Mercedes-Benz’s newest SUV in South Africa costs a whopping R4.6 million

Mercedes-Benz has opened the bookings for the updated AMG G-Class G63 in South Africa.

Better known to the public as the iconic G-Wagen, the luxury SUV will appear on our roads in the near future, with each model asking a cool R4,630,600.

This is a price hike of R199,526 over the outgoing version, but in return, owners will receive a host of new tech for both the interior and the engine.

What’s new

The biggest addition to the G-Class is a new 48V mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter motor, similar to what we’ve seen on several of Mercedes’ other recent models.

As a reminder, the AMG performance division’s take on the G-Wagen is fitted with a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which produces an incredible 430kW and 850Nm.

Thanks to the 48V assistance, the already powerful SUV can tap into another 15kW and 200Nm during acceleration, which reduces the 0-100km/h time by 0.2 seconds to just 4.3 seconds when using the Race Start setting.

Apart from this, the underlying mechanics of the Mercedes are unchanged with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and the permanent 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

Owners can select from various driving modes for Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Slippery, as well as terrain settings for Individual, Rock, Sand, and Trail.

The performance models also benefit from AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping for better comfort and handling.

Shifting focus to the G-Wagen’s appearance and spec sheet; the update has given the vehicle a new Panamericana grille, bumper with stainless steel inserts, adaptive Multibeam LED headlights, and silver brake calipers.

Additionally, there are six new designs for the alloy rims ranging from 20 to 22 inches in diameter, as well as a new Manufaktur Hyper Blue Magno paint option.

Even more has been done with the interior, as the G-Class now boasts the latest MBUX system comprising two 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment functions.

The software supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, augmented reality onboard navigation, and a new Off-road Cockpit view with relevant info such as pitch and roll angles and a transparent bonnet camera view.

It also gets a new AMG Performance three-twin-spoke Nappa leather steering wheel, and black piano lacquer finishes for the cabin surfaces.

Customers are then given the option to customize their purchase with items like temperature-controlled cupholders, a wireless charger, keyless entry and start, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and a Rear Seat Entertainment system with two 11.6-inch touch displays for the rear passengers.

All Mercedes-Benz vehicles are sold with a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan in South Africa.

Mercedes-AMG G-Class G63