Saar: It is powered by a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 585PS/850Nm.

Mercedes-Benz India will launch the all-new G-Class on October 5, 2018. As before, it will come in just one variant – the AMG-spec G 63. Let’s uncomplicate the name first. It will be called the Mercedes-AMG G 63. And as we car nutters know, as soon as the acronym AMG comes into the party, there’s only one thing to expect – outrageous performance.

Unlike its predecessor, which housed a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet, the new model will have just 4.0-litres of cubic capacity to play with, albeit with the help of two turbochargers. Don’t let the smaller displacement fool you, though. The new Mercedes-AMG G 63 will have 585PS of power and 850Nm of torque at its disposal. Transmission duties are handled by a 9-speed AMG-spec automatic transmission which routes the power to the road via a rear-biased (40:60) 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system.

Mercedes-Benz claims that the G 63 can complete the 0-100kmph sprint in just 4.5 seconds and reach the electronically limited top speed of 220kmph. That latter limit can be increased to 240kmph with the optional AMG Driver’s package. Obviously, there’s also a low range gearbox to tackle the rough stuff on the move. The off-road reduction gear can be engaged via the low range switch at speeds up to 40kmph. However, the switch from low to high range can be done at speeds up to 70kmph.

To enhance the fuel efficiency, the new Mercedes-AMG G 63 also comes with cylinder deactivation system. In partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated. In such a scenario, the G 63 has just four cylinders in use. The cylinder deactivation system is also linked to the transmission driving modes. If the driver has selected the “Comfort” mode, the cylinder deactivation system plays its role over a wider range from 1,000 to 3,250rpm. The company claims that as and when the system feels more power is needed from the engine, it backs off allowing all eight cylinders to fire up and this operation is quick and imperceptible.

The best thing about the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is its go-anywhere attitude. There is no scenario where it won’t fit on a day-to-day basis. Although it has a hardcore powerplant, backed by potent mechanicals to keep it going in almost all kinds of terrains, the G 63 also has a big list of creature comforts. It includes LED-powered headlamps, indicators and taillights, 22-inch alloy wheels, two 12.3-inch displays blended neatly in a single glass slab, AMG performance steering wheel, multiple driving modes and a cabin which is significantly roomier than its predecessor.

Speaking of which, the old Mercedes-AMG G 63 was priced at Rs 2.19 crore. The new model, which will lock horns with the likes of the Range Rover Sport SVR (priced at Rs 1.97 crore), is liked to carry a similar price tag. Before launching the Mercedes-AMG G 63, the company will also be launching the mid-life update of the C-Class and the E-Class All-Terrain. (All prices are ex-showroom India)