By Lee Pang Seng
IF MONEY is no problem, here are six ‘hot’ Mercedes-Benz models to choose from according to your whims and fancies. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia describes its latest model offerings as its luxury showcase to pander the elite class.
This latest luxury selection features four imported Mercedes-AMG models – Mercedes-AMG G 63, Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ along with a Coupé variant - and the locally assembled Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé. The sixth model option is the locally assembled Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupé Plug-in Hybrid.
Prices range from RM1,898,888 on the road without insurance for the imported Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ to RM425,888 under the same terms for the locally assembled Mercedes GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupé. Here’s a quick look at the respective model, beginning with the highest price model
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Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+
The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ comes with an AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine that is assembled purely by hand at the company's site in Affalterbach according to the ‘One Man, One Engine’ principle. The engine develops 430kW (585hp) and a maximum torque of 800Nm over a wide rev range from 2500 to 4500rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 315km/h. It comes with an AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active anti-roll stabilisation, AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission and rear-axle steering.
The exterior sees 21-inch AMG 10-twin-spoke forged wheels paired with yellow-painted AMG brake callipers, AMG Night Package II, AMG Exterior Carbon Package and Digital Light with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus. The interior is said to transform the tradition of the first 300 SL Roadster to the modern era with AMG Performance seats upholstered in nappa leather, Manufaktur roof liner in black Microcut microfibre, AMG carbon-fibre trim, and an AMG Performance steering wheel in carbon fibre design/Microcut microfibre. Let’s not forget the Burmester surround sound system, MBUX Interior Assistant and Driving Assistance Package. All for a cool RM1.9 million!
Mercedes-AMG G63
The all-new Mercedes-AMG G 63 takes the G-Wagon to new levels. Powered by the same tried-and-tested AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine as that in the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, output is the same too at 430kW (585hp) and 850Nm. A new feature is the combination with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator (ISG). This electrification provides an additional 15kW (20hp) of boost and 200Nm of torque for a short time.
From standstill, the heavier AMG G 63 takes 4.4 seconds to accelerate to 100km/h while the top speed is lower by comparison as a result of its square-cut body design at 220km/h. However, the AMG Performance Package enables a top speed of 240km/h. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active, hydraulic roll stabilisation and adaptive adjustable damping is said to make a significant contribution to this.
Its unique appearance sees a front end characterised by the AMG-specific radiator shell and large air inlet grilles in the front bumper. The AMG Night Package boasts sporty, expressive design elements in black or dark chrome. Red-painted AMG brake callipers, perforated brake discs and 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels round off the exterior design.
Inside, the Superior Line Interior is said to transform the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into a luxurious lounge with a sliding sunroof, instrument panel in nappa leather, elements in diamond design and active multi-contour nappa leather seats, including the Energising Package Plus with massage function and seat climate control. The Mercedes-AMG G 63 carries a price of RM1,798,888 on the road without insurance.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ and Coupé
The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine in these two models has a higher output of 450kW (612hp) to ensure powerful propulsion for a bigger size SUV (sport utility vehicle). The software is fine-tuned for the ESP configuration, electronically controlled rear axle limited-slip differential, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and suspension control system to deliver a ‘dynamic and superior driving experience’.
With a more powerful engine, the new AMG GLE goes from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and top speed is increased to 280km/h with the AMG Driver’s Package. The engine is electrified by means of an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a 48-volt electrical system. The new AMG GLE has a fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive adjustable damping.
Mercedes-AMG has upgraded the GLE and GLE Coupé models. From the front, they are recognised by the newly designed Multibeam LED (light emitting diode) headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus. They also come with AMG Night Package and a panoramic sliding sunroof.
The interior sees multicontour front seats that are climatised for ideal seating comfort. They are upholstered in AMG Exclusive Nappa leather black paired with AMG carbon-fibre trim. Other features include the Thermotronic automatic climate control, ambient lighting with animated projection of the AMG logo, Easy-pack tailgate, temperature-controlled cup holder, Keyless-Go Comfort Package, and Hands-Free Access.
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC+ is yours for RM1,191,888 on the road without insurance while the Coupé is priced slightly higher at RM1,229,888 under the same terms.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé & Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupé
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupé now comes as a plug-in hybrid with more than 100km (WLTP) in all-electric range. The full electric power is available up to 140km/h. Defining its sporty silhouette is the AMG Line exterior paired with 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. Other features include the panoramic sliding sunroof, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs and polished aluminium roof rails. The Digital Light feature complemented by Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus is said to provide drivers with high visibility in various driving conditions.
Inside, the Artico man-made leather upholstered seat design plays with layers and contoured surfaces. The GLC Coupé is equipped with a multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather and Burmester 3D surround sound system. The Driving Assistance Plus package includes Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Pre-Safe Impulse Side. Its price is 425,888 on the road without insurance.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé is powered by the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is developed and ‘meticulously crafted’ in Affalterbach, adhering to the 'One Man, One Engine' principle. This marks the second locally-assembled Mercedes-AMG vehicle to feature a signature hand-built engine, following the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC.
The AMG GLC Coupé has an output of 310kW (421hp) at 6750rpm and a maximum torque of 500Nm at 5000rpm. Depending on the situation, the system briefly provides an additional boost of 10kW (14hp) from the belt-driven starter generator (RSG). This GLC Coupé accelerates to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
Its sporty silhouette sees the headlamps connecting to the top of the AMG-specific radiator trim to emphasise the vehicle’s width. Supporting details are the wide track and flush-fitting 21-inch AMG Y-spoke light-alloy wheels and brake callipers painted in silver. Standard features are Digital Light and AMG Night Package.
The interior sees AMG sport seats in Artico man-made leather/Microcut AMG microfibre upholstery with unique graphics and covers. It also features an AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather, AMG carbon-fibre trim element and a centre console in metal-structure finish. Added comfort comes with the Burmester 3D surround sound system, MBUX augmented reality for navigation, Keyless-Go Comfort Package, Thermotronic automatic climate control, Driving Assistance Package Plus and ambient lighting.
As a Mercedes-AMG model, the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé comes at a higher price of RM498,888 on the road without insurance.