Mercedes unveils all-new G-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class was unveiled at the opening of the 2018 North American International Auto Show or the Detroit Motor Show.

First to arrive in the summer is likely to be the AMG G 63 costing around £135,000. with the G 350 d not expected until 2019.

It brings the G-Class in line with other Mercedes models equipped with automatic transmissions and opens up space on the centre console for the touchpad and rotary infotainment controller, as well as additional stowage areas. The throaty V-8’s 416 horses and 450 pound-feet-of-torque are unchanged – though expect an AMG performance version with more than 600 horsepower later in G’s product cycle. It can be modified between three different styles for the displays -“Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive” – depending on driver preference. A “G-Mode” setting automatically activates when the differential locks or low-range gear is selected.

The G-Class is expected to arrive in the United Kingdom in August, fitted out by AMG – the most popular version of the current model. Rear passengers get more than an inch in extra shoulder room. But Mercedes has no qualms about what to do with the nearly as iconic G-Class; simply leave it the same but make it better in every way.

An electrified version may also be in the works, with company chief Dieter Zetsche hinting at a possible G-Class EV during the car’s launch in Detroit, reports Engadget. That’s slightly higher than the now available G-Wagen, but it’s probably not the reason you’ll head to the ‘Benz dealer. Mercedes says the auto is better still off-road than its predecessor, yet also more agile and comfortable on the tarmac. The Burmester surround sound system with 16 speakers and a 590 watt amplifier with Digital Sound Processing is available as optional equipment. “In short, the new “G” is still a “G”, only better”.

Crystal Ball There’s a lot to like about the 2019 G-Class, especially if you already liked the old one. These are the door handles, headlight washer nozzles, tow bar, interior sunshades and the spare-wheel cover.

That suspension – double wishbones up front tied down by a strut-tower brace in the bay and a solid rear axle with four trailing arms and a Panhard rod – was co-developed with Mercedes-AMG to improve on-road handling without affecting the G-Class’s legendary off-road ability.

Another significant change is the adoption of a new steering system.

You couldn’t hold anything against somebody outside the aficionado circle for having a hard time telling the new and the old G-Class apart. Carbuyer found that vehicle seemed to handle off-road work more easily than before. Speaking to Carbuyer, Metzger said that: “we want to be in the old world”. But in low range you still have all the safety and assistance systems active, but with the thresholds pushed up. No point dwelling on the visuals: only a hardcore G-class geek – and they’re out there – could spot the difference, and the signature hinges, indicators, and door shut thump are all preserved.

If you’re willing to get up close and personal with the 2019 G-Class, make sure to check out the live clip below. The G-Class” trademark “clunk’ when closing its doors is also still present and correct.