The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class presents itself in top form. Whether on or off the road and whatever the operating conditions, the off-road vehicle impresses with its performance, cutting-edge assistance systems, outstanding handling, and safety. At the same time, the new suspension, the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, the “G-Mode” and the three 100-percent differential locks enhance not only ride comfort but also agility – on any surface. The new G-Class will be celebrating its world premiere at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and will go on sale in the U.S. by late 2018.
“The new G-Class continues to set the bar higher in all relevant areas – in terms of performance both on and off the road as well as with regard to comfort and telematics. Our ‘longest-serving’ model series is therefore ideally equipped to continue its success story. In short, the new ‘G’ is still a ‘G’, only better,” stresses Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
Working on the development of the new G-Class was extremely challenging for the team. “Enhancing an icon such as the G-Class in technological terms was both a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. Each part and every bolt came under close scrutiny,” explains Dr. Gunnar Güthenke, Head of the Off-Road Product Group at Mercedes-Benz. “With the body, our main focus was on increasing the vehicle rigidity and the connections between the suspension and drivetrain with the ladder-type frame.”
The new G-Class is standard equipped with a host of new features such as LED headlamps, advanced driver assistance systems, a high-quality interior with leather seats and a new suspension. Additionally, options such as the Exclusive Interior Plus with diamond-stitched leather provide even more customization.
The G-Class, reinterpreted for today
The G-Class, the luxury off-road vehicle from Mercedes-Benz, has long been considered a design icon. Its external appearance has not changed significantly since 1979. Iconic elements continue to serve very specific purposes, now as then, and to give the G-Class its unique appearance. These features are still found in the new G-Class: the distinctive door handle and the characteristic closing sound, the robust exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the prominent indicator lights. Special features like these in conjunction with the off- roader’s angular lines define its special distinctive look.
The enhanced design of the G-Class follows the philosophy of Sensual Purity and at the same time remains true to the character of the original. As a result, the door hinges positioned on the outside and the surface-mounted bonnet are carried over to the new generation. With the latest update, the off-road icon – which has received continuous technical enhancements over the decades but visually has hardly changed – is making the leap into a new era – both in terms of technology and form. The new G-Class is 2.1-in longer and 4.8-in wider and now has even greater presence on and off-road.
More than ever, the new G-Class appears to be cast from a single piece. All surfaces have a more taut design and have even more tension, while the surface quality has been taken to an even higher level, resulting in narrower, more precise gaps. In addition, the wheel arches and bumpers form a more integral part of the body.
Interior: authentic icon
While the exterior maintains its classic iconic look, the interior of the G-Class has undergone a fundamental redesign which reinterprets the genes of the classic vehicle to reflect the exterior. With its off-road character and world-class luxury appointments, the G-Class has always combined two extremes into a harmonious symbiosis. Every detail is hand-crafted with the utmost care, using only the finest high-quality materials.
Getting in the G-Class reveals that numerous design features from the exterior have been transposed into the interior. For instance, the shape of the round headlamps is reflected in the side air vents. Or the design of the iconic indicators, found again in the shape of the loudspeakers. Hallmarks of the G-Class include the grab handle in front of the front passenger seat and the chrome-highlighted switches for the three differential locks. Both have been meticulously optimized and retained as characteristic features.
The very clearly arranged and completely redesigned instrument panel features timeless tube-look analogue round dials as standard. In other words, fans of classic round instruments will certainly not be disappointed in the new G-Class. As in the new E-Class and S-Class, an instrument cluster in the form of a large display showing digital instruments in the driver’s direct field of vision and a central display above the center console is available as an option. In this case the two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a Widescreen Cockpit beneath a fully bonded glass panel. Drivers can choose between three different styles for the displays – “Classic,” “Sport” and “Progressive” – and also select relevant information and views according to their individual needs.
Thanks to haptic impulses and audible feedback from the on-board speakers, drivers can use the touchpad with controller in the center console without taking their eyes off the road. The input options are rounded off by shortcut keys in front of the controller for frequently used operating tasks, and by the optional control panel for the driving assistance systems above the rotary light switch. The driver sits up close to the windscreen and enjoys good all-round visibility from behind the wheel.
