Mercedes-Benz debuted the refreshed model of the G-Class, known as the ‘New Mercedes-Benz G-Class’, on the 26th at 1 PM local time, marking its world premiere as an icon of off-road vehicles.
The New G-Class preserves its iconic exterior and unparalleled off-road characteristics while enhancing driving performance with a 48V mild hybrid system, latest driver assistance systems, cutting-edge convenience features, and digital elements, providing exceptional driving performance under any conditions. It also offers the most diverse driving lineup in its 45-year history since its inception in 1979.
Mercedes-Benz has launched the G 500, G 450 d, and the high-performance model, the Mercedes-AMG G 63, and plans to introduce an all-electric G-Class later this year.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), stated, “The New G-Class raises the benchmark for genuine adventures on and off-road once again,” adding, “With an electrified powertrain, state-of-the-art MBUX infotainment system, improved comfort, and off-road capabilities, the New G-Class will continue its successful saga as the ‘Geländewagen’ (a vehicle traversing unpaved areas).”
The exterior of the New G-Class continues to maintain its characteristic boxy shape and analog sensibilities. Heavy door handles and the iconic thud sound when closing the doors, along with a robust box-shaped silhouette, exterior protective strips surrounding the body, an exposed spare tire at the rear, and raised turn signals are trademarks of the G-Class.
In the refreshed G-Class, these iconic elements receive subtle changes in details such as the radiator grille and the arrangement of the front and rear bumpers and rear camera. The horizontal louvres of the radiator grille have increased from three to four, while a new design featuring rounded square decorations has been added to the front bumper. The rear camera has been relocated to the center of the bumper above the license plate and is accompanied by a washer fluid nozzle protected against contamination, working in conjunction with the rear window washer system.
This combustion engine model also incorporates aerodynamics and noise reduction improvements developed for the G-Class’s first pure electric vehicle, including new A-pillar cladding, a spoiler lip at the roof edge, and new insulation materials. Aerodynamically optimized 18-inch 5-twin spoke alloy wheels and LED high-performance headlights are standard. Additional options include a new exterior color in sodalite blue metallic and new wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches.
Three exterior design lines are available for the New G-Class. The ▲Professional line emphasizes off-road characteristics, featuring a stone guard grille for headlights, mud flaps, and 18-inch all-terrain tires. The ▲Exclusive line highlights the vehicle’s unique character with a silver chrome radiator grille, multi-beam LED headlights, stainless steel spare wheel ring, and side running boards. The ▲AMG line adds a sporty appeal with wheel arch extensions, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, and a Nappa leather steering wheel, emphasizing dynamic interior and exterior design. Additionally, a Night Package in black, which emphasizes a sporty yet elegant design, is also available as an option.
The interior of the New G-Class is enhanced with pioneering design language and modern equipment that provide a distinctive driving environment.
The round headlights featured in the exterior design are mimicked in the interior side air vents, which also include lighting.
The off-road control unit is newly designed around three differential lock switches, offering fast access options like the off-road cockpit button. The latest multifunction steering wheel, equipped with touch controls and made of Nappa leather, adds to the ambience created by ambient lighting and leather interior materials.
The interior of the Exclusive line expands the options for Nappa leather interior trim, and the air vents also feature ambient lighting. A satellite loudspeaker with integrated lighting in the headliner complements the Burmester 3D surround sound system.
The Superior line interior transforms the cabin into a luxurious lounge with features such as the active multi-contour seat plus package, Nappa leather interior trim, and diamond-patterned decorative stitching.
Moreover, a first for the G-Class, a touchscreen 12.3-inch driver and media display along with the MBUX infotainment system has been introduced. This allows for intuitive navigation using augmented reality, helping users find their way even on complex roads, in addition to a voice assistant developed exclusively for the New G-Class with about 20 voice commands.
Additionally, the optionally available MBUX high-end rear seat entertainment system enables rear-seat passengers to enjoy multimedia and access necessary information through two 11.6-inch touch displays during travel. If needed, the front and rear displays can interact for content transfer and each can play media independently.
The engine portfolio of the New G-Class has diversified and electrified for improved responsiveness off-road and greater comfort on-road.
The G 500 model is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine with twin turbochargers, producing 449 horsepower with an increase of 28 horsepower compared to the previous model, and 560 Nm of torque.
For the G 450 d, a 6-cylinder diesel engine provides an increase of 37 horsepower to a maximum output of 367 horsepower and 750 Nm of maximum torque. These models feature a mild hybrid system with an integrated starter generator coupled with a 48V onboard electric system, delivering additional performance and fuel efficiency, alongside enhanced responsiveness and ride comfort.
All models of the New G-Class come equipped with a specially tuned 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This transmission is designed for comfortable and quiet driving, especially at low speeds, helping to reduce fuel consumption. The mechanical components and hydraulic control devices allow for quick and smooth gear shifting.
The New G-Class is built on nearly 45 years of experience and expertise in the off-road segment. It features a ladder-frame body that enhances safety and durability, an off-road reduction gear that aids driving on inclines and declines, three mechanical differential locks allowing traction maintenance with only one of the four wheels, independent double-wishbone front wheel suspension, and a robust rear axle, many of which were present in previous G-Class generations, delivering powerful performance, exceptional handling, and driving safety.
The New G-Class showcases strong off-road capabilities through its high traction and long-lasting suspension and profile. The gap between the axle and the ground is 241 mm, allowing it to traverse water or mud depths of up to 70 cm. It also maintains stability on slopes of up to 35 degrees.
The new G-Class introduces a basic adaptive damping feature previously offered only as an option, allowing for better vehicle control in off-road conditions. Various components of the adaptive damping system are designed to withstand extreme conditions such as water or mud paths, gravel roads, and dust.
