2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (incl AMG G63)

First official pics of the interior are out. Light-years ahead of the outgoing model!

Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz G-Class Interior Revealed!

Mercedes-Benz has released the first official images of the interior of its all-new Glass, revealing a cabin that is both more spacious and more luxurious.

The next-generation Geländewagen is set to be fully unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2018.

While we expect the luxury off-roader to retain much of its distinctive exterior styling, the Stuttgart-based brand has clearly done some work inside, completely updating the interior and adding numerous new features in what Mercedes dubs as the “most significant transformation of its almost 40-year career”.

Characteristic features that have been retained inside the new G-Class include the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chrome-accented switches for the differential locks. But there are plenty of new features, too, including touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel (which respond to swiping motions, as seen in the E-Class) and a completely redesigned instrument panel featuring “tube-look” analogue dials as standard (although we’ve not yet seen images of that).

Of course, an alternative instrument panel in the form of a large display screen and a central display above the centre console will be available as an option. Two 12,3-inch displays blend into a wide-screen cockpit beneath a shared glass cover, as seen in the official images above.

The standard audio system, meanwhile, will feature seven loudspeakers, while a 16-speaker Burmester surround sound system will be offered as an option, complete with 590 watt amplifier.

Mercedes-Benz says legroom in its new G-Wagen has increased by 38 mm up front and a whopping 150 mm at the rear. Shoulder width and elbow room have also apparently improved fore and aft. The rear bench, meanwhile, can be folded down in a 60:40 split.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/next-gen-mercedes-benz-g-class-interior-revealed/

Mercedes-Benz G-Class interior revealed ahead of January launch

New SUV marks biggest transformation in G-Class's history; it'll arrive at the Detroit motor show next month

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the interior of its new G-Class off-roader, which has undergone the most significant reinvention of its four-decade lifespan to provide greater comfort, technology and usable space for occupants while not abandoning its utilitarian origins.

Full details of the new G-Class - which has been four years in development at Mercedes’ standalone G facility in Graz, Austria, and is codenamed ‘W464’ – will be fully unveiled at the Detroit motor show in mid-January, but the familiar boxy shape of the current vehicle will be retained.

However, the German manufacturer has afforded an early look at the five-seater’s interior, where some of the most significant revisions have been made. As well as incorporating much of the technology and underlying electronic architecture from the latest E-Class, Mercedes has retained many of the G-Class’s iconic design features. The overhauled G-Class will be wider than the current model, and an increased wheelbase and improved packaging of major components have liberated a considerable amount of additional space inside.

Rear passenger space – an area that was criticised in the current G-Class – is said to have increased by 150mm, with approximately 40mm of that being freed up by a longer wheelbase. The driver and front passenger benefit from an additional 38mm compared with the existing model. Shoulder and elbow room are up by 38mm and 68mm respectively in the front and by 27mm and 56mm respectively for rear occupants.

Although the new G-Class retains its predecessor’s upright windscreen and square-jawed proportions, the seating position is slightly more car-like in the new model. “In the outgoing car, it is more like you sit on the car, but now you sit in it,” said Oliver Metzger, G-Class design engineering chief.

Very few parts have been carried over from the outgoing G-Class. Among those that do remain are the nozzle of the headlight washer, the cover for the spare wheel – still mounted on the side-hinged rear door – and the door handles.

The influence of Mercedes’ saloons can be seen on the dashboard and centre console, most notably on the multi-function steering wheel, which features touch-sensitive controls for the infotainment system, an electric handbrake and the gear selector stalk mounted on the steering column, as opposed to the more traditional gearshift in the centre console.

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. An analogue instrument panel comes as standard, but a ‘virtual’ display is available as an option.

Design themes from the car’s exterior are mirrored inside, said Metzger: “The shape of the air vent is the same as the round headlight sitting in the front grille and the shape of the audio speaker is very similar to the indicator on the front bumper.”

The rear seats can be tilted to nine different angles, meaning they can be left upright to optimise stowage space in the boot or reclined for greater rear occupant comfort over long journeys. The rear bench also folds flat to increase the size of the luggage compartment. The current G-Class’s luggage capacity of 699 litres with the rear bench up is likely to be surpassed, although Mercedes is keeping the exact figure under wraps until the official reveal next month.

Although the new G-Class will retain its forebears’ off-road ability – it has undergone extensive testing on the Schöckl, the gruelling mountain close to the Graz factory – it will also be more luxurious and offer greater potential for personalisation through optional equipment packages and an AMG Line trim level.

