Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-AMG G63 (2012-2018) review

Modern AMG power and an archaic chassis. What could possibly go wrong?

Evo rating
RRP
from £131,675
  • Occasionally hilarious handling characteristics
  • Often terrifying handling characteristics

evo Verdict

Let’s not pretend the G63 is a proper performance car. Who cares if it’s got a 563bhp twin turbocharged, AMG V8. It also weighs 2550kg, has solid beam axles, a separate ladder chassis and is permanently shaped like an airbrake. But the G63 carves its own, very niche, path so despite some major flaws it will undoubtedly find enough fans that are willing, and capable enough, to fork out the huge amount needed to buy it.

evo Tip

If you’re buying any sort of G63, it’s safe to assume you’re no shrinking violet. So why no go the whole hog and buy the lariest looking of them all, the Colour Edition. It may well be almost £20,000 more expensive than the base G63 but with either bright yellow, orange, red, green or purple bodywork and black accents, it certainly attracts plenty of attention. Great, if you like that sort of thing.

evo Comment

‘The G63 down a challenging road is pure comedy. The combination of live axles front and rear and a ladder chassis, with all the rigidity of balsa wood means the G63 is constantly being reined in by the omnipresent ESP stability control that refuses to turn off’ Harry Metcalfe 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

TVR Cerbera (1996-2004) review – the British bargain supercar
TVR Cerbera
Reviews

TVR Cerbera (1996-2004) review – the British bargain supercar

The singular, spectacular Cerbera is a genuine supercar that’s often overlooked – and, arguably, underpriced
2 Nov 2026
BMW i3 50 review – why it's the best electric car we've driven
BMW i3
Reviews

BMW i3 50 review – why it's the best electric car we've driven

The BMW i3 name has returned, but now in a much more conventional form than before. It's quick in 50 xDrive form, and retains Munich's sophisticated d…
30 Oct 2026
Renault 5 Turbo 3E: Why the French firm is confident about its £140k hatchback
Renault 5 Turbo 3E
News

Renault 5 Turbo 3E: Why the French firm is confident about its £140k hatchback

£140k for a Renault 5 is a huge ask. Here’s why the firm is confident in its unconventional supercar’s appeal and purpose
4 Nov 2026