Did you know that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class isn’t actually manufactured by Mercedes-Benz? Since its introduction in 1979, it’s been made for Mercedes-Benz by Steyr-Daimler-Puch of Austria, now known as Magna Steyr. Putting all that aside, the G-Class gained a reputation for being a tough, no-nonsense off-roader that spared niceties and fripperies for sheer capability no matter the terrain. Of course, if it was to continue into the 2000s and beyond, it had to keep up with the rest of the Mercedes-Benz line-up and hence, the G-Class got luxurious. This 2019 Mercedes-Benz G63 Edition 1 is a perfect example of how that was achieved, whilst retaining the capability and tough ethos. With just 16,010 miles under its wheels, it’s an ideal candidate should you want the most no-nonsense Star on your driveway.

Exterior and Interior

There are a handful of cars that have retained their iconic silhouette and design cues from inception, and the G-Class is one of those golden oldies with modern instruments. However, despite looking exactly the same, the vehicle was comprehensively redesigned in 2018 and shares just three exterior parts with its predecessor. This 2019 Mercedes-Benz G63 Edition 1 wears a Designo Manufaktur Night Black Magno paint coat, which is an optional hue at purchase. It rolls on a set of AMG cross-spoke 22-inch forged wheels in matte black with a red perimeter stripe, that are wrapped in low-profile rubber suited for the road. The headlamps and taillamps have been tinted at the factory. You also get the P97 Edition 1 Package, AMG Exterior Side Sport Stripes, and the exterior mirrors, spare wheel ring and bumper trim elements are painted in Obsidian Black. Venture aboard and it’s distinctly un-spartan, with a cockpit that packs many of the tech toys you’d find in top-shelf Mercedes-Benz models. Decked out in AMG Exclusive Black with red Nappa leather featuring diamond-quilt stitching, you’ve got a digital instrument cluster, powered active multi-contour front seats with rapid heating, ventilation and massage function, AMG performance steering wheel, dash wrapped in black Nappa leather with red top stitching, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a comprehensive MBUX infotainment system, and Burmester high-end sound system. Three prominent switches between the dash center air vents are for the front, center, and rear diff locks, highlighting that this vehicle hasn’t lost any of the off-road functionality in its luxury transformation.

Engine

This 2019 Mercedes-Benz G63 Edition 1 packs a 4.0L M177DE BiTurbo V8 engine that puts out 580hp and 627lb-ft to all four wheels via a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system with lockable front, center and rear differentials. This vehicle has reportedly just completed the Full Service B, and the oil and filter have been changed too.