Headline features for the G65 AMG include a 604bhp, 6.0-litre V12 and a price tag of 264,180 euros – almost mocking the circa 190,000 euros the manufacturer asks for its high-tech supercar, the SLS AMG.
With the 63 and 65 near-identical in terms of performance (just one tenth shaved off the 0-62mph sprint) and styling (only a chrome grille, new wheels and subtle ‘V12 BiTurbo’ badges differentiating), it’s difficult to see how the 126,675-euro gap between the two can be justified.
But the main target audience must be considered: the majority will be shipped to the Middle and Far East, where the ultra-wealthy prefer dozen-cylinder motivation and will pay whatever necessary to have a V12 propelling a vehicle suited to their surroundings.
How does Mercedes know this? Because Brabus, the well-known Mercedes tuner, has been shoehorning V12s into ‘G-wagons’ for years – and selling droves of them in the process.
Aside from the aforementioned, other differences between this and the G63 are minimal. UK buyers will have to ‘settle’ for the V8-engined vehicle, as Mercedes – perhaps wisely – didn’t anticipate enough demand for the V12 behemoth from British buyers.
Photos: Mercedes-AMG