Mercedes-AMG G63 V8 goes hybrid for 2024

Firstly the looks, which as you’d expect haven’t changed much, at least at first glance. Look a little closer and you’ll see some redesigned flanking intakes on the nose that now have vertical slats. There’s also revised aero around the A pillars for improved efficiency through the air and six new wheel designs, ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Otherwise, it’s the big gaudy G we know and tolerate.

On the inside there’s a totally revised MBUX infotainment system, albeit displayed and controlled through a similar horizontal pair of screens inside a single housing as before. No ‘Hyperscreen’ yet for the big G, though there is Mercedes’ latest five-spoke steering wheel complete with new paddles and drive mode controls.

Underneath one the biggest changes are probably the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system for the 4.0 twin-turbo V8, which is now the only V8 G-Class you can buy. With this update the G500 has swapped in a mild hybrid six-cylinder. Power for the G63 is a full-bodied 585PS (430kW) while torque is a sturdy 627lb ft, though the hybrid system can supply an extra 20PS and 200Nm in short bursts. As a result, the G63 can lunge from 0 to 62mph in 4.3 seconds, or two tenths quicker than the outgoing model. Top speed remains a blustery 149mph.

It’s a fool's errand to try and get a G-Class to drive with the decorum of most performance cars. Nevertheless improvements are welcome, so yes, Mercedes has equipped it with active hydraulic torsion bars and hydraulically-linked active dampers within the new AMG Active Ride Control suspension. As well as improving on-road handling, Mercedes-AMG reckons this system will improve off-road ability too. Spec the AMG Offroad Package Pro and you’ll also get AMG Traction pro mode, with Rock and Sand settings. These run alongside the Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes in the AMG Dynamic select roster.

Lastly, you of course will be curious to know that an all-electric G-Class is coming soon. The motoring world’s worst-kept secret will be called EQG and we’ll see it later this year. For now, prices of the new G-Class are expected to start from £130,000 and rise to around £200,000 for the full-fat G63 we’ve been discussing here.

So what do you think of the new Mercedes-AMG G63? Does it have a place in today’s world? Is it a coincidence it’s been revealed on the day the Defender OCTA is announced? Let us know your thoughts…