- Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE
- Mercedes-AMG ONE
- Mercedes-AMG G 63
- Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE
- Mercedes-AMG CLA 35
- What Does 63 Stand for In AMG?
- Your AMG Journey Starts Here: The Final Verdict
Welcome to the world of AMG. For those of us navigating the roads of the GCC, from the sweeping highways of Riyadh to the bustling boulevards of Dubai, a car is more than just transport—it's a statement. And few statements are as loud, clear, and respected as the three letters: A-M-G.
Born on the racetrack and refined for the road, Mercedes-AMG represents the pinnacle of performance engineering from the German marque. It's a sub-brand that takes already luxurious and capable Mercedes-Benz vehicles and injects them with a dose of adrenaline, hand-crafted power, and an unmistakable acoustic signature.
But the AMG lineup is vast and varied. Choosing the right one for your lifestyle in the Middle East can be a delightful challenge. Do you need the unbridled presence of a G 63 pulling up to the valet at the Kingdom Centre? Or the sophisticated, sledgehammer performance of an S 63 for effortless cross-country journeys?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down five of the most compelling, must-try AMG models available today. We’ll dive deep into what makes each one special, who it’s for, and how it fits into the unique automotive landscape of our region. Let’s fire up the engines.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE
Overview
If you've ever found yourself wishing for a car with the heart of a supercar, the practicality of a sedan, and the devastating good looks of a coupe, your search ends here. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE is not just a car; it's a solution. It’s the answer to the question, "Can one car do it all?" In the context of the GCC, where family, business, and pleasure often intertwine, this four-door coupe stands as a titan of versatility. Its design is pure aggression and elegance. The long bonnet, the muscular rear haunches, and the fastback roofline create a silhouette that’s both imposing and beautiful. The signature Panamericana grille signals its intent long before you hear the engine, making it instantly recognizable on Sheikh Zayed Road or the Corniche.
Special Features
The "E PERFORMANCE" in its name is the headline act. This isn't your neighbour's Toyota Prius hybrid system. This is Formula 1 technology, trickled down for the road. AMG pairs its legendary 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with a rear-axle-mounted Electric Drive Unit (EDU). This setup is engineered for one thing: explosive, instantaneous power delivery.
Key features that make it a masterpiece for our region include:
AMG RIDE CONTROL+: This air suspension system is a godsend. It can be plush and comfortable for navigating the often-congested city streets of Jeddah, but with the flick of a switch, it firms up for a spirited drive on the winding roads towards Jebel Jais. It constantly adapts to the road surface and your driving style.
Rear-Axle Steering: A car this long could be cumbersome in tight underground parking lots. The rear-axle steering makes it feel surprisingly agile, turning the rear wheels opposite to the front at low speeds for a smaller turning circle. At high speeds, they turn in the same direction, enhancing stability during those fast lane changes on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway.
AMG Ceramic High-Performance Composite Brakes: When you have this much power, you need equally immense stopping capability. These optional ceramic brakes are not only resistant to fade during hard driving but also crucial for safety in a region where high-speed cruising is the norm. They provide confidence-inspiring stopping power, time and time again.
MBUX with AMG-Specific Displays: The interior is a tech-lover's dream, with the dual-screen MBUX system providing hybrid-specific readouts, track data, and seamless connectivity—essential for the modern professional in the Gulf.
Performance and Price
Let's talk numbers, because they are truly staggering.
Combined Power: 843 horsepower
Combined Torque: 1,470 Nm (Yes, you read that right)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 316 km/h
To put that 0-100 km/h time into perspective, it's quicker than many dedicated two-seater supercars from Italy. The electric motor fills in any hint of turbo lag, providing a relentless shove in the back that feels like a private jet on take-off. Yet, it can also cruise silently on electric power for short distances, perfect for quiet, early-morning departures.
Price: Expect the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE to start from approximately 950,000 SAR in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with prices climbing significantly with options from the G-Manufaktur customization program.
Verdict: This is the ultimate AMG for the executive who refuses to compromise. It’s a family car, a business limousine, and a track weapon rolled into one breathtaking package.
Mercedes-AMG ONE
Overview
This is not a car. This is a monument. The Mercedes-AMG ONE is the most ambitious, most technologically advanced, and most exclusive vehicle ever to wear the three-pointed star. It is, quite literally, a Formula 1 car made legal for the road. Limited to just 275 units worldwide, seeing one of these in the wild will be an event. For the discerning collector in the GCC, a region with a deep appreciation for the rarest and most exclusive hypercars, the AMG ONE is the undisputed holy grail. Its form is dictated entirely by function and aerodynamics. Every scoop, wing, and vent—from the F1-style roof intake to the active louvres on the front arches—is there to manage airflow and generate downforce. It’s a machine that looks like it’s doing 300 km/h even when standing still.
