Mercedes-AMG G63 Tenerife Driving Review

Tenerife is an island of extreme contrasts. You can start your morning at sea level in a warm coastal resort and find yourself shivering near a volcanic crater just an hour later. The driving environment changes just as rapidly, shifting from multi-lane motorways to damp forest tracks and impossibly tight cliffside hairpins. We wanted to see how a large, heavy, and immensely powerful vehicle handles this incredibly varied landscape.

The vehicle we chose for this journey is the Mercedes-AMG G63. Known for its boxy shape and loud exhaust, it is a common sight in luxury districts worldwide. But we wanted to move beyond its reputation as a status symbol and find out what it is actually like to drive across the rugged, sometimes unforgiving roads of this Canary Island. We spent a few days behind the wheel, testing its capabilities across the most famous routes Tenerife has to offer.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Our journey began on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast. This road features long fast sweepers and open stretches where the G63 feels completely at home. The ride is commanding. You sit high above the traffic, and the suspension absorbs the motorway expansion joints with ease. The power delivery is smooth, making overtaking effortless. Wind noise is noticeable at 110-120 km/h due to the upright windscreen, but the cabin remains comfortable and stable.

Leaving the coast, we took the TF-21 climbing to Mount Teide. This is a brilliant road that winds its way up through pine forests into a stark lunar landscape at 2,100 m above sea level. The air gets thin up here, and there is a big temperature drop. In older naturally aspirated cars, you can feel the engine gasping for air. However, the twin-turbo V8 in the G63 simply does not care. It pulls the heavy chassis up the steep gradients with remarkable urgency. The brakes also held up well on the descent, though you are always aware of the mass you are trying to slow down before tight corners.

Things changed drastically when we headed to the Anaga forest roads in the north. This area is famously damp, twisty, and often misty. The road surfaces can be slippery, covered in fallen leaves and moisture. Here, the four-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, but the sheer width of the G63 becomes a factor. You have to be precise with your steering inputs. The steering itself is relatively heavy, which gives you a good sense of connection to the road, but navigating endless tight corners requires physical effort.

The ultimate test of size was the TF-436 descending into Masca. This road is famous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and blind corners. To be completely honest, small cars have the advantage here. Driving the G63 on the TF-436 is a stressful experience. You spend most of your time hoping you do not meet a local bus coming the other way. The turning circle is large, meaning some of the tightest switchbacks require a three-point turn. The commanding driving position helps you see over the edge, but the width of the vehicle leaves very little margin for error against the rock face.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The G63 shines on open roads and sweeping mountain passes where its power and stability can be fully utilized. It is an exceptional long-distance cruiser that isolates you from rough surfaces while providing an incredibly strong engine. If your Tenerife itinerary involves driving between the main resorts, visiting the Teide National Park via the wider TF-21, or exploring the northern coastline via the main highways, this car is a joy to pilot.

However, it does not shine in ancient, narrow environments. If you plan to explore remote mountain villages or tackle the most challenging cliff roads, you will quickly wish you were in something smaller. Getting behind the wheel of the 4.0-litre automatic Mercedes-AMG G63 means accepting that some roads are simply too small to enjoy comfortably. The physics of moving a tall, heavy box around tight hairpins cannot be ignored, no matter how clever the suspension technology is.

Practical notes

When you return to civilization, specifically the resort streets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas, you face a different set of challenges. Tight parking is a reality in these towns. The G63 requires a large space, and you will often find yourself driving past spots that a hatchback could easily slip into. When parking on the street, you must pay attention to the blue-line meters. Ensure you are fully within the lines, as parking wardens in the south are strict, and the G63 tends to overhang smaller bays.

Fuel consumption is another practical consideration. The V8 engine is thirsty, especially when climbing mountains or idling in resort traffic. You will become familiar with the petrol stations along the TF-1. On the positive side, luggage space is fantastic. The square cargo area easily swallows four large suitcases, making it a very practical choice for airport runs. The rear seats offer excellent headroom, meaning five adults can travel in genuine comfort.

Verdict

Driving the Mercedes-AMG G63 in Tenerife is an experience of high contrasts, much like the island itself. On the motorways and wide mountain climbs, it is a magnificent machine that delivers power, comfort, and a commanding view of the volcanic landscape. It turns heads in the coastal resorts and makes light work of steep gradients. Yet, it demands respect and patience on the island’s older, narrower roads. If you stick to the routes that suit its size, it provides a memorable and highly capable way to explore Tenerife.

Where to book the Mercedes-AMG G63 in Tenerife

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