G63 Build - Less Chrome

The G is a great car that was built to last, to be capable, and to be rugged. But over the years MB found that they needed to make it comfortable in order to move units. That led to leather interiors, fancy infotainment systems, side steps, side pipes, and CHROME. Lots and lots of chrome. I am not sure which happened first. Did the chrome attract the rich and famous to buy the G? Or as the rich and famous bought the G and helped it reach iconic status did MB add more and more chrome? Either way, there is too much chrome.

Our G had the OEM front bumper bar, some chrome accents, side steps that are silver, and chrome side pipes. The first thing we did was remove the chrome front bumper. It is held on by only two bolts which tells me it is all about show and not function. Any minor bump and that bar would cave into the front end. Once you have it removed you just need to install some bumper caps where the bar use to mount. I found ours on eBay for less than $100.

Before

After

We might black out the chrome accents, but that is pretty low on the priority list. The side steps and side pipes are being addressed shortly, more on that in a future blog post. We did buy on eBay a black replacement to the side rubber strip that runs down the truck. The stock version is silver and changing that out to black should help quite down the look. But this first step of removing the bumper bar has already helped.

G63 Build - First Impressions

The G wagon has a rich history. This was Mercedes answer for a utility vehicle for the military and civil duties. From 1999 to 2018 the generation was called W463 and this design did not changed much during that time. It’s a ladder frame chassis, boxy body design, solid axel, coil over suspension, with triple lockers. Just about the perfect combination for a capable off-road vehicle. There are very few vehicles made today that follow this formula as most have moved to independent suspension, or a different chassis construction, or more modern body lines. The newest G wagon’s (W465 from 2018 until today) have moved away from their winning formula in favor of wider, longer, heavier, independent suspension, and frankly more comfortable but a less capable design.

Because of this we opted for a W463 (2018). Within this generation there are a few engine options. We picked the AMG G63 which is a 5.5L V8 bi-turbo monster producing 563 HP, but if I could do it again we would go for a G550 which is a 4L V8 bi-turbo producing 450 HP. The big difference is that the G63 has more intercoolers in the front bumper making it much harder to fit it with aftermarket bumpers to support winches. In fact there is only one front bumper that fits the G63 and it is still in development from Jack Wagon. Another issue with the G63 compared to the G550 is the exhaust. The G63 has side pipes which most people love, but they hang low and in a location where they are very susceptible to hit rocks when off-road. The G550 has its exhaust tips under the chassis and thus is more protected. There is a solve for the G63 if you go with the MBRP high clearance exhaust kit.

The G63 will be a daily driver but it will see some light off-road time (mostly trails). As a daily driver it is fantastic IF you are looking for a retro ride. Its powerful, it has a nice interior, a good infotainment system with CarPlay, not too big, and easy to drive. With that said it does drive like a truck. With a body on frame, ladder chassis, and no air suspension it is not a soft couch. It’s a luxury truck through and through. When off-road it is extremely comfortable compared to hardcore off-roaders. So it’s exactly what we are looking for.

So the plan is keep it a great daily driver but make it even more capable mostly by giving it better clearance. So we will be removing the side steps in favor of rock sliders, install the MBRP high clearance exhaust, put on a transfer case skid plate, new wheels, a 2 inch lift kit, 33” tires, and if needed front and rear steel bumpers. Follow our journey as we change this mall crawler to a trail master.