Following its Detroit unveiling, the new G-Class is expected to go on sale in Britain next summer at a price slightly above today’s entry level of £92,070. The 4x4 enjoyed its most successful year yet in 2016, when almost 20,000 were sold globally.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...-class-interior-revealed-ahead-january-launch

New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Interior Shown

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been revealed ahead of its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2018.

Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to introduce the new G-Class to the world and although its exterior design is expected to be evolutionary rather than radically new, it’s the interior where the most impactful changes will be found. Mercedes-Benz has revealed the interior design of the new G-Class and it’s noticeably more luxurious and technologically jazzed up than the current model. More than this, comfort and convenience levels have been improved and the G-Class’ interior will feature a smattering of high-quality materials befitting of the iconic offroader.

Key Details

The new G-Wagon features an optional Widescreen Cockpit and steering wheel found in the E- and S-Class.

The most prominent feature in the new G-Wagon is the optional Widescreen Cockpit taken from the E-Class and S-Class. It comprises two 12.3-inch screens under shared glass that stretches from the driver’s side across to the centre stack. The system boosts the premium feel in the cabin and can be controlled using the touch-sensitive Touch Controls on the steering wheel which function much like a smartphone with swipe functionality. The screen display is customisable with 3 themes including Classic, Sport and Progressive.

For those who prefer a more traditional look, two tubular analogue dials set in a 12.3-inch frame, flanked by a 12.3-inch navigation screen is fitted as standard.

Key G-Class elements such as the grab handle and chrome-highlighted switches for the differential locks, seen between the air vents, have been retained. The shape of the air vents mimic that of the round headlights while the shape of the speakers are similarly shaped to the indicator lights.

As standard, the G-Class is finished in high-quality materials which include open-pore wood trim, metal accents, carbon fibre and leather.

The G-Class' offroad ability is proven on the Schöckl, a mountain in Graz, where the vehicle is produced.

A "Schöckl" badge with a “G” is found on the B-pillar and signifies the tested offroad ability of the vehicle at Merc’s Graz plant's local mountain, used for its hard and merciless testing which every G-Wagon needs to overcome.

The interior also benefits from numerous new storage spaces as well as 2 removable cup holders and an oddment tray found ahead of the touch pad in the centre console. A wireless charging pad can also be specified as an option.

A Burmester surround sound system with 16 speakers is fitted as standard while a 590W amplifier with Digital Sound Processing is available as an option.

Passengers are well-catered for with a reclining rear bench that can be folded down to 60, 40 or 100 percent. The seats offer heating and memory function while an optional Active Multicontour Seat package includes multi-contour seats with various massage functions, climatised seats and fast seat heating. The driver and front passenger also get treated to adjustable lumbar support.

As you can expect, Mercedes-Benz will offer a wide range of trim options to suit varying tastes. An AMG Line trim package can be specified, which apart from red seat belts, red topstitching on the black leather seats, centre console, instrument panel and doors, will also include a flat-bottomed steering wheel, which is a first for the G-Class.

The arrival of the new G-Class in South Africa has not yet been confirmed but it will likely arrive later in 2018. We will keep you informed as more details emerge.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-mercedes-benz-g-class-interior-shown/44380/

But just before we get there, one last hurrah!

[video=youtube;cCuptVmlWuI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCuptVmlWuI[/video]

2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class confirmed for Detroit motor show reveal

Mercedes 4x4 will mix luxury, advanced technology and rugged off-road prowess as it enters its second generation

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class will be revealed to the world on 15 January - the first day of the Detroit motor show. The brand confirmed the car's reveal date in a new video, but stops short of showing any of the new model.

Mercedes' tough SUV will have a substantially more luxurious interior and strong links to the S-Class, as shown by a previously leaked image of the car's dashboard design.

The new version of Mercedes's square-jawed off-roader, which first arrived in 1979, will be unveiled to the public at the Detroit motor show in later this month, and go on sale in the UK in the spring. The leaked image, posted on Dutch website AutoWeek, shows the wide-screen infotainment screen and metallic trim that will be fitted to the model.

Like the S-Class's, the G-Class's dashboard features fewer buttons and a cleaner design, with metallic button controls on the steering wheel. The G-Class gets more butch metallic vent surrounds, however, as a nod to its more rugged character.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...des-benz-g-class-confirmed-detroit-motor-show

2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class leaks ahead of Detroit motor show debut

The Mercedes G-Wagen’s full exterior has been laid bare, in images leaked ahead of the official reveal

Full images of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class have leaked onto the internet ahead of the car’s official debut at the Detroit motor show later this month. The images first surfaced on the Dutch site Auto Week.