Special Features
Where do you even begin? The entire car is a "special feature." The core of the vehicle is its F1-derived hybrid powertrain and carbon fibre monocoque chassis. Owning one is less like owning a car and more like being the custodian of a piece of motorsport history.
Here are some of its defining F1-derived technologies:
F1 Hybrid Powertrain: The heart is a 1.6-litre V6 single-turbo engine that revs to an astonishing 11,000 rpm, combined with four electric motors. Two drive the front wheels, one is integrated into the crankcase (MGU-K), and one is in the turbocharger (MGU-H) to eliminate lag. The complexity of this system is mind-boggling, and it requires a specialized pre-heating sequence before you can even start it, just like a real F1 car.
Active Aerodynamics: The car physically transforms depending on the drive mode. In "Race DRS" (Drag Reduction System) mode, the rear wing flap retracts and the fender louvres close to reduce drag for maximum straight-line speed on a track like the Dubai Autodrome or Yas Marina Circuit.
Push-Rod Suspension: Instead of conventional struts, the AMG ONE uses a multi-link push-rod suspension system, both front and rear. This setup, taken directly from motorsport, reduces unsprung mass and allows for incredibly precise control over the car's handling dynamics.
Carbon Fibre Everything: The chassis, the bodywork, and even the wheels are crafted from lightweight carbon fibre to keep the weight down and structural rigidity at a maximum.
Performance and Price
The performance figures are, as expected, otherworldly.
Combined Power: 1,063 horsepower
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 2.9 seconds
Acceleration (0-200 km/h): 7.0 seconds
Top Speed: Electronically limited to 352 km/h
While the 0-100 km/h time is similar to the GT 63, the story of the ONE is its performance at higher speeds and on a racetrack. The way it generates downforce and corners is unlike any other road car. This is not a car for a casual drive to the coffee shop; its low ground clearance and aggressive nature make it a dedicated track machine. Maintenance will be a highly specialized affair, likely requiring flying technicians from AMG headquarters in Affalterbach.
Price: All 275 units were sold out long ago to loyal Mercedes customers for a price of around 11 Million SAR. Today, they are trading on the secondary market for significantly more.
Verdict: The AMG ONE is not for the driver; it’s for the collector. It is the ultimate expression of what is technologically possible, a rolling testament to Mercedes-AMG's seven F1 constructor's championships.
Mercedes-AMG G 63
Overview
In the Middle East, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is more than just an SUV; it’s an icon. It is the undisputed king of road presence. Nothing else, perhaps short of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, commands the same level of respect and attention. From the valet stands of Dubai's DIFC to the vast desert landscapes outside Riyadh, the G 63 is perfectly at home. Its design is a timeless paradox: a utilitarian, military-derived box from the 1970s, updated with modern luxury and powered by a hand-built AMG monster of an engine. The solid "clack" of the door closing, the side-exit exhausts, and the commanding, upright driving position are all part of an experience that no other vehicle can replicate.
Special Features
While its shape is classic, the G 63 is packed with modern technology that makes it surprisingly capable both on and off the road. It’s this blend of old-school charm and new-school tech that makes it so beloved in the GCC.
Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo: The heart and soul of the G 63. This engine provides not just immense power but also the thunderous, signature AMG soundtrack that bellows from its side pipes. It’s a sound that announces your arrival long before you’re seen.
Three Differential Locks: This is the G-Wagen's legendary off-road credential. While many rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo focus purely on on-road performance, the G 63 retains its incredible off-road prowess. For the adventurous owner in Saudi Arabia or Oman, this means you can genuinely take your six-figure luxury SUV into serious dunes and wadis.
AMG RIDE CONTROL: The adaptive damping system transforms the G 63’s on-road manners. Previous generations could feel agricultural, but the current model is remarkably comfortable and composed on the highway, easily soaking up imperfections. Yet, it can be firmed up for more dynamic driving.
G Manufaktur Program: Customization is key for luxury buyers in the Gulf. The G Manufaktur program allows for a near-endless combination of exclusive paints, interior leathers, and trims. This ensures that your G 63 can be a unique reflection of your personal style, a crucial factor when the model is so popular.
Performance and Price
For a vehicle weighing over 2.5 tonnes and shaped like a brick, the performance is frankly hilarious.
