Off-roading icon retains its classic silhouette but comes with increased levels of comfort, space and perceived quality.
Hmm, is this really new?
According to Mercedes-Benz, the G-class you see here in official pictures has been comprehensively revised for the first time in its 39-year history and has made its world debut at this week’s 2018 Detroit motor show.
Since the G-class has been an iconic model over the years, Mercedes couldn’t really alter its looks much. This is why the boxy silhouette, upright stance, circular head lights and spare wheel mounted on the boot door remain essential ingredients in the vehicle’s design.
Mercedes says the G-class is 53mm longer and 121mm wider than before. As well, the exterior appearance has been made to have a more fluid look with less panel gaps. In other words, Mercedes doesn’t want the G-class to feel like a retro-fit vehicle.
The message the German luxury maker has made is clear: it wants to maintain the classic silhouette yet provide higher levels of cabin room, comfort levels and perceived quality.
Probably the major highlight in the G-class’ evolution is the adoption of the brand’s widescreen fascia. First used in the E-class, the configurable digital display combines two 12.3-inch screens which can be controlled via touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.
Does it still use a chassis-on-frame platform?
Definitely, as Mercedes wants to preserve the fabled off-roading capabilities of the G-class.
But to make it relevant in 2018, the G-class uses more lightweight materials to reduce weight by 170kg. The torsional rigidity of the body is also claimed to be 55% better than before.
To enhance its off-roading prowess, the G-class comes with three differential locks and a set of low-range gears. Apart from the brand’s di rigueur driving modes (like Comfort, Normal and Sport), the G-class comes with the so-called G-mode to let the vehicle automatically adjust the various driving parameters in the grit allowing for more driving comfort.
The initial engine announced for the G-class is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 422hp and 610Nm for the G500. Transmission is via nine-speed automatic. Expect a more sensible variant to come in the form of a six-cylinder diesel-turbo at a later stage.
Will Mercedes import it to Thai shores?
There’s a good chance that Mercedes-Benz Thailand will satisfy local fans of the G-class as it did in the past. The diesel-powered G350 once sold for between 7-8 million baht.
Although this second-generation model won’t be cheap due to its imported status, it could cost cheaper than that aforementioned level because sub-3,000cc engines don’t face the maximum 50% excise tax anymore and are scrutinised by their CO2 outputs.
