have something of a soft-soft for their boxy, utilitarian, and, let’s face it, profitable, G-Class - to decide to invest in a new one.

2: It’s deliberately the same
New, you say? Urm, yes, the swirly wrap is about as effective a disguise as Clark Kent’s glasses, this is unmistakably G-Class. Boxy, then, with the sort of creases and seams that suggest the body has been stamped by big presses. It’s now largely aluminium, which saves lots of weight. The boxy shape, flat panels, exposed hinges and door handles that still feature push buttons to open them are very deliberate - nobody hated the way the G-Class looked after all. Then there’s the obsessive devotion to retaining uniquely G-Class with the new car, the engineers spending an inordinate amount of time to makes sure the door locks click with the same satisfyingly mechanical sound. And you know what, they do.

3: Only five parts are carried over
You keep saying new…give over. Really, it is. Honestly. The G is so new only five parts have been carried over from the old one. They’re not particularly significant, either, the list including the spare wheel cover, the headlight washer nozzles, sun visors, that push button on the door handles and the tow bar.

Everything else is new, believe us, though in the spirit of that continuation, and unlike any other Mercedes-Benz model, management describe the G’s line on the product planning graph as a straight line, joking that it’ll likely be around in another 38 years.

4: It’s the off-road benchmark
It’s famously capable off-road, and one of the key development goals was to improve on that. Helping here is new suspension, the rear solid axle now five-link, the front a double-wishbone set-up. It’s got proper springs rather than air ones, as Merc’s engineers reckon air ones are too fragile for the sort of terrain the G-Class will be expected to clamber over.

There are standard dampers, with clever frequency-dependent valving that allows plenty of absorption off-road, but fine control on it. Optional variable dampers add even more ability into the mix. Helping are three differentials, these now electronically controlled, as well as a low-ratio transfer case and a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. Oh, and it’s still body on ladder frame, though being all-new it’s far stiffer, for better control and refinement, on and off-road. It’ll get you anywhere then, only easier than before. If you need any more off-road capability with a Mercedes-Benz badge on the grille then buy a Unimog.

5: It has its own mountain, and a G-Mode
There’s a G button. As part of that drive to make it the benchmark off-road vehicle the G-Class engineers have added a ‘G-Mode’ into the drive select system. It primes all the systems for maximum off-road capability, though unlike most ‘rivals’ it eschews kit like hill descent control and instead simply relies on its differentials and low ratio transfer box to maintain progress. To prove its ability it’s had to conquer the Schöckl - a 1,445m mountain in Austria that’s been the home of G-Class development since its introduction. Over the 5.6km route it has to climb 60 per cent gradients and traverse 40 per cent side-slopes, the G not signed off until it’s covered a minimum of 2,000 development kilometres here.

6: Making it look the same was very, very difficult
Show those proud wing-top indicators to the G-Class engineers and they’ll start twitching. They’ve been a nightmare to develop, as they have to pass modern crash regulations. The easiest solution would have been to bin them, but easy clearly translates into challenge in the G engineer’s big brain. However simple, and old, those indicators look, they’re actually very clever, recessing into the wing tops if they’re struck hard - around 150kg should do it. That, allied to some clever shaping of the upright front means this new G-Class manages to pass current and all known future pedestrian-protection tests.

7: It promises to steer properly
Steering the old G-Class was like turning a ship, only worse, the steering wheel having little effect at the front wheels. It was exhausting and, at times, a little bit frightening. That’s changed here, the new car getting a rack and pinion steering system. Even sitting in the passenger seat it’s clear that the driver is less busy, and the when the wheel’s turned it actually does what’s asked of it. That’s perhaps the biggest revelation here, and will be useful when AMG start putting silly turbocharged V8s and V12s under the familiar bonnet.

8: It’s designed to accommodate bobbing helmets
The original G-Class was conceived as a military and utilitarian vehicle. As such it was designed to accommodate helmet-wearing soldiers; allowing them to sit side by side and have enough room for their heads to move in extreme off-road manoeuvres without striking each other or the vehicle itself. That explains the flat, upright sides, a design signature that remains to this day. They did, momentarily, consider changing the proportions but it’s such an iconic part of the car’s shape that it’s been retained.

9: There will be specials
Remember the AMG 6x6 or the 4x4 Squared, or the Landaulet? That extreme threesome have been instrumental in cementing the G-Class legend all over the world, and for generating rather a lot of coverage on social media. Nobody in the G’s team is saying what they’ve got in mind for this new one, but neither are they denying that there will be spin-offs. So, if you’re absolutely minted and want an eight-wheel drive version with a falconry seat and a roof terrace start sending in your requests now. Perhaps add a sizeable deposit to underline however ridiculous your request, you’re being serious.

