The design of the steering wheel has significantly evolved from the W463 to the W465 G-Class, particularly with the integration of more advanced technologies, refined aesthetics, and enhanced driver performance features. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

1. Technology and Features

• W463 (Earlier G-Class Models):
  • The steering wheel design in the W463 G-Class was functional but relatively conventional. While it offered high-quality leather and traditional button layouts, the focus was more on luxury and comfort than on high-performance driving features.
  • Limited tech integration, mainly involving controls for basic functions like audio and phone, along with adaptive cruise control.
• W465 (Newer G-Class Models):
  • AMG Performance Steering Wheel was introduced in the W465, featuring a much more dynamic design tailored for performance driving.
  • The steering wheel integrates features like LED shift lights, customizable buttons for track mode settings, and touch-sensitive controls for media and car functions.
  • The W465 steering wheel is designed for a more intuitive driving experience, including the integration of real-time performance data (like lap times and g-forces) and active driving modes.
  • Steering-wheel-mounted controls allow quick access to advanced settings such as suspension adjustment, differential settings, and driving mode changes, making it a lot more adaptable for performance and off-road conditions.

2. Design and Materials

• W463:
  • The W463 steering wheel used standard luxury materials such as wood and leather, but it didn’t emphasize performance-specific design elements.
  • The W463 was luxurious and comfortable, but its focus was primarily on the luxury SUV market.
• W465:
  • The W465 steering wheel incorporates high-performance materials like carbon fiber, Alcantara, and premium leather, designed to provide better grip and more precise control for both off-road and track conditions.
  • Carbon fiber accents are used to enhance the modern, sportier look, while Alcantara is used in high-contact areas to improve grip during aggressive driving.

3. Performance Features

• W463:
  • The steering wheel in the W463 focused primarily on driver comfort and standard functionality. Performance options, while present in the G-Class, were not as integrated into the steering wheel itself.
• W465:
  • The W465 steering wheel integrates several performance-enhancing features, including dynamic traction control, AMG Performance Mode settings, and AMG Torque Vectoring, allowing the driver to directly control settings that affect vehicle dynamics.
  • The steering wheel design includes multi-functional buttons and touch-sensitive controls for rapid mode shifts and real-time performance monitoring on the go.

4. Ergonomics

• W463:
  • The ergonomic layout of the W463 was comfortable and luxury-oriented, providing an easy interface for most driving needs.
  • It featured a relatively traditional wheel size and shape, ensuring comfort over long distances and ease of control in normal driving conditions.
• W465:
  • The W465 steering wheel features a smaller diameter with a thicker grip for better handling and sportier feedback, offering a more agile and responsive feel for performance driving.
  • AMG-specific ergonomic design with flattened bottom and finger grips provides better handling for precise control, especially during cornering and high-speed driving.

5. Customization and Personalization

• W463:
  • The W463 steering wheel, while customizable in terms of materials (like leather or wood finishes), didn’t offer as many options for performance-oriented adjustments.
• W465:
  • The W465 offers an even higher level of customization, allowing owners to personalize their steering wheel in terms of materials, button placement, and performance settings.
  • Additional features like ambient lighting on the wheel, custom stitching, and the option to integrate LED indicators and race-inspired functions reflect the higher emphasis on performance and driver engagement.

6. Off-Road and On-Road Adaptability

• W463:
  • Off-road capabilities were strong in the W463, but the steering wheel didn’t have direct off-road driving mode controls.
  • It was more oriented for luxury and touring, with off-road settings requiring access through the vehicle’s main console.
• W465:
  • The W465 steering wheel introduces dedicated off-road settings, where the driver can toggle between different drive modes, such as Sand, Rock, or Snow mode, directly from the wheel.
  • The integrated suspension settings can also be adjusted via the steering wheel, making it more tailored to off-road conditions without needing to take your hands off the wheel.

Summary

In essence, the shift from the W463 to the W465 G-Class saw the steering wheel evolve from a more traditional luxury-focused design to a performance-oriented feature that integrates cutting-edge driving technology and advanced materials. The W465 AMG Performance Steering Wheel emphasizes driver control, offering greater responsiveness and adaptability, particularly for high-performance driving and off-road scenarios.