If you ever feel as if your Mercedes-Benz G63 or G65 AMG is not unique enough, the German automaker is now offering what it calls the “Crazy Color Edition.” Just as its name suggests, this special edition G-Wagen offers the paint choices like Solar Beam, Sunset Beam, Tomato Red, Galactic Beam, and Alien Beam. Basically, it looks as if someone from Skittles broke into Mercedes’->ke187 paint booth.

The special edition is only (thankfully) offered in select countries, with the U.S. no being one. And then there’s the price. While some automakers cars upwards of $2,000 for a specialized paint color with some swanky metallic flake or pearl shimmer, Mercedes is charging more than $17,000 for the option – and that’s just the base color! Opt for the Solar Beam hue and the bill shoots up to $22,880.

So what gives? Well, all Crazy Color Edition G-Wagens->ke1712 come with body-color stitching on the leather seats, dashboard, door panels, and center console, so there’s that. Otherwise, the Cold War-era, solid axle SUV->ke145 is stock.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Crazy Color Edition.

mercedes-benz-g63-amg-crazy-color-edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: mercedes-benz-g63-amg-crazy-color-edition
Pros
Cons

2015 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Crazy Color Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Crazy Color Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 536
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As suggested by the special edition’s title, the main story lies in the paint color. The choices range from lime green and caution cone neon orange to school bus yellow and popsicle purple – though those aren’t the official names, of course; that’d be too crazy.

Regardless of color choice, all Crazy Color Edition G-Wagens come with Obsidian Black accents on the bumpers, wheel arches, side mirrors, and rood. The black accents continue on the five-spoke AMG wheels that are wrapped in street performance rubber. They all also come with chrome accents on the doors, rocker panel guards, side exhaust tips, and front grille.

Otherwise, the G-Wagen is stock. That means its overall shape is the same as it was in 1990, which itself is a mere update on the previous G-Wagen. Like the Jeep Wrangler for Americans, the Geländewagen symbolizes military strength and rugged utility to Germans.

Interior

Standard G63 AMG Shown

While the crazy color party takes place of the G-Wagen’s exterior, the interior does get some handy updates. The AMG leather-lined seats come stitched together with string matching the paint color. The same goes for the leather-lined dashboard, door panels, and center console. Though the G-Class’ interior is rather spartan in terms of design style, the extra splash of color likely bodes well for its overall appearance.

Mercedes does offer plenty of optional extras, including a seven-speaker Harman Kardon sound system for $1,209, upgraded seats for $1,833, and a carbon fiber trim package for another $4,772.

Drivetrain

Of course, owning a G-Wagen comes with plenty of perks, not the least of which is the bevy of engine options. In Europe where the Crazy Color Edition package will be offered, the G-Wagen is offered from AMG in two trim levels: the V-8-powered G63 AMG and the V-12-powered G65 AMG.

The “base” G63 AMG utilizes a 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 that makes 536 horsepower. For those seeking a bit more oomph can hop into the G65 AMG with its 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 and an impressive 604 horsepower.

Both the G63 and G65 AMG are fitted with Mercedes’ full-time 4WD system with low range gears and three locking differentials. Yes, despite its street-biased tires, the G-Wagen still holds firm to its utilitarian heritage.

Prices

As you can likely guess form the paint prices above the jump, the G-Wagen Crazy Color Edition is not cheap. Just the standard G63 AMG starts at $137,150. Add on the extra cost of this special edition and the price jumps well into the $150,000 area. Check a few option boxes for the stereo or carbon fiber accent package, and the total gets even larger.

Competition

Range Rover Autobiography

Though it doesn’t come in florescent colors, the Range Rover does pose as a fantastic competitor to the G-Class. Coming with the optional 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 making 510 horsepower and the standard Terrain Response 2 off-road system, the Range certainly matches – if not exceeds – the Mercedes’ abilities in the dirt.

It’s also interesting to note the Range Rover’s asking price starts under $90,000. Stick on a lime green body wrap and call it a day, all while saving $60,000.

Porsche Cayenne Exclusive

Another option in the field of high-class SUVs is the Porsche Cayenne. It offers a hopped-up V-8 pumping out 520 horsepower and some major off-road chops. Those looking to make a statement can order it through Porsche Exclusive with just about any paint color, interior hue, or other personalized touches added on. If you can dream it, they’ll build it.

Pricing for the turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 version, the Cayenne Turbo, starts at $113,600. Adding on items from Porsche Exclusive isn’t cheap, so count on spending much more.

Conclusion

The G63 AMG is simply a silly vehicle. Silly in the way its solid axles, tall ride height, and sort wheelbase handles more than 530 horsepower. Adding the Crazy Color option just makes it insane. While bright colors might appeal to some, others will likely see this as “lipstick on a pig” approach. Either way, Mercedes has done right by not changing the G-Wagen’s fantastic off-road abilities in trying to appeal to a slightly more artistic or urban audience.