Power: 585 horsepower
Torque: 850 Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 4.5 seconds
Top Speed: 220 km/h (or 240 km/h with the AMG Driver's Package)
The sensation of accelerating in a G 63 is unique. You sit high above the road as this monolithic machine lifts its nose and hurtles towards the horizon with a V8 roar. It defies physics. While fuel economy is, predictably, not its strong suit, for the target demographic, the cost of fuel is a minor footnote to the overall ownership experience.
Price: The Mercedes-AMG G 63 starts at approximately 850,000 SAR, but demand is so high and the options list so long that most examples leave the showroom floor for well over 1,000,000 SAR.
Verdict: The G 63 is the ultimate automotive status symbol in the Middle East. It's a statement of success, power, and an appreciation for an automotive legend. It's as much a part of the regional landscape as the supertalls that define its skylines. It is, without a doubt, one of the best SUVs in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC.
Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE
Overview
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the benchmark for luxury sedans—the yardstick by which all others are measured. It represents the pinnacle of comfort, technology, and silent, effortless travel. So what happens when you hand it over to the engineers at AMG? You get the S 63 E PERFORMANCE: the iron fist in the most opulent velvet glove imaginable. This is the ultimate "Q-car" or "sleeper." To the untrained eye, it’s a beautifully appointed S-Class. But the subtle AMG badges, the Panamericana grille, and the quad exhaust tips hint at the F1-derived hybrid powertrain lurking beneath. It’s a car for the discerning individual who commands a boardroom but also craves the thrill of commanding 802 horsepower.
Special Features
The S 63 is a showcase of the best technology Mercedes-Benz and AMG have to offer, seamlessly blending world-class luxury with shocking performance.
E PERFORMANCE Hybrid Powertrain: Like the GT 63, the S 63 uses the potent combination of a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine and a rear-axle electric motor. The system is tuned for a slightly different character, emphasizing supreme, seamless power delivery. You can glide out of your neighbourhood in complete silence in electric mode, and then unleash the V8's fury on the open highway.
Executive Rear Seat Package: This is where the S-Class DNA shines. While the driver is having fun, the rear passengers can be ensconced in reclining, massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, controlling their environment via a dedicated tablet. It’s the perfect car for being chauffeured to a business meeting in Riyadh and then driving yourself for pleasure on the weekend.
MBUX Hyperscreen (Optional): This stunning, pillar-to-pillar glass screen integrates three separate displays into one seamless unit. It’s the very definition of a high-tech cockpit and feels like something from a futuristic concept car.
Active Ride Control with Roll Stabilization: This advanced system uses the 48-volt electrical system to actively counteract body roll in corners. It keeps the car incredibly flat and stable, making it feel much smaller and more agile than its size would suggest. This is crucial for maintaining comfort for passengers even during spirited driving.
Performance and Price
The S 63 redefines what a large luxury sedan is capable of.
Combined Power: 802 horsepower
Combined Torque: 1,430 Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 290 km/h
The sheer force of this car's acceleration is breathtaking, especially given its serene and isolated cabin. It’s like being in the world's fastest, most luxurious bank vault. It competes directly with rivals like the BMW M760e and the Audi S8, but the S 63's F1-derived hybrid tech gives it a significant edge in raw power and technological intrigue.
Price: As the flagship performance sedan, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE commands a premium price, starting from around 1,100,000 SAR.
Verdict: The S 63 is for the leader who wants it all and wants it without compromise. It is the most powerful S-Class of all time, offering a duality of character—serene limousine and brutal sports sedan—that is unmatched in its class.
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35
Overview
For many years, the world of AMG was an exclusive club with a high price of entry. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 changed that. This is the gateway drug, the accessible entry point into the exhilarating world of AMG performance. Based on the stylish CLA "four-door coupe," the 35 model offers a compelling package of head-turning looks, genuine performance, and daily usability, all at a price point that puts it within reach of a much wider audience. For the young professional in Dubai, the up-and-coming entrepreneur in Kuwait, or the enthusiast looking for a fun and stylish daily driver, the CLA 35 is an incredibly attractive proposition. It looks fast, feels special, and proudly wears the AMG badge. This is the cheapest AMG in the market, but it is by no means a diluted experience.
Special Features
The CLA 35 cleverly packages the core AMG experience into a more compact and efficient format. It doesn't have a hand-built V8, but it has the spirit and technology that define the brand.
