Once again Signature goes all out to purchase a show stopping car to get car enthusiasts’ pulses racing! Aggressive..…..domineering……..power hungry…………..the Mercedes G-Class is a sports-utility vehicle that ticks all the boxes and more in an off-road vehicle.
The G has been impressing drivers for over 30 years, but it has only officially been the G-Class since 2002 when it was imported by Mercedes-Benz. Initially it was expected to be replaced in the consumer market by the GL-Class sports utility vehicle but thanks to a ‘G’ enthusiasts’ uproar Mercedes-Benz relented and as a result the impressive G-Wagen is still sold new with minor exterior tweaks, a modernised cabin, alongside the new G63 AMG performance model pictured here in the Signature Experience Centre in London. And this is no ordinary G63 (if you can call it that at all) because Signature has selected a striking matt black finish which is not only unique but exceedingly rare too, all in all another impressive offering from Signature Car Hire.
So what can you expect when you see this off-roader up close? Certainly you’ll notice the features of the G63 have a much more aggressive look than predeceasing models particularly due to a lower front fascia that is almost completely dominated by three enormous air intakes. Look under the imposing circular front headlights and you’ll see the eye catching LED running lights inspired by the G550, which shine though the unique two-bar grille which cleverly differentiates the vehicles look from the G63. You will also see a welcome return of the dual side exhaust pipes which are placed just before the rear wheel.
The G63 picks up features from the standard G-Class including a full body-on-frame construction, solid axles front and rear, three differential locks and heaps of plating underneath to fend off rocks when driving off-road on rough terrain. Mercedes have also improved the suspension/damper settings allowing the G63 better handling compared to the old G55.
Pop the hood and you’ll find an AMG’s twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine to power this heavy brute with a whopping 544 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque distributed to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. If you want to stop this SUV you can rely on the new perforated brake discs which measure 14.8 x 1.42 inches at the front and 13 x 0.79 inches at the rear. The front axle is fitted with a six-piston fixed-caliper brake system which has been taken from the ML63 AMG, with a single-piston floating-caliper system on the rear axle.
Nothing can prepare you for when you first step inside the Signature G63. It is every boy’s dream! The cabin is compact and the design blocky with an upright windshield that’s all part of the G63’s charm and unique character. It is beautifully built and comes with all the standard equipment you’d expect from Mercedes plus their latest COMAND navigation system, a Harman Kardon audio system, a multicontour driver’s seat with pneumatic bolsters and extensive premium leather trim. The extra touches, which are specific to the G63, include design leather upholstery in a luxurious two tone black and cream colour with cross stitch detail with fluted leather door panelling.
When you sit behind the wheel you’ll see the new G-Class instrument panel and a centre stack that brings the secondary controls bang up to date. Standard Mercedes equipment includes DISTRONIC PLUS safety features in addition to Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera, ensuring you are not only safe on the road but can control the vehicle easily in tight spots. The ESP stability control system has now also been revised to now include Trailer Stability Assist.
All in all an impressive and imposing vehicle; it has the looks of and has been used as a military vehicle and has been designed at the requests of the Shah of Iran and been the official transportation for the Pope! If you want to get noticed on the roads during 2015, then this should be your car of choice!