The G63 is the most recognisable car in Kuala Lumpur, and that is most of the reason people rent it. The silhouette has barely changed since 1979 — flat sides, exposed hinges, the indicators sitting proud on the wings — and it is instantly legible to everyone, in a way a McLaren is not. When the brief is to be seen and understood, nothing else in the fleet does the job as efficiently.
Underneath the old shape is a hand-built 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 577 bhp, a sound at cold start that carries across a car park, and, since the current generation, a chassis that actually corners. It is not a sports car and does not pretend to be, but it is quick in a straight line and enormously comfortable.
What it is best for. Airport pickups for guests you want to impress, corporate roadshows, wedding convoys where the couple's car is a Rolls-Royce and the family needs something with equal presence, and content shoots. It is also the most practical car in the Executive category — five seats, a square boot and a ride height that ignores everything the city puts in front of it.
Around Kuala Lumpur. The G63 is wide and the turning circle is not generous, so tight multi-storey car parks in older buildings take a moment. Everywhere else it is straightforward, and the commanding driving position makes traffic on the Federal Highway far less tiring than a low car.
Long-term. The G63 is one of our more common monthly bookings, usually from expatriates and visiting executives who want one car that covers business, family and weekend use. Monthly rates are substantially lower per day and include servicing.