It’s no secret that I adore the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and on a recent trip to Masiya’s Camp, part of The Royal Collection in the Thirnybush Reserve, I discovered yet again why the AMG-developed G63 carries the reputation that it does.
Our weekend escape to Masiya’s Camp began in Pretoria, with the Mercedes-AMG G63 idling quietly at the kerb – its upright stance a reminder that few SUVs carry presence like this one. There’s no mistaking the G63 for anything else on the road. It’s big, purposeful, and engineered to make the driver feel in charge before even selecting Drive.
The road north through Polokwane and over the Magoebaskloof Pass is one of my preferred routes into the Lowveld. It’s longer than the Dullstroom–Lydenburg alternative, but far more consistent in surface quality and far more interesting to drive. The twists and gradients through Magoebaskloof are the sort that let you understand what a vehicle’s chassis is really capable of.
For a 3,000-kilogram SUV, the G63 handled it with remarkable precision. Its AMG-tuned suspension – adaptive, multi-link, and carefully dialled in – makes it feel far more agile than its size suggests. You can sense the weight, but it never dictates the experience. Steering response is crisp, body roll is contained, and the overall balance is composed, even when the pace increases.
PUMPED YET REFINED
The 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that lurks under the big Merc’s clamshell bonnet develops 430 kW and 850 Nm. Those are serious numbers, even by AMG standards. The nine-speed automatic transmission moves through ratios seamlessly, keeping the engine right in its sweet spot. Power delivery is immediate, yet never aggressive, and traction from the AMG Performance 4MATIC system remains unshakable, even on loose or uneven surfaces.
Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds would be impressive in a sports saloon, and in something this size, it borders on the improbable. What’s more telling is how the G63 puts that performance to use. On open highway stretches, it cruises effortlessly. Through the bends of the pass, it settles in, feeling taut but never nervous. It’s the sort of confidence that comes from careful engineering, not brute force.
Despite the power, fuel consumption over our entire trip averaged a measured 11.2 l/100 km – a figure that shows the efficiency improvements Mercedes-AMG has built into its latest V8 powertrains. It’s a detail that doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but it matters on a 600-kilometre drive.
COMFORT AND CONTROL
Inside, the G63 trades its military-grade exterior for something close to first-class. The cabin feels more like a luxury lounge than a performance SUV, with extensive Nappa leather, solid metal switchgear, and a digital interface that’s both sharp and intuitive. The front seats adjust every which way, with heating, cooling, and massage functions, while the Burmester sound system makes the most of the car’s near-silent refinement.
The driving position is commanding but not intimidating, and visibility in all directions is excellent. The G63’s doors close with a reassuring heft, and once sealed inside, the outside world fades almost entirely. Even on coarser road surfaces beyond Tzaneen, the cabin remained calm – a reminder that this vehicle is designed to deliver comfort no matter what’s happening underfoot.
THE ROAD AND THE MACHINE
Climbing and descending the Magoebaskloof, the G63’s character came into focus. In Comfort mode, it glides smoothly, with the suspension absorbing imperfections. Switch to Sport, and everything sharpens – throttle response, damping, and exhaust tone – but always within the limits of composure. There’s an honesty to how it drives; the steering tells you just enough, the brakes feel progressive, and the drivetrain always feels ready.
Many large SUVs try to disguise their size. The G63 doesn’t. It embraces it, using engineering precision to make that mass work in its favour. It feels planted, secure, and deliberate – a machine that moves with intent rather than haste.
INTO THE BUSH
By the time we turned off towards Hoedspruit and onto the gravel approach roads leading to the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, the G63 had settled into its natural rhythm. The gravel didn’t bother it. The adaptive suspension absorbed the corrugations, and the permanent all-wheel drive kept the surface chatter away from the cabin. There’s a sense that the car could go much further into the wild than most owners would ever take it.
When we arrived at Masiya’s Camp, part of The Royal Portfolio, the connection between destination and vehicle made immediate sense. The camp is beautifully built – glass, timber, and stone blending into the landscape – and its standard of luxury mirrors that of the G63. Private plunge pools, generous decks, and every conceivable comfort make it an exceptional place to unwind.
For all its refinement, Masiya’s Camp never feels out of place in the bush. It’s luxurious, yes, but quietly so. In the same way, the G63 may look imposing, but it never feels showy. The two share that balance between confidence and restraint.
LAST WORD
The pairing worked better than I’d expected. Both are designed for people who appreciate craftsmanship, performance, and attention to detail. Both are indulgent, but with purpose. The G63 carried us across highways, mountain passes, and dirt tracks without ever feeling out of its element, while the camp offered the kind of calm that makes the journey worthwhile.
The Mercedes-AMG G63 is not about excess, but rather about execution. Every element, from the suspension tuning to the cabin design, feels considered. It’s a machine that rewards long drives and challenges assumptions about what a large SUV can do. And when the road leads somewhere as remarkable as Masiya’s Camp, it becomes clear that some vehicles are built for journeys that deserve to be remembered.
Report & Images by BERNIE HELLBERG JR