Furthermore, the Dynamic Select feature allows adjustments to motor, ESP® (Electronic Stability Program), suspension, and steering characteristics depending on the driving mode selected, including eco, comfort, sport, individual, and three off-road driving modes.
The ‘Trail’ mode provides optimized handling on loose dirt or gravel roads. The ‘Rock’ mode offers a firm suspension and steering setup for tackling hard, rocky terrain. The third off-road option, the ‘Sand’ mode, features specially tuned ESP for maneuverability on sand, enhancing safety.
The newly designed off-road control unit and off-road cockpit provide suitable data summaries for off-road driving across all displays and offer off-road driving support features. The off-road cockpit displays information related to differential lock status, horizon, position, compass, altitude, front steering angle, torque and output, tire pressure, and temperature, allowing for quick access to vehicle functions related to off-road driving.
The transparent hood, integrated with a 360-degree camera, is available during off-road mode driving, providing the driver with an overall view, including a virtual view of the vehicle’s front lower section that is not in the view. The positions and conditions of the front wheels and steering are also displayed. The driver can utilize the transparent hood to recognize obstacles easier during steep terrain driving.
The New G-Class is equipped with a more advanced latest-generation driving assistance and safety systems, providing the safest and most convenient driving environment.
Standard active brake assist uses sensors to identify potential collision risks with front, cross, or oncoming vehicles, deploying visual and auditory warnings, braking force adjustments, and automatic emergency braking as necessary. Additionally, the active lane-keeping assist helps the driver maintain their lane, while Pre-Safe detects hazardous conditions before an accident occurs, taking measures such as closing open windows and tightening seatbelts to minimize injury to occupants.
The active steering assist, which provides moderate steering intervention when the vehicle is moving under 160 km/h and remains centered in the lane, actively brakes the car when it detects that the driver can no longer take over control. It also offers route-based speed adjustment features that reduce speed in situations like intersections, roundabouts, and toll gates, newly available in the New G-Class.
With the optional Technology Package, a bundled set of all supportive systems for safer and more comfortable driving is available. These additional assistive systems include active distance assist DISTRONIC, which maintains a safe distance from the car ahead and assists with automatic speed control and braking and distance setting, blind spot assist, which warns visually and audibly when changing lanes and reversing, and traffic signal assist that monitors speed regulations and informs the driver.
Additionally, the 360-degree camera parking package aids in parking even in tight spaces, providing a bird’s-eye view around the car displayed on the central display and showing parking paths that adjust based on the steering wheel angle.
The optionally offered Burmester® surround sound system creates an unmatched surround sound experience through high-performance speakers tuned for the interior of the vehicle, along with a Dolby Atmos® 360 sound technology providing a deeper audio experience. It can also optimize sound for each seat, ensuring enjoyment for all passengers.
Various conveniences such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, temperature-controlled cup holders, and a wireless charging system are additionally equipped for more convenient driving experiences.
The New Mercedes-AMG G 63 is a unique high-performance off-road vehicle that combines a powerful driving system with new AMG Active Ride Control suspension, distinctive design elements, sporty on-road performance, and outstanding off-road capability.
The front of the New Mercedes-AMG G 63 features a new AMG-specific bumper with three vertical louvres located in front of the air intake, as well as stainless steel inserts. It is also equipped with intelligent adaptive multi-beam LED headlights, which can independently control 84 high-performance LEDs to illuminate the road according to traffic conditions. The design also incorporates black design elements on silver chrome, such as the AMG fuel filler cap and silver-colored brake calipers, along with 20-inch AMG 5-twin spoke alloy wheels, enhancing the AMG’s sporting appeal.
The interior showcases unique design details that underscore a sporty aesthetic. The Nappa leather AMG Performance 3-twin spoke steering wheel, inspired by motorsports, emphasizes the sporty cockpit. The intuitive AMG steering wheel buttons feature a dazzling display that allows the driver to control AMG-specific driving functions and all driving programs. The driver’s display includes a ‘SuperSport’ mode, with the central round speedometer and side horizontal displays positioned to create a sense of depth.
The high-performance model, the New Mercedes-AMG G 63, features the AMG 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo gasoline engine, delivering a maximum output of 585 horsepower and 850 Nm of maximum torque, paired with an AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed transmission for an exhilarating driving experience. It also integrates a 48V mild hybrid system with an integrated starter generator (ISG) providing an additional 20 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The G 63 can reach a top speed of 220 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
Additionally, the AMG Active Ride Control suspension offers agile driving feel and improved ride comfort, completing the typical AMG driving experience with precise steering and significantly enhanced off-road ride quality.
Using the AMG Dynamic Select feature, drivers can access five on-road and three off-road driving programs that adjust engine, transmission, suspension, and steering responses. On-road programs include ‘Slippery’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport+’, and ‘Individual’, while off-road driving programs include ‘Sand’, ‘Trail’, and ‘Rock’.
Vehicles equipped with the optional ‘AMG Off-Road Package Pro’ provide two additional off-road driving modes. ‘AMG Traction Pro’ generates maximum traction under the ‘Rock’ and ‘Sand’ driving programs through selective braking of the wheels based on the surface conditions.
The locking degree of the electronically controlled differential lock can be adjusted in stages depending on the situation.
The other additional off-road driving mode, ‘AMG Active Balance Control’, enhances the function of the AMG Active Ride Control suspension across all three off-road driving programs, adjusting the vehicle’s roll stiffness according to the surface and driving conditions. This significantly improves vehicle control, ground traction, and grip on off-road terrains.