The W465 AMG Performance Steering Wheel differs significantly from the W463 AMG steering wheel, especially in terms of design, technology, and performance-oriented features. The changes reflect the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and its focus on improving both luxury and performance with each new generation. Below are the key differences between the W465 (the current model) and the W463 (the predecessor) AMG steering wheels:

1. Design Evolution

• W463 Steering Wheel (Predecessor): The steering wheel design of the W463 generation, which was the G-Class until 2018, had a more traditional, round shape with classic materials like wood, leather, and metal accents. The controls were more conventional, with a simpler layout of buttons and switches. It focused on comfort and traditional luxury.
• W465 Steering Wheel (Current Generation): The W465 features a more sporty, performance-oriented design, with a flattened bottom and a more contoured grip for better ergonomics, especially during high-performance driving. It also incorporates more advanced technologies like LED displays, paddle shifters, and integrated controls for advanced driver assistance systems. The use of materials like carbon fiber and Alcantara has been optimized for better grip and a more modern aesthetic, reflecting the vehicle's high-performance capabilities.

2. Grip Materials

• W463 Steering Wheel: The grip was generally finished in high-quality leather, with traditional stitching. Some models featured wood or metal trim, emphasizing the vehicle’s luxury aspect.
• W465 Steering Wheel: The W465 steering wheel utilizes performance-inspired materials like Alcantara and carbon fiber in addition to leather. These materials provide a better grip during high-speed maneuvers and off-road driving, particularly with the Alcantara offering more traction when the hands might become sweaty or slippery. The carbon fiber also adds a more high-tech, modern aesthetic and weight reduction, benefiting performance enthusiasts.

3. Size and Shape

• W463 Steering Wheel: The wheel in the W463 was larger and more traditional in terms of its shape, offering a circular design. This was more aligned with the comfort of luxury SUVs, focusing on ease of handling at slower speeds and off-road.
• W465 Steering Wheel: The W465 has a smaller diameter and flat-bottom design, typical of high-performance steering wheels. This change enhances the driver’s control and comfort during aggressive maneuvers, especially in track or off-road conditions. The flattened bottom also provides extra legroom for taller drivers.

4. Technological Integration

• W463 Steering Wheel: The W463 was equipped with some basic infotainment controls and multi-function buttons for the vehicle’s systems. However, it lacked the level of integration that modern performance-oriented systems provide.
• W465 Steering Wheel: The W465 integrates much more advanced technology. It has steering wheel-mounted buttons for controlling a range of vehicle functions, including AMG Drive Modes, track telemetry, and adaptive cruise control. Furthermore, the W465 features LED indicators for gear shifts, customizable settings for suspension, steering feel, and drivetrain modes, as well as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) integration like lane-keeping assist and collision prevention systems. These buttons allow for quick access to performance settings while driving.

5. Paddle Shifters

• W463 Steering Wheel: The W463’s paddle shifters were standard and made from metal or plastic, offering a basic shifting experience.
• W465 Steering Wheel: The paddle shifters in the W465 are significantly larger and made from high-quality metal or carbon fiber, providing better tactile feedback during rapid gear changes. These shifters are positioned for easier and more intuitive use, particularly during spirited driving or off-road excursions.

6. Customization and Personalization

• W463 Steering Wheel: The W463 offered some customization options like different leather finishes and wood trim, but personalization was relatively basic compared to what the W465 offers.
• W465 Steering Wheel: The W465 allows for far more customization options, with the ability to select stitching colors, carbon fiber accents, and Alcantara grips. There are also options for custom finishes like diamond stitching or special AMG Edition trims. The integration of ambient lighting in the steering wheel further enhances the personalization options, allowing drivers to match the wheel’s aesthetics with the rest of the interior.

7. Weight and Performance

• W463 Steering Wheel: The W463 was built with a focus on comfort and luxury, so its design was heavier and more traditional in weight.
• W465 Steering Wheel: The W465 steering wheel is lightweight, thanks to the use of carbon fiber and other modern materials, which reduce the overall weight of the wheel. This improvement in weight is part of the overall performance philosophy of the W465 model, which aims to deliver quicker response times and more precise handling.

8. Safety Features

• W463 Steering Wheel: While the W463 steering wheel had a standard airbag system, it didn't feature as much in terms of integrated safety features.
• W465 Steering Wheel: The W465 is equipped with more advanced safety features, including active lane-keeping assistance, collision alerts, and driver attention monitoring that interact with the steering wheel's integrated controls. It also features advanced haptic feedback for lane-departure warnings or critical driving alerts, offering a more interactive and proactive approach to safety.

9. Feedback and Feel

• W463 Steering Wheel: The W463’s steering wheel was tuned for comfort and luxury, offering relatively light and smooth steering feedback, which worked well in urban and off-road settings but lacked the level of direct connection that performance-focused vehicles offer.
• W465 Steering Wheel: The W465 steering wheel provides more tuned feedback for high-performance driving. Its ability to adjust the steering feel in real-time makes it more adaptive to different driving conditions, whether on or off-road. This feature is particularly useful in track driving or dynamic off-road conditions, providing the driver with more precise control.

10. Integration with the Vehicle’s Systems

• W463 Steering Wheel: The earlier W463 G-Class didn’t offer the same level of integration with dynamic vehicle systems, such as adjustable suspension or drivetrain modes.
• W465 Steering Wheel: The W465 integrates fully with the AMG Performance systems, allowing the driver to select different performance settings, such as adaptive suspension settings, drivetrain modes, traction control, and off-road modes through the steering wheel’s controls. The integration is highly refined, offering a level of customization that wasn’t available in the W463 model.

Conclusion:

The W465 AMG Performance Steering Wheel is a major upgrade over the W463 in terms of performance, design, technology, and customization. The W465 is geared toward a more performance-oriented driving experience, with features that allow the driver to seamlessly interact with the vehicle's advanced systems. It offers greater tactical feedback, material innovation, and ergonomic improvements, making it a more responsive and dynamic steering wheel compared to the W463’s traditional luxury design. The changes reflect Mercedes-Benz’s shift toward a more sporty and performance-focused G-Class, while still maintaining the luxury and heritage the brand is known for.