This might look like a run-of-the-mill Mercedes-AMG G63 (if such a thing exists) but make no mistake: beneath the skin this SUV’s been reinforced with ballistic composite materials. Yes, what you’re looking at here is an armoured G63.
Manufactured by Canadian firm INKAS, this bulletproof Geländewagen has been developed to meet CEN 1063 BR6 ballistic standards, which means it’s able to withstand high-power rifle ammunition, such as that from an AK-47. The company claims the now-reinforced floor is able to endure a simultaneous detonation of two hand grenades (to find out exactly how a production verhicle is converted to an armoured vehicle, click here).
Other added safety kit includes multi-layered, bullet resistant windows; perimeter protection of the passenger compartment; and battery and electronic control module protection. The reinforced suspension setup is standard fitment. Heavy-duty wheels and brakes, a fire supression and intercom system, and emergency lights are optional.
It would probably be safe to say all this bulletproofing has resulted in added weight (for reference, the G63 we tested in February 2019 tipped our scales at 2 599 kg) and has impacted on the G’s driving manners, but INKAS claims otherwise, saying the armoured version drives similar to the “soft-skin” SUV on which it is based.
No modifications have been made under the bonnet, and the G-Wagon’s 4,0-litre twinturbo V8 still churns out 430 kW and 850 N.m of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