As expected, changes to the venerable tough SUV are minimal, but revised headlight clusters and a new grille are the most apparent of tweaks on the surface.

Inside, further images (in addition to a previously leaked interior shot) show that the car will get an extra-wide screen stretching from the instrument cluster to the middle of the car, serving as both a digital dashboard and infotainment screen. However, this will only be available on higher trim levels - lower trims will get traditional dials.

The car will be revealed to the world on 15 January - the first day of the Detroit motor show. The brand confirmed the car's reveal date in a new video, but stops short of showing any of the new model.

Mercedes' tough SUV will have a substantially more luxurious interior and strong links to the S-Class, as shown by a previously leaked image of the car's dashboard design.

The new version of Mercedes's square-jawed off-roader, which first arrived in 1979, will be unveiled to the public at the Detroit motor show later this month, and go on sale in the UK in the spring. The leaked image, posted on Dutch website AutoWeek, shows the wide-screen infotainment screen and metallic trim that will be fitted to the model.

Like the S-Class's, the G-Class's dashboard features fewer buttons and a cleaner design, with metallic button controls on the steering wheel. The G-Class gets more butch metallic vent surrounds, however, as a nod to its more rugged character.

The technology fitted to the G-Class is claimed by some insiders to secure the future of the G-Class well into second half of the next decade. Much of the electronic architecture will be shared with the S-Class.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...s-benz-g-class-leaks-ahead-detroit-motor-show

Leaked! First official pics of all-new G-Class

Nobody was supposed to see the all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class without its camo suit until the official reveal at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 15 January.

Nevertheless, in the connected age leaks are inevitable - and sometimes deliberate, although these low-res versions of the official publicity shots that popped up on a Chinese website look like the real thing, a genuine leak. After all, it’s known that the Chinese are no respecters of patents, copyrights or embargoes…

And yes, the much hyped W464 looks so similar to its forebears - all the way back to 1978! - that only anoraks will be able to tell the difference, but under the retro-chic no-nonsense box shape, there’s a whole lot of new tech - and not just in the glammed-up, gizmoed-up cabin interior.

There’s new double-wishbone independent front suspension, developed in collaboration with the performance junkies at AMG, updated suspension linkages for the live rear axle, and a new nine-speed automatic transmission with a new, even lower, low range.

The one aspect of the new G-Class that still hasn’t been leaked, as what engines it will have; all we’ve been told by the maker is that they will be new. Nevertheless, we’ll be keeping our eyes open for more leaks between now and the official reveal at Detroit on January 15.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...rst-official-pics-of-all-new-g-class-12621009

Rouxenator said:

But just before we get there, one last hurrah!

Click to expand...

There's also this review & video from Doug Demuro as well, on the outgoing 2017 Mercedes-AMG G 65.


Review link:
https://www.autotrader.com/car-vide...5-is-a-250000-v12-powered-file-cabinet-271649

Video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3KjIQCKmM4

Was posted here already though. (Outgoing model thread)

https://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showth...-Final-Edition-revealed-as-V12-SUV’s-swansong

Next Mercedes-Benz G-Class one step closer to reveal

Ahead of its reveal at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz has highlighted some of the capability and technical features of its new-generation G-Class. Let's see what it can do.

*Pictured is a leaked image of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, giving us some idea of what it looks like*

We've been fortunate enough to experience the Mercedes-Benz G-Class in a multitude of hardcore scenarios, but the pinnacle has to be the near-impassable mountain track known as the Schockl in Austria. Of course, it just has to be the testing ground for these road-legal tanks too. The 5.6 km route up a 1 445 metre mountain features tough 60% gradients and lateral inclinations of up to 40%, making it a critical test for only the toughest of off-road vehicles. The all-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class is almost here, but to allay fears that it's watered down, the Germans have gone up and down the mountain repeatedly, to the tune of 2 000 km. 'Benz claims it does the route with 'noticeably more control and comfort.'

It could be called the most hardcore offroad vehicle in Merc's arsenal, perhaps only surpassed by the iconic Unimog, but the goal for the new G-Class was to make it even more potent when it comes to the dirt. Due to standard ladder-type frame setup, the three 100-percent differential locks and low-range off-road 'box, the new G-Class will still be a potent rock climber. The new suspension is a combined effort from Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Mercedes-AMG GmbH, and comprises an independent suspension with a double-wishbone front axle in combination with a rigid rear axle.

