Mercedes G-Class W463 in G63 2018+ style: what fits – bumpers, lights, mirrors

Mercedes G-Class W463 model years 1990–2018 can be visually dressed up in the G63 2018+ style: a full facelift kit replaces the front and rear bumpers, hood, fenders, grille, headlights, mirrors, fender flares, and inner fender liners. But this will not turn the car into a true W463A (G-Class 2018–2024): the body shell, doors, glass, interior, frame, and suspension remain from the W463, while the new G-Class is 121 mm wider and has independent front suspension. In the DD Tuning catalog for the W463 there are several scenarios — from a full conversion to replacing only the headlights or mirrors; below we break down what each includes and what stays stock.

Contents

• How the W463 differs from the W463A and what of it can be “redressed”
• Which W463 conversion scenarios are in the catalog
• What’s included in the full G63 AMG 2018 kit
• Can you install only headlights, mirrors, or taillights
• Which bull bar to install after the conversion
• How to prepare: photos, test fitting, painting, installation

How the W463 differs from the W463A and what of it can be “redressed”

The civilian W463 was produced from 1990 to 2018. In January 2018 at the Detroit auto show, Mercedes unveiled a new generation — commonly called W463A (in conversation — “464”), and in 2024 the model was updated again (W465). The silhouette was deliberately kept recognizable, so owners of the older “box” want the new look without changing the vehicle.

What actually changed in 2018, and what the kit cannot replicate:

• Front and rear — new lighting, grille, bumpers, hood, fenders, wider arches. This is exactly what the facelift kit replaces.
• Body dimensions — the W463A is 53 mm longer and 121 mm wider; its hood, fenders, and doors are aluminum. The kit does not change the width of the “box” or the doors: the wider stance comes from the fender flares.
• Interior — the W463A has a different interior. The exterior kit does not touch the cabin; an interior update is a separate topic and a separate set.
• Chassis — the new generation has independent front suspension with double wishbones; on the W463 the solid front axle remains, so handling will not change.

So the honest wording is “W463 in the G63 2018+ style,” not “conversion to W463A.” Parts from the real new generation do not bolt straight onto the old body: kits for the W463 are made specifically for its mounting points. Separately: these sets are not designed for the W460/W461. All parts for the older generation are collected on the Mercedes G-Class W463 1990–2018 tuning page.

Which W463 conversion scenarios are in the catalog

In the restyling kits for G-Class W463 section there are currently five sets, all from GBT, supplied for painting and made to fit factory locations. The contents in the table come from product cards; before ordering, confirm them again with the manager.

There is also an intermediate option for those who want the classic AMG look without moving to 2018+: the G65 body kit from 1234 Upgrade — G65 front bumper, fender flares, radiator grille, and headlight covers with LED. The hood, fenders, and factory headlights remain.

What’s included in the full G63 AMG 2018 kit

This is the base scenario for most owners. According to the product card, the G63 AMG 2018 restyling kit from GBT is compatible with both pre-facelift and facelift W463 from model years 1990–2018. It includes:

• front bumper assembly and front grille;
• front headlights with surround “goggles”;
• hood and fenders — the front-end geometry is new, so the factory headlights no longer fit it;
• mirrors;
• rear bumper assembly;
• door moldings, fender flares, inner fender liners, and mounting hardware.

Material — polypropylene (PP), supplied unpainted. The kit does not require cutting or welding the body, but test fitting and setting panel gaps still apply. Taillights are not included: if you want the rear to look “like the new one” as well, W464-design or G-design taillights are purchased separately.

Is it mandatory to replace the hood and fenders

For the 2018+ look — yes. The grille, headlights, and the new-design surrounds have a different shape, and the joint with the hood and fenders is not where it is on the older vehicle. That is why both the full and partial kits include the hood and fenders. If you do not want to replace them, that is a different scenario: new lighting or an AMG bumper on the stock front end.

Can you install only headlights, mirrors, or taillights

You can, and for many this is a sensible first step:

• Headlights. In the tuning headlights for W463 section there are 2023-design LED headlights (chrome and black) and Manor Black LED. According to the product cards, they are intended for W463 2006–2017/2018 and for already converted vehicles; on older cars, these headlights are larger, and a direct replacement is not confirmed.
• Mirrors. There are restyling mirrors in the 2015 design and the 2019 design (in the 2019–2024 style), both for pre-facelift and facelift W463, sold as an assembled pair.
• Taillights. For the stock W463 rear end there are W464-style Black Edition, G-design, G65, and FullLed taillights, for factory locations.

It is important to understand the limit: individual 2018+ design parts do not make a W463 into a “new” G-Class. New headlights on the old hood give fresher light and a newer face, but the front-end proportions remain those of the older body.

Which bull bar to install after the conversion

After the conversion, the front end has a different shape, so protection from the old bumper may not fit. For such vehicles there is a separate front protection option: a stainless-steel bull bar for W463 model years 1990–2018 converted to the 2018+ facelift, with an installation kit, for factory mounting points. When buying other parts after the conversion — arches, grille, hood — look for the note “for vehicles with a restyling kit installed”: these are parts for the converted front end, not for the factory one.

How to prepare: photos, test fitting, painting, installation

1. Vehicle photos. The year in the registration does not show what is currently on the vehicle: many W463 have already been modified. The manager will ask for photos of the front end, rear end, and bumper.
2. Confirm the contents. The full and partial sets differ specifically in the headlights and the front bumper — this needs to be decided before ordering.
3. Test fit before painting. Remove the old parts, test fit the new ones, set the gaps — and only then do the prep and paint to match. Transport primer is not a final coating.
4. Electrical. New lighting and repeaters may require checking the wiring — this is work for an auto electrician at the same service.
5. Installation. The kit can be installed at the network of certified DD Tuning service centers — the manager will point you to the nearest one.

We covered the technical specifications and generation comparisons in the reviews G-Class W463 1990–2018 and G-Class 2018–2024.

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