The Geländewagen, that unapologetically boxy legend with serious off-road chops and a street presence that turns heads faster than a TikTok trend, has just levelled up. Or rather, doubled down. Mercedes-Benz has unleashed not one but two new G-Class variants in South Africa: the petrol-powered beast that is the Mercedes-AMG G 63, and its silent-but-deadly sibling, the all-electric Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology. And after getting some wheel time with both, we can confidently say: your toughest decision won’t be which trail to tackle, but which G you’d want to do it in.
G 63 AMG: Loud, fast and unapologetically extra
Let’s start with the V8 thunderstorm on wheels: the G 63 AMG. Powering this brute is the well-loved AMG 4.0-litre biturbo V8, now enhanced with a 48-volt system and an integrated starter generator (ISG). What that means in real-world terms is a jaw-dropping 430 W and 850Nm of torque, with an extra 15kW and 200Nm available in short bursts. It launches from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds (or 4.3 with the optional AMG Performance Package) – not bad for a brick-shaped luxury tank.
To keep all this grunt under control, AMG has thrown in its Active Ride Control suspension, featuring active hydraulic roll stabilisation and adaptive damping. Translation: less body roll, better comfort, and significantly improved handling both on tar and gravel. Whether you’re attacking twisties or tackling rock-strewn tracks, the G 63 feels far more composed than its chunky silhouette would suggest.
You’ll also get a smorgasbord of drive modes thanks to AMG Dynamic Select, from Slippery to Sport+, and three off-road settings – Sand, Trail and Rock. If you’re feeling particularly rugged, activate AMG Traction PRO and Active Balance Control (with the optional AMG Offroad Package PRO) to boost off-road articulation, traction and composure in extreme conditions.
Design-wise, the G 63 hasn’t lost any of its swagger. The MANUFAKTUR hyper blue magno paint is exclusive, and it comes festooned with AMG badges, aggressive bumpers, and up to 22-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it’s plush meets power. Expect nappa leather, AMG logos galore, a motorsport-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a new “Supersport” display mode. Optional extras include massaging seats and even more nappa if you want your boulder-basher to double as a wellness retreat.
G 580: Silent but seriously capable
Now for the cool, clean, and cutting-edge cousin: the fully electric G 580 with EQ Technology. This is Mercedes-Benz boldly going where no G-Class has gone before… and surprisingly, it nails the brief.
It still looks like a G – all squared-off charm and beefcake stance – but under that ladder-frame chassis lurk four individual electric motors, delivering a combined 432kW and a monumental 1 164Nm of torque. And because it’s electric, that torque is available instantly. Cue 0–100km/h in 4.7 seconds in near silence. It’s eerie. It’s thrilling. It’s the future.
Off-road, the G 580 doesn’t just match the petrol version – it arguably surpasses it. Thanks to clever virtual differential locks and torque vectoring, it delivers precisely the right amount of power to each wheel. That makes it freakishly capable in tight, technical terrain.
It also introduces some seriously funky tricks, like G-Turn, which pirouettes the car on the spot (yes, really), and G-Steer, which tightens the turning radius like a mountain goat on espresso – a blessing in tight, twisty trails.
We took the G 580 on a short off-road course, and it was so quiet, capable and no-fuss that it almost felt as if we didn’t even need to be inside the vehicle. With its intelligent systems quietly doing their thing, it can almost do everything by itself, and very capably so. The calm confidence with which it tackled obstacles was surreal, yet undeniably impressive.
Range anxiety? Not here. The 116kWh battery offers up to 473km, and with 200 kW DC fast charging, you’ll go from 10–80% in just 32 minutes.
The Edition One launch model takes the bling up a notch with high-gloss black 20-inch AMG wheels, MANUFAKTUR paint options, blue styling accents, and an interior swathed in nappa leather and carbon-fibre trim with blue stitching. It’s as stylish as it is sustainable.
Practical magic: G-Turn and G-Steer and G-Whizz
Both the G 63 and G 580 bring new tech to the table that’s not just flashy, but functional. We got to experience G-Turn first-hand – a party trick that had jaws dropping. But it was G-Steer that really impressed, especially in off-road environments. Tight turn on a rocky mountain path? No sweat. This tech makes manoeuvring these behemoths feel surprisingly light and intuitive.
While the G 63 still appeals to the traditionalists who want noise, drama and prestige, the G 580 is for those who want all the off-road cred with a side of sustainability and space-age cool.
The verdict
Two very different G-Wagons, one shared DNA of unstoppable capability and presence. Whether you go for the thunderous V8 symphony of the G 63 or the whispering wizardry of the G 580, you’re getting more than just a status symbol – you’re getting one of the most capable and characterful vehicles on (or off) the road today.
So, which one’s your pick? Loud and proud or slick and silent? Either way, you’re winning. All I can say is G-whizz!
Model line-up & pricing
- Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology: R3 823 457
- Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology EDITION ONE: R4 647 456
- Mercedes-AMG G 63: R4 415 916
*All models come with a 5-year/100 000km PremiumDrive Comfort Care service and maintenance plan.
