Mercedes-Benz is significantly upgrading the G-Class. In an effort to re-assert its position as the Class leader among off-road vehicles.
The interior is characterised by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials. The instrument cluster and centre console have been completely redesigned. The driver’s field of vision now encompasses a colour screen, between two new round dials. The car features the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system, including a navigation system and internet access as standard. New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the exterior appearance of the luxury off-roader. The range of safety features can be optionally enhanced with the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS. New to the range are the G 63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO start/stop system as standard.
[portfolio_slideshow]Since it was originally conceived in 1979, as a vehicle to be used primarily in tough off-road terrain, the G-Class has undergone an astounding process of evolution. Over the course of 33 years Mercedes-Benz has refined what was initially a very practical off-road specialist by giving it a high-class interior and road-going qualities on a par with those of the premium saloons emanating from Stuttgart. The G-Class today is considered the top model among luxury-class cross-country vehicles, and has provided the gene pool for the other very successful SUVs built under the Mercedes-Benz brand. The G-Class has been voted off-roader of the year countless times over the past years – as also once again this year.
A comprehensive range of measures ensures that this classic cross-country vehicle remains in a class of its own in the off-road sector.
These measures include new engines, a significantly extended range of appointments, a new, even more luxurious interior and a few discreet external modifications that nevertheless manage to preserve the timeless, classic design – virtually unchanged since 1979 – that has made the G-Class a true automotive style icon.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years.”
Discreet exterior modifications, a complete new look inside
The external modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors for all engine variants. TheAMGversions also feature a new, characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvres, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels, available here for the first time, complement the emotive appeal of its exterior.
The instrument panel and centre console have been completely redesigned to include new controls and generously proportioned, exclusively designed trim elements. These give the interior of the car a fresh and classy look. Drivers will now find a TFTcolour display in the instrument cluster between the two round dials. A further large colour screen, conveniently positioned in the centre, is part of the COMAND Online system and incorporates a DVD changer and the COMAND Controller, which are standard on all G-Class models. This new infotainment generation offers, amongst other features, a navigation system with special additional off-road functions, the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. In order to ensure that the G-Class nevertheless does not lose any of its character, certain specific design elements in the interior have been preserved. The G-Class thus retains the grab handle on the front-passenger side, the switches for the three differential locks – clearly aligned within the driver’s field of vision and highlighted in silver-coloured trim – and the redesigned shift lever in the lower section of the centre console.
New optional extras include safety features such as DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera. The ESP®system has been completely revised and now includes Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.
Further individualisation options from the exclusive designo range are available as enhancements to what is already a very high-quality interior package.
Sophisticated engines with high power reserves
The G 350 BlueTEC long-wheelbase station wagon will be available with the V6 diesel engine and a displacement of 2987 cc.
The four-valve per cylinder engine has an output of 211 hp at 3400 rpm and has available torque of 540 Newton metres across an engine speed range of 1600 to 2400 rpm. The BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz minimises its emissions, in particular of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The G 350 BlueTEC works to even better effect with the addition of AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution that is injected into the flow of exhaust gases. Refilling with AdBlue® is conveniently done from the outside of the vehicle.
The G 350 BlueTEC will feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUSautomatic transmission as standard. This sixth generation of the stepped automatic transmission that has been developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz since 1960 has once again been thoroughly revised, and optimised with regard to both consumption and comfort.
New to the range is the G 63 AMGwith V8 biturbo engine (544 hp and 760 Nm of torque), which features the ECO start/stop system as standard.
The G-Class engines at a glance
| Model | Engine | Displacement cc | hp at rpm | Nm at rpm | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km |
| G 350 BlueTEC | V6 diesel | 2987 | 211 at 3400 | 540 at 1600-2400 | 25.2 | 295 |
| G 63AMG | V8 biturbo | 5461 | 544 at 5500 | 760 at 2000-5000 | 20.4 | 322 |
Superior off-roader
The technical qualities of the G-Class continue to be highly prized. The tremendous torque of its engines makes the luxury off-roader an excellent vehicle for towing, while its three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame and rigid axle characteristics make it an unrivalled proposition in rough, off-road terrain.