Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. Photo Galleries
  4. Legacy Archives

A good day to drive hard: Dartz armors the Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6

Add as a preferred source on Google

When it comes to insane tuner cars, Dartz is in a league of its own. So what did this Latvian house of craziness decide to do to one of the most insane vehicles on the market, the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6?

While it looks like the product of a Doomsday Prepper’s paranoid delusions, Dartz’s modified 6×6 is actually inspired by a movie vehicle and, no, it’s not Herbie the Love Bug.

Inspiration came from the MRAP (Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected) armored vehicle from A Good Day to Die Hard, leading to the pun-tastic name Drive Hard 6×6 G.

Whereas most modified vehicles feature bigger wheels or upgraded engine-control software, the Dartz Drive Hard 6×6 G features B8-grade armor that is resistant to small-arms fire.

It also makes this rolling bunker significantly heavier. Curb weight is estimated at around 11,000 pounds, compared to around 8,500 pounds for a stock G63 6×6.

That shouldn’t be a problem, though because Dartz has also upgraded the 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V8, which now produces 1,019 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.

The Drive Hard 6×6 G may be the most extreme version of the G63 AMG 6×6 around, but it’s actually fairly typical for Dartz.

If an armored urban assault vehicle isn’t your style, consider the Sahara G-eopard, a lengthened 6×6 with gold and silver trim, a 3D television, and upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system.

It’s amazing what can happen when both money and taste are no object.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Xiaomi’s $44,000 SUV that turns into a two-story camper at the press of a button
Chinese EVs just keep getting better and better.
Xiaomi SkyNomad N90 Max Explorer Edition Featured

Xiaomi has officially launched its SkyNomad SUV lineup in China. Xiaomi first revealed the N90 Max’s transforming cabin and rooftop bedroom back in July. The company has now put a price on the dedicated N90 Max Explorer Edition, which costs 299,900 yuan, or approximately $44,100. The regular seven-seat N90 Max starts at 269,900 yuan, around $39,700, making it 30,000 yuan cheaper than its earlier preorder price.

Xiaomi gave the SUV more space

Read more
Audi just built an incredibly efficient EV that squeezes more miles from its battery, but you can’t buy it in the US
Audi's new entry-level EV beats every efficiency number in the brand's history.
Car, Transportation, Vehicle

Audi just built its most efficient electric car ever. However, if you’re in the US, you'll likely only ever see it in photos. 

The company’s pitch is simple and quite intriguing. Its A2 e-tron doesn’t sport the largest battery on an Audi, but focuses on squeezing the most range out of it through smart engineering. 

Read more
China’s latest budget EV costs under $7,000, and it’s basically a four-seat electric go-kart
A $6,540 electric car with a giant rear wing? Yes, I'll take it.
Geely Panda Mini Featured

I have a soft spot for tiny cars, and China has a bunch of them. Geely’s latest Panda Mini takes that form and puts an electric engine into it. The updated Panda Mini Karting Edition launched in China earlier today with a CATL battery, four seats, and a rear wing that makes it look pretty sporty for its size.

Its limited-time subsidized price is 43,900 yuan, or around $6,540, compared with a regular listed price of 49,900 yuan, or approximately $7,435. The promotional offer runs through September 30, with additional purchase incentives subject to eligibility. Budget EVs come in many different shapes, but this one has enough personality to make you look twice.

Read more