AMG-Enhanced 2.0L Turbo Engine: This isn't the standard Mercedes 2.0-litre. AMG has worked its magic on it, with a twin-scroll turbocharger, revised engine management, and other tweaks to produce a lively and responsive 306 horsepower. It delivers a satisfying punch and a sporty exhaust note.
AMG Performance 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive: This intelligent system provides excellent traction off the line and confidence in corners. It can vary the torque split from 100% front-wheel drive for efficient cruising to a 50:50 split when you need maximum grip, making it a safe and engaging car to drive quickly.
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT: The CLA 35 inherits the drive mode selector from its bigger brothers. You can switch between "Slippery," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport+," and "Individual," which adjust the engine response, transmission logic, suspension (with optional adaptive dampers), and steering feel. It allows you to tailor the car's character to your mood.
Signature AMG Cockpit: Inside, you get the full MBUX widescreen cockpit with AMG-specific displays like a G-meter and engine data. The optional AMG Performance steering wheel with its integrated drive mode dials makes you feel like you’re in a much more expensive machine.
Performance and Price
The CLA 35 offers performance that would have embarrassed supercars from not too long ago.
Power: 306 horsepower
Torque: 400 Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 4.9 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
A sub-five-second 0-100 time is genuinely quick and makes the CLA 35 a blast to drive in the city and on winding back roads. It’s a nimble, agile car that feels light on its feet. Furthermore, its running costs, including fuel and car maintenance tips UAE-based owners would appreciate, are significantly lower than the V8-powered AMGs, making it a more practical choice as a sole vehicle.
Price: The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 offers fantastic value, with a starting price of approximately 280,000 SAR.
Verdict: The CLA 35 is the perfect introduction to the AMG family. It proves that you don't need a monstrous V8 to have a thrilling driving experience. It’s stylish, quick, packed with tech, and carries the immense prestige of the AMG badge.
What Does 63 Stand for In AMG?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike. For decades, the number "63" has been synonymous with the most powerful and desirable AMG models. But what does it actually mean?
Originally, the number represented engine displacement. The legend was born with the M156 engine, introduced in 2006. This was the first engine developed entirely by AMG from a clean sheet of paper. It was a magnificent, naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 (with a displacement of 6,208cc, to be precise). To pay homage to the classic 1960s Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, one of the first super-sedans, AMG badged these new cars as "63". This engine, with its thunderous roar and high-revving nature, became an icon in models like the C 63, E 63, and SLS AMG.
However, in the modern era of downsizing and turbocharging for efficiency and power, things have changed. Today, the "63" badge no longer refers to the engine's displacement.
Most current "63" models, like the G 63 and the new S 63, use a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine. So, why keep the name?
The "63" has evolved from a number into a brand identity. It represents the highest tier of performance within the mainstream AMG lineup. It signifies:
A hand-built V8 engine (or V8 hybrid).
The most aggressive styling.
The most advanced performance technology (suspension, brakes, dynamics).
The pinnacle of power and prestige in its respective model class.
Think of it as a hierarchy. You have the "35" and "43" models (four and six-cylinders), the potent "53" models (inline-six with mild-hybrid tech), and at the very top, the legendary "63". The number is now a promise—a promise of a certain level of unparalleled V8-powered performance and heritage.
Your AMG Journey Starts Here: The Final Verdict
Choosing a Mercedes-AMG is a decision driven as much by the heart as it is by the head. Each model offers a unique personality, a distinct flavour of the performance that has made the Affalterbach brand a legend in the automotive world.
Let's recap who each of our top 5 models is for:
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE: The ultimate all-rounder. For the individual who needs one car to be a family hauler, a business express, and a supercar-slayer.
Mercedes-AMG ONE: The collector's dream. A piece of F1 history for the road, destined for climate-controlled garages and exclusive track days.
Mercedes-AMG G 63: The king of status. The undisputed icon of the GCC's roads and dunes, blending timeless style with brutal power and surprising versatility.
Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE: The velvet sledgehammer. For the C-suite executive who values ultimate luxury and comfort but desires the hidden, explosive power of a top-tier performance car.
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: The gateway to greatness. The perfect, accessible entry into the AMG family for the young and ambitious, offering style, fun, and prestige in one package.
Whether you're drawn to the accessible thrills of the CLA 35 or the iconic presence of the G 63, owning an AMG in the Middle East is a special experience. It’s about more than just getting from A to B; it's about the sound, the power, and the feeling of commanding a machine built with passion and precision. Our advice? Visit your local dealership, be it Juffali in KSA or Gargash in the UAE, and get behind the wheel. The right AMG is the one that speaks to you.
