World Premiere: The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class
After months of waiting, Mercedes-Benz teasing us with interior shots, the all-new G-Class is finally revealed at the Detroit International Auto Show. A vehicle which doesn’t need much introduction has stayed loyal to its original shape in one way or another for over 30 years. Now, the Stuttgart based carmaker decided to give it a modern update on both its interior and exterior. The end result is a familiar, albeit refined looking vehicle in every area.
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 is setting the bar higher still 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”.
At the time of market launch in June, the G-Class will be available at an entry-level price of €107,040.50 (price in Germany, incl. VAT) and thus remains at the level of the preceding version. The specification includes a host of new features such as the LED headlamps, the driving assistance systems, the high-quality interior with leather seats, and the new suspension. For demanding customers, options such as the Exclusive Interior Plus with leather on the interior door panels provide even more exclusivity.
The new G-Class will launch with the G 500 model. Sporting a fuel consumption of a combined mode of 11.1 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions: 263 g/km, it is powered by a high-performance 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, delivering an output of 310 kW (422 hp) and a maximum torque of 610 Nm at 2000 to 4750 rpm. To transfer all that power, a well-known 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter was specifically adapted to meet the needs of the off-road icon.
The developers have managed to reduce the shift and response times of the 9-speed transmission by means of a dedicated software application. The wide transmission ratio not only makes driving quieter and more comfortable especially at low engine speeds, it simultaneously also contributes to reducing fuel consumption.
With AMG models sure to follow in the forthcoming weeks and months, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is really something. The interior is the most updated aspect of this new model range, while the exterior is modernized, adapted to current design and safety trends, but it stays true to the original in so many ways. For those that loved the boxy shape of the G-Class – you won’t be disappointed. For others, the vehicle is still a rather capable luxury offroader that finds itself at home at a posh street in New York City the same as it does in muddy, icy and mountainous terrain.
Grab a detailed look at the 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class in the media gallery right below.
