The G 63 has always been the automotive equivalent of wearing hiking boots with a tuxedo. Now Mercedes-AMG has made it considerably more serious about the hiking part. Meet the G 63 Offroad PRO.
Mercedes-Benz India has launched the Mercedes-AMG G 63 Offroad PRO in India, bringing a more rugged, off-road-focussed version of the performance G-Class to our shores. Priced from ₹ 3.80 crore, ex-showroom, the Offroad PRO is available in limited numbers and adds AMG-specific off-road hardware to the already rather ridiculous G 63 recipe.
At its heart, the Offroad PRO continues to use the handcrafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, paired with 48V mild-hybrid technology. It produces 585 BHP and 850Nm, with power sent to all four wheels through AMG Performance 4MATIC. The result is a claimed 0-100 kph time of 4.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 240 kph. Because apparently an off-roader should also be capable of embarrassing sports cars at the traffic lights. The big story, however, is what happens when the tarmac ends.
The G 63 Offroad PRO gets AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension, which combines active roll stabilisation with the various drive programmes. Mercedes-AMG says the system allows greater axle articulation off-road while maintaining traction and stability, helping keep the wheels in contact with the ground when things get properly uneven. It also aims to maintain ride comfort over rough surfaces, which is useful when your idea of an expedition vehicle costs more than most houses.
Then there is AMG Active Balance Control, which allows the roll stiffness of the suspension to be adjusted across three stages in off-road driving modes. This gives the driver more control over how the G 63 responds to different terrain and conditions.
The Offroad PRO also introduces AMG Traction PRO, designed to maximise traction in the Rock and Sand programmes. The system can control braking torque at each individual wheel and offers seven levels of locking adjustment. Mercedes-AMG says this can even help the G 63 free itself when bogged down in deep sand.
Visually, the G 63 remains unmistakably G-Class, but the Offroad PRO adds a more expedition-ready attitude. It gets a PROFESSIONAL roof luggage rack with continuous aluminium panels and a removable rear ladder, allowing additional luggage or expedition equipment to be carried up top. The SUV also gets unique 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, finished in matte black with a diamond-turned rim flange and wrapped in 275/50 R20 tyres.
Inside, it remains every bit the luxury AMG. The cabin gets Nappa leather, configurable ambient lighting and Mercedes’ latest MBUX NTG7 infotainment system, including augmented reality navigation. There is also a dedicated off-road cockpit, with key information such as vehicle position, compass heading, altitude, steering angle, tyre pressure, temperature and differential-lock status displayed through the vehicle’s screens.
The technology list is suitably extensive, with active brake assist, lane-keeping assist and a 360-degree camera system among the safety features. The G 63 also gets Mercedes-AMG’s familiar aggressive styling, including flared wheel arches, a distinctive AMG bumper and a more assertive front fascia. Limited units of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 Offroad PRO have been allocated for India, with deliveries beginning around the launch period. At ₹ 3.80 crore, it is certainly not your average mud-plugger. But then again, this is a G 63.
It is an SUV that can crawl over rocks, claw through sand and then hit 100 kph in 4.4 seconds, all while keeping its occupants surrounded by leather, screens and enough luxury to make the concept of ‘roughing it’ somewhat hilarious.
The G-Class has gone off-road. The AMG way.
