Here are 48 lesser-known facts about the Mercedes-AMG G63 and the Toyota Land Cruiser 300

Mercedes-AMG G63:

1. Military Origins: The G-Class started as a military vehicle in the 1970s before becoming a luxury SUV.

2. Hand-Built Engine: Each AMG G63 engine is hand-built by a single technician at AMG’s plant in Affalterbach, Germany.

3. Iconic Shape: Its boxy design has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 1979.

4. Door Handles: The G63’s door handles and locking mechanism are designed to mimic the feel of loading a rifle.

5. Supercar in Disguise: Despite its boxy shape, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to its 577-hp V8 engine.

6. Over 4 Decades: The G-Class has been in production for over 40 years, making it one of Mercedes-Benz’s longest-running models.

7. Bespoke Versions: Mercedes offers bespoke versions of the G-Class, including limited-run models like the G63 6×6 and Landaulet.

8. Named After Gelaendewagen: The “G” in G-Class stands for “Gelaendewagen,” which translates to “all-terrain vehicle.”

9. Three Locking Differentials: One of the few vehicles that offers front, center, and rear locking differentials.

10. Luxury and Off-Road: The G63 combines a luxurious cabin with serious off-road capabilities.

11. Brabus G-Class: German tuning house Brabus offers a 900-hp variant of the G63.

12. High Ground Clearance: The G63 has a ground clearance of 9.5 inches, which is among the highest in its class.

13. Production in Austria: The G-Class is produced by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.

14. Cultural Icon: The G-Wagen has become a status symbol, especially in pop culture and among celebrities.

15. AMG Lineup: The G63 is part of the high-performance AMG lineup, specifically tuned for speed and power.

16. Aerodynamics: Despite its boxy shape, engineers have worked to optimize aerodynamics for improved handling and stability.

17. Off-Road Packages: Mercedes offers specialized off-road packages for customers who want to push the G63 to its limits.

18. Custom Interiors: Buyers can completely customize the G63’s interior with materials like carbon fiber, leather, and Alcantara.

19. Air Suspension: It features an adaptive air suspension system that adjusts according to terrain and driving style.

20. Active Side Exhaust: The side-exit exhaust produces a unique growl and can be adjusted for sound levels.

21. Strong Demand: Despite its high price, demand for the AMG G63 remains strong globally.

22. Night Package: The G63 has a “Night Package” that includes black accents for a more aggressive look.

23. Heavyweight: The G63 weighs around 5,842 lbs, one of the heaviest in its class.

24. Pricey Maintenance: The G63’s maintenance and repairs are known to be more expensive than most luxury SUVs.

Toyota Land Cruiser 300:

1. New Platform: The Land Cruiser 300 series is based on Toyota’s new GA-F platform, which is part of the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture).

2. Twin-Turbo V6: Unlike its predecessor’s V8 engine, the 300 series comes with a more efficient twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

3. Lighter Frame: The LC300 is around 441 lbs lighter than the previous generation due to the use of high-tensile steel and aluminum.

4. Multi-Terrain Monitor: The 300 comes with a camera system that offers a view of the surrounding terrain, including under the vehicle.

5. Multi-Terrain Select: It features an updated Multi-Terrain Select system with automatic and manual modes to adapt to various surfaces like mud, sand, and rocks.

6. GR Sport Trim: Toyota introduced a new GR Sport trim for the LC300 with enhanced off-road features like electronic front and rear differential locks.

7. Reduced Center of Gravity: The LC300 has a lower center of gravity than the previous model, enhancing handling on rough terrain.

8. First Turbocharged Land Cruiser: The LC300 is the first Land Cruiser to feature a turbocharged petrol engine.

9. Active Height Control: It has an active height control system that adjusts the vehicle’s height for better off-road performance.

10. KDSS: The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) helps improve both on-road handling and off-road capability by automatically adjusting the suspension.

11. 3.5L V6: The LC300’s 3.5L twin-turbo V6 produces 409 horsepower, similar to the outgoing V8 in terms of power.

12. Fuel Efficiency: The V6 engine offers better fuel efficiency than the old V8, with a combined MPG rating of 19.

13. 10-Speed Automatic: It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a significant upgrade from the 8-speed in the previous model.

14. Iconic Heritage: The Land Cruiser series has been in production for over 70 years, beginning in 1951.

15. Low Profile Overseas: While the LC300 is not available in some markets like the U.S., it remains a staple in many regions, particularly the Middle East and Australia.

16. Advanced Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense comes standard, including pre-collision systems, lane-departure alerts, and radar cruise control.

17. Interior Upgrades: The interior features significant upgrades with leather upholstery, a larger infotainment screen, and wood trims.

18. Electronic Control: The LC300’s new Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) allows better wheel articulation off-road.

19. Torque: The 3.3L diesel engine option produces 700 Nm of torque, making it ideal for towing and off-road performance.

20. 12.3-inch Display: The 300 comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

21. Built for Harsh Conditions: The LC300 is tested in extreme conditions, including the Australian Outback, to ensure durability.

22. First-Ever GR Sport Model: The Land Cruiser 300 introduced the first-ever GR Sport model in the Land Cruiser lineup, emphasizing rugged styling and performance.

23. Heritage Features: The Land Cruiser retains design cues that pay homage to earlier models, such as the rear liftgate and upright front grille.

24. Adaptive Cruise Control: It has an adaptive cruise control system, a first for the Land Cruiser series, enhancing long-distance driving comfort.

These vehicles are both renowned for their ruggedness, but they bring unique aspects of performance and luxury to the table, making them top-tier choices for both urban and off-road adventures.
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