Mercedes’ top brass have reportedly decided to wedge a 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12 under the bonnet of the old ‘gelande wagen’, to produce a limited run of G65 AMGs. Yes, what the world needs now, is another insanely rapid AMG version of the ancient, and slightly irrelevant G-Wagen.

According to Dutch website autoblog.nl, Mercedes has not yet confirmed or denied plans for the G65 AMG, but dealers have been putting the word out to potential buyers of the 604bhp monster. It’s still very much an internet rumour then, but given the old ’G’ is not long for this world, it would be a fitting swan song for the squared-off old brute.
With an inverse relationship between aerodynamics and power, that kind of engine really should be ample in the upright G-Wagen. Yet the same could be said about the current top-end flying brick, the G55, so maybe AMG has forgotten the German horsepower race is over.
If it has, who cares. The G-Wagen is one of a rare breed. Hopelessly dated and ludicrously expensive, yet massively desirable. There aren’t many rational reasons to plump for one over a supercharged Range Rover. Crucially though, the G-Wagen exudes character and exclusivity from its gappy shutlines and garden-shed stance. An over-engined anachronism perhaps, but the G65 AMG must be one of the coolest objects to blow £200k on.