10: Everyone loves it
It’s impossible not to love the G-Class. Everyone who works with it is besotted with it, one engineer having done nothing but drive G-Classes up and down that mountain since the original was conceived. It’s the only car we’ve ever borrowed that our kids cried when it went back to Mercedes-Benz, so, that they’re replacing it, is a very good thing indeed. We’ll see it properly in January at Detroit and dreaming up silly ideas of where to drive it soon… Watch this space then.

The artist formerly known as G-Wagen gets new tech, but looks largely the same

It feels like Mercedes has been taking a long time about launching its new G-Class. Yet now it’s finally here, it feels like we’ve been sent the pictures of the old one by mistake.

But perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised it looks so similar: despite being close to its 40th birthday, sales have improved year after year of late. The G’s more successful than ever.

“Our main focus was on increasing the vehicle rigidity and the connections between the suspension and drivetrain with the ladder-type frame,” says Merc’s off-road car boss, Dr Gunnar Güthenke.

Not the styling, then. So while there are new LED lights (which arguably look a little aftermarket), all the G-Wagen hallmarks are present and correct: exposed spare wheel, prominent indicator lights, protective exterior strips, and so on.

Work’s been done to make the wheel arches and bumpers “look less like add-on features”, but we’re hard pushed to spot the difference. While Merc has worked on closing up the panel gaps, it says it’s kept the endearingly old-fashioned, “characteristic closing sound” of the doors.

The G is up to 170kg lighter than before, but a bit bigger – 53mm longer and 121mm wider – which has apparently benefited interior space, always a bugbear in the somewhat inverse-Tardis old car. The passenger’s dashboard grab handle stays, as does the driving position that puts your face right in the windscreen. Seeing how the G-Class performs in crash tests may be interesting.

Otherwise, it’s all very modern inside. The dashboard is far more up-to-date, while the seats can offer massaging, heating and cooling. The dials are all digital (and highly configurable) while the media system gives haptic and audio feedback as you twiddle its controls. Read more about the interior of the new G-Class here.

The G-Class launches as a G500, with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 providing 416bhp and consuming a claimed 25mpg. It’s linked to a new nine-speed automatic gearbox. Other new-fangled stuff comprises electric steering – bringing self-parking tech with it – and adaptive dampers that help you traverse off-road stuff.

Indeed, the G-Class hasn’t forgotten its roots. It still uses a traditional ladder-frame chassis, three differential locks and low-range gear reduction. The ground clearance is better than before, improving the G’s already formidable wading depth and approach and departure angles. Only now, should you prod the right drive select buttons, there’s a bit of modern tech to help soak up tough terrain.

UK prices haven’t yet been announced, but in the G-Class’s native Germany, the G500 will start at a whisker over 107,000 euros, which converts to around £95,000. It’ll still be a pricey thing, then, only there’s now more plushness to back it up. Deliveries start in the summer.

Over to you, then. Should Mercedes have been a bit braver? Or is this an object lesson in how to refresh an icon – one Land Rover should be taking note of for the Defender?

The two top-of-the-range off-roaders from Mercedes-AMG, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and the Mercedes-AMG G 65 (combined fuel consumption: 17.0-13.8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 397-322 g/km), are now available as the particularly high-end Exclusive Edition and will be presented at the IAA. The AMG Monza grey magno paint finish is optionally available exclusively for these models.

They sport a dynamic visual appearance thanks to an underride guard of stainless steel, AMG racing stripes on the sides, rub strip inserts in a dark aluminium look and for the first time a spare wheel cover painted in the vehicle colour. This is complemented by the striking AMG light-alloy wheels with tyres of size 295/40 R 21: The G 63 is equipped with 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted matt black with a high-sheen finish. The G 65 features ceramically polished light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design. Optionally available for both models are 53.3-cm (21-inch) 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in black with high-sheen rim flanges, and side rub strips with inserts in carbon-fibre look. In addition to all the other paint finishes in the colour chart, the AMG monza grey magno matt paint finish is exclusively available as a highlight for the Exclusive Edition.

This special model also has a high-quality interior design: The standard appointments include the designo Exclusive package with two-tone leather-trimmed instrument panel and AMG sport seats with two-tone leather upholstery. There are six attractive colours to choose from for the two-tone designo nappa leather, or as an alternative, customers can opt for two-tone seats in designo nappa leather in three colours with seat side bolsters in black carbon leather. In both variants the seat and door centre panels feature a diamond pattern, which further emphasises the exclusive nature of the interior. Customers have a choice of AMG carbon-fibre or black designo piano lacquer trim. The Seat Comfort package including multicontour seats and climate-controlled seats for driver and front passenger are also on board the Exclusive Edition. Other options available from the designo manufaktur range include red designo seat belts, leather-trimmed grab handles in the headliner and a two-tone AMG Performance steering wheel matching the seat colours.

Prices (suggested manufacturer's retail prices for Germany, including 19% VAT)
• Mercedes-AMG G 63 Exclusive Edition: 163.125,20 euros
• Mercedes-AMG G 65 Exclusive Edition: 287.658,70 euros