Mercedes-AMG G63 'Grand Edition' introduced

We've not long left with petrol-powered G-Classes, the V8 is bowing out in typically unabashed fashion

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 28 June 2023 / Loading comments

Though black and gold is a colour scheme most famously associated with Lotus Formula 1 machines, everybody’s dabbled with it over the years. Lotus road cars, for starters, but also BMW (think M2 CS), Porsche (we’ll include weissgold here) and Lamborghini with its Miura homage Aventador. Black and gold just sorta works, whether racing car or supercar, so now it’s time to see it on something new: the super SUV.

The Mercedes-AMG G63 Grand Edition, of which there will be just 1,000, will exclusively be offered in Manufaktur night black magno with gold details. That includes the 22-inch cross-spoke wheels, the AMG logo and Mercedes star in ‘kalaharigold’ magno, plus the bumper inlays. They certainly haven’t skimped on the gold, though the end result is actually pretty restrained by the silly standards so often reached by modified G63s.

The colour scheme is continued inside, though the gold is subtle - probably for the best. Its inclusion amounts to the contrast stitching, logos and backrests. Most of the inside is Manufaktur black Nappa leather, extending as far as the grab handles, with a lot of the trim being carbon with a copper thread. Perhaps classy would be a stretch, but tell someone there’s a black and gold G63 Grand Edition in existence and they’d surely picture something more outlandish than this.

“The Mercedes-AMG G63 is now also undoubtedly regarded as an automotive icon and demonstrates its unique position among performance off-road vehicles partly through its powerful drive, the AMG Ride Control suspension and the AMG-specific driving programmes… With the expressive and limited Grand Edition, we are celebrating the success story of the G63, which is far from over” said Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH & Head of the Top End Vehicle (TEV) Group. Which sounds an encouraging statement for fans of the 585hp V8 flagship.

Indeed, Mercedes is giving G enthusiasts plenty to be enthusiastic about today, with confirmation as well of a G500 Final Edition. There will be 1,500 in total, split across 500 units each of olive magno, obsidian black and opalith white. They celebrate 30 years of the 500, a model Mercedes says was a ‘trendsetter’ and nothing less than the ‘harbinger of the high-end off-roader in the luxury class’. Presumably Range Rover would have something to say about that. Nevertheless, the G looks a lovely thing, especially in the new green, with some unique badges, a bespoke plaque and a lavish interior, complete with the Burmester stereo upgrade and Active Multicontour Seat Package Plus. The ideal V8 G for those who find the Grand Edition a bit OTT.

Both these new models can be ordered now, although only German prices and availability have been confirmed for the moment. Surely neither Final or Grand Edition will be around for very long given the impending demise of the ICE G. Buyers will be asked to part with either €196,350 (£170k) for a G500 or €228,896 (£198k) for the G63.