Offroad Capability

Slope climbing ability of up to 100% on suitable surfaces
Ground clearance between the axles, 241 millimetres, plus 6 millimetres maximum fording depth now 70 centimetres in water and mud passages, plus 10 centimetres
Driving stability at angles of 35°, plus 7°
Angle of departure: 30°, angle of approach: 31°, plus 1°
Breakover angle: 26°, plus 1°
Suspension travel: Front axle: Spring/rebound travel of 85/100 millimetres; rear axle: Spring/rebound travel of 82/142 millimetres

The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class now features an offroad mode called G-Mode which comes into play as soon as one of the three diff locks or low range has been activated. G-Mode will then 'adapt the adjustable damping of the chassis and the steering as well as the accelerator characteristic, avoids unnecessary gearshifts and ensures maximum off-road capability.' While we don't have the complete technical info on powertrain, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission does duty, although it was been tweaked to suit the G-Class application.

We will see the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class revealed at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show and we expect it'll come to SA in 2018.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/next-mercedes-benz-g-class-one-step-closer-to-reveal/44446/

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

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 2018, the Mercedes-Benz 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 provides even more exclusivity.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, reinterpreted for today

The G-Class, the luxury off-road vehicle from Mercedes-Benz, has long been considered a design icon. Its external appearance has not changed significantly since 1979. Iconic elements continue to serve very specific purposes, now as then, and to give the G-Class its unique appearance. All these are still found in the new G-Class: the distinctive door handle and the characteristic closing sound, the robust exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the prominent indicator lights. Extraordinary features like these in concert with the off-roader's angular lines define its special look.

The enhanced design of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class follows the philosophy of Sensual Purity and at the same time remains true to the character of the original. As a result, the door hinges positioned on the outside and the surface-mounted bonnet are carried over to the new generation. With the latest update, the off-road icon - which has been continually enhanced technically over the decades but visually has hardly changed - is making the leap into a new era - both in terms of technology and form. The new G-Class is 53 mm longer and 121 mm wider and now has even greater presence, on the road as well as in terrain.

More than ever, the new G-Class appears to be cast from a single piece. All surfaces have a more taut design and are have more tension, while the surface quality has been taken to an even higher level. This results in narrower, more precise gaps and more harmonious transitions. In addition, the wheel arches and bumpers form a more integral part of the body and thus look less like add-on features.

Interior: authentic icon

While the exterior maintains the iconic classic look, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has undergone a fundamental modern redesign which reinterprets the genes of the classic vehicle to reflect the exterior. With its off-road character and top-class luxury appointments, the G-Class has always combined two extremes into a harmonious symbiosis. Unmistakable at first glance and from the first touch, only high-quality materials are used. Every detail is finished by hand with the utmost care.

Getting in the G-Class reveals that numerous design features from the exterior have been transposed into the interior. The shape of the round headlamps, for instance, which is reflected in the side air vents. Or the design of the iconic indicators, found again in the shape of the loudspeakers. Hallmarks of the G-Class include the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chrome-highlighted switches for the three differential locks. Both have been meticulously optimised and retained as characteristic features.

The very clearly arranged and completely redesigned instrument panel features timeless tube-look analogue round dials as standard. In other words, fans of classic round instruments will certainly not be disappointed in the new G-Class. As in the new E-Class and S-Class, an instrument cluster in the form of a large display showing virtual instruments in the driver's direct field of vision and a central display above the centre console is available as an option. In this case the two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a Widescreen Cockpit beneath a shared glass cover. Drivers can choose between three different styles for the displays - "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive" - and also select relevant information and views according to their individual needs.

Thanks to haptic impulses and audible feedback from the on-board speakers, drivers can use the touchpad with controller in the centre console without taking their eyes off the road. The input options are rounded off by shortcut keys in front of the controller for frequently used operating tasks, and by the optional control panel for the driving assistance systems above the rotary light switch. The driver sits up close to the windscreen and enjoys good all-round visibility from behind the wheel.

Powerful and efficient

In the new G500 (fuel consumption, combined: 11.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 263 g/km) a high-performance 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine ensures powerful propulsion. The new biturbo produces an output of 310 kW (422 hp) and a maximum torque of 610 Nm at 2000 to 4750 rpm.

