Mercedes-AMG G 65

A G 65, with side emblem noting the twin-turbo V-12
On the rear AMG and G 65 emblems, along with classic Mercedes star

The Mercedes-AMG G 65 (previously sold as Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMG) is a V12 engined (with twin turbochargers) version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The vehicle was sold in the 2010s and was one of the few vehicles at the time in the high-performance off road luxury market. The V-12 offered more power and smoother power compared to supercharged V-8 models in the Mercedes options at that time. The design was demonstrated in 2012, testing V-12 in this chassis and entered series production later. It was sold in 2013 in the EU and 2015 in the US, until the 2018 model year.

Overview

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G65
Front view

The G 65 was a version of the G-class with a luxury interior and a twin-turbo charged V-12 engine. The vehicle weighs 6,250-pound (2,835 kg) (US model as estimated by an automotive magazine publication) and has 603 hp going into a seven-speed transmission as of 2016.[1][2] In the United States it cost US$224,000 in the year 2016,[3] another source says it cost US$218,000.[4][5] It was noted as being cheaper than a previous limited production run of Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 (old-style name) from 2013.[4] (note in this period of the 2010s, transition AMG vehicles from Mercedes-Benz to Mercedes-AMG branding.[6] The US Version was previewed at the New York Auto Show in the spring of 2015 as a Mercedes-AMG model.[7]

The basic model was introduced in Europe in 2012 and in 2015 was introduced in the United States as a Mercedes-AMG brand model. Prior to its US launch, Daimler experienced sales of over 3000 G-class vehicles of which about half were the AMG specification version.[4] The car tuner Brabus also made a version of the G65.[8]

The 2016 model was noted as mix of old, high-performance, and off-road ability, with it being less luxury focused then a contemporary like the Bentley Bragata, but more expensive then the super-charged Range Rover (100+k) or a Jeep with all options topped out.[9]

The last year was 2018, with the "Final Edition" being the last models.[10] 65 models of the Final Edition were produced, and it featured bronze coloured 21 inch wheels, and also had a higher price tag.[11] The G 65 was at the top end of the range, which for example in Canada included the G550, G550 4x42 (portal axle), and G 63 (supercharged V8).[12]

Mercedes-AMG is a brand of Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz, Unimog, AMG, and Smart).

The 2018 model for the USA has the AMG bi-turbocharger V-12 producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft (US units).[13] This is connected to a 7-speed transmission and full-time four wheel drive drivetrain.[13] The G65 is more oriented towards urban driving, with low-profile tires and a 0-60 mph (96.56 km/h) time of 5.1 seconds making it fastest of MB G-Class models offered then.[13]

In contrast to the G63 in the MB product line, the 65 used a twin-turbocharged V-12, rather than a super-charged V-8.[9] Automotive journalists noted that the G65, despite being more expensive then that model was actually less ostentatious and the V-12 produced smoother more refined power then the supercharged V-8.[14]

V-12 powered SUV are not very common, the first appeared in the 1980s such as the Lamborghini LM002, vehicles that combined the idea of off luxury roading with a V-12. By the 2020s Mercedes had left this market leaving the more luxury focused Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Ferrari Purosangue. [15]

Specifications

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A mud covered G65 from off-road driving

Size:[1]

  • Wheelbase 112.2 in
  • Length 188.5 in
  • Width 73.0 in

Weight:

  • Estimated weight about 6,250-pound (2,835 kg) for US model.[1][2]

Fuel Capacity:

  • 25.4 gallons (about 96.15 litres) [16]

Max angle of approach:[16]

  • 36 degrees

Max angle of departure:[16]

  • 27 degrees

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Car and Driver - 2016 Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG
  2. ^ a b "2022 Mercedes-AMG G63 Review, Pricing, and Specs". 3 February 2022.
  3. ^ Bloomberg - 2016 Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG Is a $200,000 Way to Brag
  4. ^ a b c 2016 Mercedes-AMG G65 Brings V-12 Goodness For $218,825: Live Photos
  5. ^ Instrumented Test, March 2016
  6. ^ Mercedes kills AMG Sport sub-brand, promotes existing models to full AMG status January 15, 2016
  7. ^ NY LIVE: 2016 Mercedes-AMG G65
  8. ^ Brabus Eight Hundred IBusiness Mercedes Benz G65 AMG
  9. ^ a b "2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 review notes: An ostentatious display Merc's most rugged 4x4 probably won't see much dirt By Jake LingemanPublished: Jul 28, 2016".
  10. ^ "2018 Mercedes-AMG G 65 'Final Edition' | St. Moritz 2022". RM Sotheby's. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  11. ^ "Mercedes-AMG G 65 Final Edition: The Brute Retires". The Car Guide. 2017-10-19. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  12. ^ "Mercedes-AMG G 65 Final Edition: The Brute Retires". The Car Guide. 2017-10-19. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  13. ^ a b c Mercedes-AMG G65 SUV, carbuzz.com
  14. ^ "Tested: 2016 Mercedes-AMG G65 With 621 horsepower from its V-12, the G65 has no shortage of ridiculousness. Daniel PundPublished: Mar 18, 2016".
  15. ^ Horn, Gerhard (2024-04-07). "The Only V12 Powered SUVs Ever Made". CarBuzz. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  16. ^ a b c Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G 65 2017, suvdrive.com
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