Cadillac Escalade
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Land Rover Defender 130 V8
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Mercedes-AMG G 63
New wine in old wineskins
The test drive vehicle was the Mercedes-AMG G 63 Launch Edition, which commemorates the introduction of the new G-Class.
The Mercedes G-Class has undergone numerous model changes and facelifts, yet its unchanged appearance inspires awe. Even 45 years after its launch, the doors are still hinged on the outside, and although the glass is actually three-dimensionally curved, it is designed to look like flat glass. This is because Mercedes is well aware that the key to its continued popularity is to maintain the familiar appearance of the G-Class.
The inheritance of this tradition is not limited to the exterior. The “click” sound when opening and closing the doors and the assist handle on the glove box are all the same as they were 45 years ago. The three differential lock switches lined up on the center console are also essential items that symbolize the G-Class’s off-road capabilities.
The test drive vehicle was the luxurious “Launch Edition” model, which was announced during last year’s minor change and comes standard with diamond-stitched nappa leather seats and carbon fiber panels. The AMG performance steering wheel has also been updated to the latest design.
In a full model change seven years ago, the front suspension was changed to an independent type, but the rear remains rigid, and the sturdy-looking differential and suspension arms seem to be testament to the vehicle’s track record, having been adopted by NATO forces. The continued use of the traditional ladder frame system is also a manifestation of the firm belief that “this is how a cross-country 4WD should be.”
The G 63 has differential locks in three places: front, center, and rear. Of course, it also has a low-range mode. Pressing the “OFFROAD COCKPIT” button switches the monitor to off-road mode.
But once you get behind the wheel, you’ll realise the G-Class has come a long way.
The independent front suspension dramatically improved handling precision and modernized the ride, which was a real eye-opener. However, a minor change implemented last year further reduced the impression of the suspension being forcibly held down by powerful springs and dampers, resulting in a more modern ride. The same goes for the handling, which responds without delay to even the most delicate inputs, leaving no trace of its former self. This is likely due to the AMG Active Ride Control suspension used in the test car, the G63.
Even so, when the body was thrown up sharply, I felt a sudden shock as if the car was being pulled backwards. This is probably a bad habit of rigid axles.
On the other hand, the G-Class has seen remarkable advances in features such as ADAS and MBUX. It seems that there is sometimes deep meaning in “putting new wine into old wineskins.”
The opposite approach to the G-Class
The test drive vehicle was the long-body “130” V8 engine model, which was added as a 2025 model.
The Defender is a cross-country 4WD car with the same lineage as the G-Class, but its origins lie in the first Land Rover, which debuted in 1948, giving it a history spanning 77 years. However, the evolutionary paths the two cars have taken are so different that they could almost be called polar opposites.
This car has also undergone repeated small improvements over its long history. It was first called the Defender in 1990 and its variations were expanded, but the decisive evolution occurred in 2018, coincidentally the same year as the G-Class. However, not only did the Defender’s exterior receive a completely modern makeover, but the suspension was also upgraded to four-wheel independent and equipped with air suspension, which was previously taboo in full-scale cross-country 4WDs. Furthermore, the body was changed to a monocoque structure and the 4WD torque distribution mechanism became an electronically controlled variable system.
The AWD system has a low range and is equipped with center and rear differential locks. The driving modes are divided into various off-road modes according to road conditions, such as “grass/gravel/snow,” “mud/ruts,” “sand,” and “river crossing.”
As a result, the Defender offers comfort and handling on par with the latest on-road SUVs, and is far more agile and smooth than the G-Class.
So what about the off-road performance and durability? Not only are there no problems at all, but they are at an astonishing level, as was revealed at the international test drive event for the Defender OCTA that I recently attended. Incidentally, the OCTA’s monocoque body, air suspension, and electronically controlled variable 4WD are the same as other Defenders, so it can be said that this confirms the off-road performance and durability of the entire Defender series.
The 2025 model will see a change to the shape of the center console, with the addition of a tray and an enlarged wireless charging pad. The test vehicle was an eight-seater with three rows of seats, but there are also seven-seater versions with captain seats in the second row and five-seater versions without a third row available.
The test car, the 130 V8, is equipped with a 5.0-liter supercharged engine that is different from the OCTA. It exerts incredible instantaneous power from the bottom end, accelerating the over 2.5 ton body with ease. The driving experience is exhilarating.
The tire feel was a little hard, which must have been due to the 22-inch tires the test car was equipped with. However, the suspension itself was smooth, and I was not dissatisfied with the way it kept the body level.
However, the Defender’s greatest appeal is undoubtedly its modern design. It pays the utmost respect to its traditions, faithfully inheriting the concept while reinterpreting everything in a modern way, in perfect sync with the evolution of its mechanisms.
[1]
[2]
[3]
[1] The M177-type 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine is widely used in AMG’s “63” series models. Its specifications are 585 PS/6000 rpm and 850 Nm/2500-3500 rpm. It is the highest-performance of the three, but it is further boosted by a 48V mild hybrid motor (20 PS/200 Nm). [2] Starting with the 2025 model, a V8 engine will be added to the Defender’s three-row seat version, the “130.” The 5.0-liter V8 DOHC supercharger produces 500 PS/6000-6500 rpm and 610 Nm/2500-5000 rpm. Due to emissions concerns, power will be reduced by 25 PS from the “110 V8.” [3] The Escalade’s V8 is a naturally aspirated engine, which is now rare. The 6.2-liter engine produces a maximum output of 416 PS at 5,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 624 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It’s a traditional OHV, of course. To optimize the front-to-rear weight distribution, the engine is mounted rearward, almost as if it’s embedded in the bulkhead.
