Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG

The G65 AMG at a glance: V12 power in a 1979 shape

Mercedes-Benz launched the G65 AMG in 2012, at the same time as the V8 G63 AMG, when the W463 G-Class received its mid-life update. The V8 model replaced the supercharged G55 AMG and sold in far larger numbers; the V12 sat above it as the flagship, and period reports put its price at close to twice that of the G63. From the 2016 model year the name changed to Mercedes-AMG G65, in line with the rest of the AMG range.

Several V12 G-Class cars existed before it, but only as a handful of special orders: the G63 AMG V12 of 2002–2003 was reportedly built five times. The G65 AMG was therefore the first and only V12 G-Class offered in the regular price list. Like every W463, it was built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. All Mercedes models, including the later G-Class generation, are listed in the Mercedes-Benz catalogue.

The M279 twin-turbo V12 and how it performs

The engine is the hand-built AMG M279, a 5,980 cc V12 with two turbochargers, also used in the S65, CL65 and SL65. In the G-Class it was rated at 450 kW (612 PS) and 1,000 Nm from launch. After the 2015 update the output rose to 463 kW (630 PS), with peak torque unchanged and available from 2,300 to 4,300 rpm. The old 1cars text also describes the high-pressure turbochargers, the intercooler system with four heat exchangers and the special engine mounts that AMG fitted for the G-Class.

Power goes through the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic to all four wheels. With about 2.5 tonnes to move, the G65 reaches 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and its top speed is limited to 230 km/h (143 mph). Compared with the 400 kW (544 PS) V8 G63 of 2012, the V12 has 50 kW more and 200 Nm more torque, yet the gain in pace is small: the case for it was smoothness and pulling power. By our calculation the early G65 carries about 5.4 kg per kW, which places it among the most powerful SUVs of its decade.

The same family of hand-assembled V12s powers the Mercedes-Maybach S600, which uses the engine for quiet luxury rather than for an off-road station wagon.

Ladder frame, rigid axles and three diff locks

Under the AMG bodywork the G65 keeps the engineering that made the G-Class famous. The body sits on a separate ladder frame, both axles are rigid and sprung by coils, and the permanent four-wheel drive works through a two-speed transfer case with a low range. Three switches in the centre of the dashboard lock the centre, rear and front differentials, one after another. Ground clearance is 211 mm, according to spec databases.

AMG tuned the suspension and fitted larger brakes for the extra weight and speed: ventilated and perforated discs measure 375 mm at the front and 330 mm at the rear. Standard tyres are 275/50 R20 on five-spoke AMG wheels. The V12 model can still climb a rough track, but few owners take a car this valuable far from tarmac.

Dimensions, cabin space and boot

The G65 shares its body with the long-wheelbase G-Class station wagon, so its dimensions match the V8 model. The tall, upright shape is roomy for five adults, with a high seating position and a large boot behind the second row. Visibility to the rear is the weak point: the spare wheel on the side-hinged tailgate blocks part of the view, and a reversing camera helps when parking.

Spec databases quote different kerb weights for the two outputs, hence the range. To see how the G-Class shape compares with modern SUVs in the metal, use the size comparison tool.

Fuel consumption and running costs

The official combined figure is 17.0 l/100 km (13.8 mpg US) on the NEDC cycle, with CO2 emissions of 397 g/km. Real-world use is often higher, especially in town or at motorway speed, where the boxy body with its drag coefficient of 0.54 costs fuel. To turn those litres into a cost per trip, the fuel cost calculator works in l/100 km and in mpg.

Running costs go well beyond fuel. The V12 needs specialist AMG servicing, and the heavy body wears through tyres and brake discs faster than a normal SUV does. In many European countries the high CO2 figure also means a high annual tax.

Equipment and the 2017 Final Edition

The G65 AMG came with almost everything on the options list. The old 1cars text describes designo leather upholstery with AMG badging, an instrument panel trimmed in leather and Alcantara, ambient lighting, illuminated stainless-steel sill plates and a chrome grille. The 2012 update also moved the central display higher up the dashboard.

The last cars were the G65 AMG Final Edition, released in late 2017 before the new G-Class arrived. Only 65 were made, with 30 for the USA. They are finished in Obsidian Black with bronze accents on the 21-inch wheels, mirror caps, grille surround and spare-wheel cover, and they have black designo Nappa leather with bronze stitching. One of them, with fewer than 2,700 miles, was sold by RM Sotheby's in Florida in 2019.

Safety: what the tests say

There is no published Euro NCAP or IIHS rating for the W463 generation that carries the G65 AMG. Safety relies on the strong frame, a full set of airbags and electronic stability control. Buyers who need a modern crash-test result should look at the second-generation G-Class launched in 2018, which has a new body.

What to check before buying a used G65

Condition and history matter more than the year on a car built in such small numbers:

• A full Mercedes-AMG service history, including the transmission and transfer-case oil changes.
• All three differential locks engaging and releasing without warning lights.
• Brake discs, pads and tyres, which are expensive at this weight and size.
• Signs of off-road use, such as damage to the underbody, steps or exhaust.
• For the Final Edition, the original paperwork and the matching bronze trim parts.

Rivals: how the G65 AMG compares

The G65 had no direct V12 rival in its day. The closest alternatives were the Range Rover Sport SVR and, from 2016, the Bentley Bentayga, plus the V8 G63 from its own showroom.

The Range Rover Sport SVR is lighter and better on the road, and the Bentayga is quieter and more refined. The G65 offers the old-school 4×4 hardware that neither of them has. For a more extreme take on the same idea, see the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6, built in about 100 examples with six-wheel drive.