Not a common car by any means, the G-Wagon has come to be a symbol of power, prestige, and presentiment, boasting the luxury of elegant SUVs all the while ensuring performance to rival sports cars. While it may be aesthetically reminiscent of older Land Rover Defenders or even Toyota Troop Carriers, the G-Wagon is in an entirely different category. Sure, there are a variety of other luxury SUVs available, but truly very few have ever received as much attention as the G-Wagon, with arguably none reaching the legendary status of the car in popular culture and the automotive world more broadly.
Admittedly, there have been a variety of versions each with its own differences, but the factors that have made the G-Wagon such a legend have remained consistent over the years. However, we know that specs are everything in the car industry (well, almost everything), so the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG will be the platform for analysis.
Clearly, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is the most badass luxury SUV, and for good reason too. Let's marvel at what makes the G-Wagon such a legendary car.
Plenty of Power, with a Growl to Match
The G-Wagon is an insanely powerful SUV, there is just no other way to say it.
The power of the G-Wagon is produced by a handcrafted twin-turbo V8 engine that is signed by the craftsmen themself, creating a monstrous 577 HP and 627 lb-ft of torque. Reaching 60 MPH from a standstill takes only 4.5 seconds for the G63, which is purely insane considering its curb weight of 5,842 lbs. Furthermore, power is sent to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic gearbox, ensuring that power utilization is not only maximized but harnessed with the greatest degree of control. The performance of the G63 is further promoted through direct fuel injection and multi-spark ignition, allowing for rapid and precise fuel atomization and ignition, Mercedes-Benz asserting that it ensures "stronger and cleaner performance."
The performance capabilities of the engine are strengthened even further technologically, with dynamic engine mounts and intelligent cylinder management, maximizing efficiency without risking the loss of performance. Dynamic engine mounts utilize a specialized fluid that can be stiffened or softened through electric current, meaning that handling is improved under both extreme driving conditions and normal daily driving. Intelligent cylinder management, on the other hand, improves fuel efficiency by deactivating 4 of the 8 cylinders in low load situations making the engine function almost like a 4 cylinder one. Now before you start stressing about power loss of inactive cylinders, just remember that Mercedes-Benz states that cylinders can come back to life in milliseconds of the driver accelerating, so there is no reason to worry.
The Juxtaposition of Performance with Elegance
The juxtaposition of performance and elegance is the defining feature of the G-Wagon, one aspect that truly separates it from SUVs and 4WDs alike.
Admittedly, there are other luxury SUVs that combine power and style, however, the G-Wagon is one of the first-ever SUVs to enable this crossover, with the first G-Wagon manufactured in 1979, and definitely one of the most iconic examples of this crossover. The newest 2021 G63 features a host of luxury options like Nappa leather, heated seats (front and rear), 10-way power memory seats, 3 zone climate control, and auto-dimming mirrors, combining powerful performance with absolute luxury to ensure that the driver and passengers can have the best possible driving experience regardless of drive time, driving conditions and performance levels.
Furthermore, there are even more luxury options to choose from, provided you can fork out the cash for it. From three different night packages, four different interior packages, a specialized off-road trail package, and an array of aftermarket modifications, there are literally thousands of more dollars to be spent to make this car not only more luxurious but more individualized as well.
More Than Mere Commuting, Status Statement
The G-wagon has become more than just a car, it is not just a tool for commuting here and there, but rather a symbol of status and style.
The luxury of the G-Wagon was established in part due to its initial unavailability in the US, meaning that owners had to import them into the US, the expensive and time-consuming process making it available purely for the rich and famous. Furthermore, the G-Wagon has had a series of famous owners over the years, which has furthered promoted its exclusive and iconic status. Famous owners range from Pope Saint John Paul II in 1980, to more contemporary owners such as Megan Fox, Sylvestor Stallone, Kylie Jenner, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Floyd Mayweather's daughter, with the G63 gifted to her for Christmas in 2019.
Additionally, the mere cost makes the G63 even more exclusive, as it has a pretty hefty price tag. The base model of the G550 starts at $131,750, whereas the more powerful and iconic G63 starts at $156,450, both in their factory forms without any of the optional packages or features, making them a luxury car in every regard. This is not to say that the price is unjustified or unrealistic, but rather, an additional aspect that adds to the G-Wagon's iconic stature.
Overall, the G63 is an iconic car from head to toe, due to its power, luxury, and history of exclusivity.
Sources: HotCars, Mercedes-Benz, Motor1, CarAndDriver, TheNewsWheel, MotorBiscuit, YouTube, GQ and CarToq