A V8 Beat with a magnificent appearance
The Escalade is available in three trim levels: Sport, Platinum, and Premium. The test drive vehicle was the Platinum model.
The Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover Defender are European-born cross-country 4WDs with a long history, but the Cadillac Escalade, introduced last, is an American-born on-road SUV, and while both have a “tough look,” they have completely different origins.
You’ll notice this the moment you step into the cabin. The interior, covered in soft leather and elegant wood fascia, is reminiscent of a relaxed bar. The dual curved digital meter panel is a truly American expression of luxury. Incidentally, the Escalade is the only one of the three models to feature independent captain-style seats in the second row. The excellent comfort and seating space of the third row seats also exude the tradition of American hospitality.
The instrument panel has a passenger car-like design, including a 38-inch organic EL display that combines three screens. The test drive vehicle was the mid-range grade “Platinum” with seven seats in a 2-2-3 configuration. The basic grade “Premium” has eight seats in a 2-3-3 configuration.
The soft, comfortable ride of the tires is also something that seems to appeal to Americans. However, unlike before, it doesn’t pitch endlessly, and the more you turn the steering, the more it turns. However, the response is gentle, and there are still vague areas around straight lines, but this should be seen as a deliberate setting to give a relaxed driving feel.
The 6.2-liter V8 OHV engine is also very American. It delivers the natural response of a naturally aspirated engine, while producing ample torque at any speed. Its ease of handling is second to none.
But what Americans seem to love most about the Escalade is the constant, steady, and satisfying thump of the V8 engine. It’s not too loud, and the noise and vibrations are kept to a comfortable level, perfectly suited to the majestic Escalade’s appearance.
The AWD system can automatically switch between 2WD and 4WD, or can be selected at will. It also features a low range. Driving modes include “off-road” and “towing” modes.
Its neat styling doesn’t stand out in Japan’s traffic environment, where minivans are often intimidating, but rather gives the impression of blending in seamlessly. The Escalade used to convey a strong sense of intimidation just because of its sheer size, but surprisingly, it appears the most demure of the three. Perhaps this is the right look for an SUV owned by someone successful in American society.
All of the “tough-looking SUVs” are unique.
[1]
[2]
[3]
[1] The G 63’s luggage room capacity is normally 640 liters, but expands to 2010 liters when the rear seats are folded down. The luggage board in the photo is a dealer option. [2] The luggage room capacity is 290 to 1876 liters for an eight-seater. The third-row seats can be manually deployed/stored from the luggage compartment side by pulling the belt on the back. [3] The Escalade, the largest of the three vehicles, also has a huge luggage room capacity of 722 to 3426 liters. The third-row seats can be deployed/stored electrically from the luggage compartment side.
What struck me after test driving the three tough-looking SUVs was how each model reflected the national character of the manufacturer that produced it. The G-Class and Defender in particular are interesting in that they have completely different interpretations of tradition.
Personally, I had the impression that Germany was at the forefront of technology, while Britain valued long-standing traditions, but as mentioned above, the G-Class and Defender are the exact opposite. This fact can be interpreted as meaning that the Germans, who understand the importance of technology, are particular about traditional forms, while the British, who value the importance of tradition, have never neglected to evolve. And the Escalade, which goes its own way, can be seen as reflecting the uniqueness and depth of the huge American automobile market.
In any case, the front mask symbolizes the character of the car. The intimidating SUVs that make this impression are not only all unique, but also allow you to enjoy the history of each model, the traditions of the brand, and even the national characteristics of the country in which each was born.
REPORT / Tatsuya OTANI
PHOTO / Satoshi KAMIMURA
MAGAZINE / GENROQ April 2025 issue
SPECIFICATIONS
Mercedes-AMG G 63 Launch Edition
Body size: Length 4690, width 1985, height 1985mm
Wheelbase: 2890mm
Vehicle weight: 2570kg
Engine type: V8 DOHC twin turbo
Total displacement: 3982cc
Maximum output: 430kW (585PS) / 6000rpm
Maximum torque: 850Nm (86.7kgm) / 2500-3500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed AT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear rigid
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc Tire
size: Front and rear 285/45R21
Top speed: 220km/h
0-100km/h acceleration: 4.3 seconds
Vehicle price: 30.8 million yen
Land Rover Defender 130 V8 P500
Body size: Length 5275, Width 1995, Height 1970mm
Wheelbase: 3020mm
Vehicle weight: 2630kg
Engine type: V8 DOHC supercharged
Total displacement: 4999cc
Maximum output: 368kW (500PS) / 6000-6500rpm
Maximum torque: 610Nm (62.2kgm) / 2500-5000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed AT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs Tire
size: Front and rear 255/60R20
Top speed: 240km/h
0-100km/h acceleration: 5.7 seconds
Vehicle price: 16.75 million yen
Cadillac Escalade Platinum
Body size: Length 5400, Width 2065, Height 1930mm
Wheelbase: 3060mm
Vehicle weight: 2740kg
Engine type: Inline 8-cylinder OHV
Total displacement: 6156cc
Maximum output: 306kW (416PS) / 5800rpm
Maximum torque: 624Nm (63.6kgm) / 4000rpm
Transmission: 10-speed AT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc
Tire size: Front and rear 275/50R22
Maximum speed: –
0-100km/h acceleration: –
Vehicle price: 17.4 million yen
[Inquiries]
Mercedes Call
TEL 0120-190-610
https://www.mercedes-benz.co.jp/
Land Rover Call
TEL 0120-18-5568
https://www.landrover.co.jp/
GM Japan Customer Center
TEL 0120-711-276
https://www.gmjapan.co.jp/
