Forever young – the new-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class
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 practically-oriented off-road specialist, by giving it high-class interior and road-going qualities on a par with those of the premium sedans.
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.
Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly upgraded the G-Class, so re-emphasising its position as the 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 as standard the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system, including a navigation system and internet access.
New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the appearance of the luxury off-roader. The standard range of safety equipment include; Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC. These features can be optionally enhanced with the reversing camera and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS.
New to the range is the G 63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO start/stop system as standard. A further addition is the G 500 variant with its powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine.
A comprehensive range of measures ensures that this classic off-road 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.
“Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years and in its latest evolutionary stage, offers state-of-the-art, powerful engines, and further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety features. With its now legendary off-road capabilities, the design of the G-Class remains true to its routes and unmistakable styling,” says Selvin Govender, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Discreet exterior modifications, a complete new look inside
The external modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors for all engine variants. The G 63 AMG variant also features 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 TFT colour 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, internet access, 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 standard features include Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC together with optional extras including safety features such as DISTRONIC PLUS, and reversing camera. The standard 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.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Sophisticated engines with high power reserves
The range of engines in the G-Class includes the G 350 BlueTEC and the G 500, plus the G 63 AMG all in a long-wheelbase five-door version.
The basic version of the long-wheelbase five-door model is the G 350 BlueTEC with V6 diesel engine and a displacement of 2987 cc. The four-valve engine has an output of 155 kW at 3 400 r/min and has available torque of 540 Newton metres across an engine speed range of 1600 to 2 400 r/min. The BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz minimises its emissions, in particular of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The G 350 BlueTEC is more fuel efficient thanks to 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.
One alternative to the diesel engine is the G 500, with its powerful 5.5-litre
V8 petrol engine. This engine has an output of 285 kW and offers excellent torque of 530 Newton metres, with generous reserves of power to deal with any situation.
Both the G 350 and the G 500 feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic
transmission as standard. Now in its sixth generation, the multi-ratio automatic transmission was developed by Mercedes-Benz and has been in production since 1960. The new version has been thoroughly revised to optimise consumption and comfort compared with its predecessor.
The G 63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine delivering 400 kW and 760 Nm of torque, features the ECO start/stop system as standard.
Mercedes-Benz 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 are characteristics that
make it an unrivalled proposition in rough, off-road terrain.
“With the evolution of the G-Class over the years, the spirit of this off-roader has remained true to its form with the many technical, comfort and safety enhancements encompassing its rich heritage. This is evident by the G-Class being voted off-roader of the year time and time again, awarded once again this year,” concludes Govender.
As with all Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars, the MobiloDrive 120 maintenance contract is standard on the G-Class models (excl. G-Class Professional – optional Service Plan 5 years / 120 000 km).
Mercedes-Benz G Class Prices at a glance:
- G 350 BlueTEC R 1 335 000
- G 500 R 1 494 000
- G 63 AMG R 2 047 000
- G 300 CDI Professional R786 900
