EXCLUSIVE: The new 6×6 Mercedes G 63 AMG

Don't Copy From This Blog...

No matter what remote area you are thinking of, whether it’s the Siberian taiga, the Patagonian steppe, or the Greenland ice sheet, this beast would tackle it with no problem. But Mercedes-Benz has instead chosen to target Dubai with their outrageous 6x6 traction G 63 AMG. And that not only is the right terrain, but also the matching market segment waiting for the next sand-toy of superlatives. Eight cylinder, twin-turbo engine, six driven wheels, a four-seat cabin with vast amounts of leather and inlays, low range gearing, five differential locks and a tire-control system for the 37-inch wheels. Who could wish more?

Frakenstein’s latest creation actually traces its roots from the Australian Army version. There are no more than 2000 copies of the three-axis driven military version in use. Anyway, Mercedes dares to offer such a monster right in the middle of the CO₂ debate. There are no official figures for the CO₂ emissions, but they surely would be measured in kilograms per kilometre, rather than grams per kilometre. What we know is that the car will do 0-100 km/h in less than 6 seconds up to a limited top speed of 160 km/h due to the massive, balloon-like tires. In case you were wondering what the fuel consumption is, chief of G-Class development Axel Harries mentions it to be around 18 litres / 100 km. But if you were to buy this car, this would be one of your last problems, because either you would be filthy rich, or because a full tank (that is 160 litres) would cost merely 58 Euros in that region, nearly a quarter than in Europe. Peanuts.

The truck has a transfer case capable of channelling the drive from the normal 0.87:1 high-range ratio to a 2.16:1 ratio for off-road conditions to all six wheels in a 30:40:30 split. There are five differential locks offering 100 percent lock-up of the all six wheels, operated by three switches. Unlike the military version, the car is fitted with the 7G-tronic automatic transmission, instead of the NAG1 five-speed auto. Power comes from the “usual” twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 with 544 hp and 760 Nm of torque, crucial to push the truck's 3,775 kg curb weight.

The „car“ is 5867 mm long, 2111 mm wide and 2209 mm tall, which makes it 1105 mm longer, 226 mm wider and 272 mm taller than the G 63 AMG. Compared to the standard version, the 6x6 offers a ground clearance of 460 mm instead of 210 mm, approach and departure angles of 52° /54 ° vs 36° /27° and a water clearance of 1000 mm instead of 600 mm.

Pricing for the 6-wheeler has yet to be announced, but the G 63 AMG 6×6 will be the second most expensive Mercedes-Benz model behind the new 350,000 euros SLS Electric Drive. Production will be limited to 20-30 models per year, while sales are scheduled to begin in October this year.

Source/Image Credits: Autobild / autoreview.ru,autoweek.com

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.