(By Tom Lohnes) – Are you an eccentric millionaire? Do you want to parade around Beverly Hills knowing you have quite possibly the most off-road capable vehicle on sale? Well, Mercedes-Benz now has the exact car for you. Meet the 2023 G63 4×4 squared.
Still the only production vehicle to use portal axles, the 4×4 squared has an absolutely massive 13.189 inches of ground clearance at its absolute lowest, and for some reason it rides on 22-inch wheels. Painted in matte green for its debut, the 4×4 squared remains one of the most obnoxious-looking SUVs on sale, as it should be.
As it is an AMG model and not a G550 like the last off-road version, the new Go-anywhere G has a 585-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that also produces 627 lb-ft of torque in case you need to pull a lesser G550 owner out of a ditch. There is of course a permanent 4WD system, and all three differentials still lock to insure off-road prowess.
Even with the prowess, the G63 is still very much a Mercedes-Benz. That means that it has an absolutely gorgeous interior with tons of features, a whisper-quiet ride, and the sturdy build quality the G-class has become known for over 45 years and two generations. The famous G-wagen “thunk” when you close the door is still present, and it is the only new Mercedes vehicle to still have a pneumatic lock system. In all, it is the same animal, just a different beast.
Also a different beast is the type of businessperson you have to be to afford this thing. Starting at $260,800, this G63 is not for the general public. Expect sales to start next spring.