New automatic transmission on board

For the transfer of power, the 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.

https://www.netcarshow.com/mercedes-benz/2019-g-class/

New (Yes, Really) Mercedes-Benz G-Class Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off its new-generation G-Class, with the iconic off-roader gaining more space (while losing weight), added luxury and subtly updated styling. And, according to the brand, even more impressive off-road ability.

Yes, despite this latest G-Class – which makes its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit – looking distinctly similar to the model it replaces, the Stuttgart-based brand says it is indeed “all new”. In fact, it measures 53 mm longer and 121 mm wider than before, and has lost some 170 kg (thanks in part to the use of aluminium for the wings, bonnet and doors).

The new Geländewagen (which retains a ladder-frame chassis) gains increased body rigidity and new suspension, along with fresh features such as LED headlamps, various driver assistance systems and a redesigned cabin. It furthermore ditches hydraulically assisted steering for an electromechanical system.

But Mercedes-Benz has been careful not to change too much in terms of styling, retaining signature features such as the exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door, the exterior-mounted door hinges and the prominent indicators.

But it’s inside that Mercedes has seemingly effected the most dramatic changes (although items such as the front passenger grab handle and the chrome-accented switches have been retained). The completely redesigned instrument panel features tube-look analogue dials as standard, although a large digital version will be offered as an option. In this case, the G-Class uses a pair of 12,3-inch displays blending together under a shared glass cover.

Mercedes claims significant improvements in cabin space, with legroom up 38 mm in the front and 150 mm at the rear. Shoulder room gains 38 mm up front and 27 mm at the rear, while elbow room increases a claimed 68 mm fore and 56 mm aft.

The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, while the front perches can be had with heating functions (as can the rears) and “luxury” head restraints. Special “multicontour” seats, meanwhile, can be ordered with various massage functions, climate control functions, fast seat-heating and electrically adjustable lumbar supports.

Mercedes-Benz says the new G-Class “performs even better off-road, while on the road it is significantly more agile, dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor”. A new independent suspension system comprises a double-wishbone front axle and a rigid rear axle, with a ground clearance of 270 mm at the front and 241 mm at the rear. Maximum fording depth is now 700 mm when driving through water and mud (an increase of 100 mm), while the departure angle comes in at 30°, approach angle at 31° (an extra degree) and break-over angle at 26° (also one degree up).

At the rear, in contrast to the outgoing model, the new rigid axle is controlled by four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod, which Mercedes says makes “normal driving on the road even more comfortable”.

The automaker says its new G-Class changes to “G-Mode” independently of the chosen driving mode as soon as one of the three differential locks has been activated or the low range off-road reduction gear has been engaged. This off-road mode adapts the adjustable damping and the steering as well as the accelerator sensitivity.

So, what’s happening under the bonnet? Well, all Mercedes-Benz has said so far is that the G500 derivative will retain its 4,0-litre V8 petrol engine (worth 310 kW and 610 N.m), now mated to a new nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/new-yes-really-mercedes-benz-g-class-revealed/

Mercedes-Benz G-Class revealed with more tech, class & ability

Mercedes' off-road stalwart has been totally modernised beneath its old-school styling

Mercedes has revealed its second-generation G-Class, which closely resembles the original utilitarian off-roader that was launched 38 years ago and has since received various updates.

So iconic is the G-Class’s styling that Mercedes has only mildly updated its angular exterior design and has instead focused on heavily revising the interior and improving its ride comfort and agility.

Details such as the distinctive door handles and door-closing sound remain, as does the exterior protective strip, exposed spare wheel on the rear door and prominent indicator lights.

Despite the visual similarities, Mercedes claims surface quality is improved, resulting in “narrower, more precise gaps”, and the wheel arches and bumpers are a more integral part of the body, “looking less like add-on features”, says the car maker.

The new G-Class is also 53mm longer and 121mm wider than its predecessor. Now measuring 4715mm long and 1881mm wide, it is still more compact than its Range Rover rival, which measures 4999mm by 1983mm.

Some of the new G-Class’s biggest aesthetic and technological changes are found in the interior. Mercedes’ intention is to provide greater comfort, technology and usable space for occupants while staying true to the model’s utilitarian origins.

Echoing the interior of the E-Class, the G-Class has a multifunction steering wheel, which features touch-sensitive controls for the infotainment system, an electric handbrake and a gear selector stalk mounted on the steering column, as opposed to the more traditional gearshift in the centre console.

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. An analogue instrument panel comes as standard, but a ‘virtual’ display is optional.

Hallmarks of the original G-Class include a grab handle in front of the front passenger and chrome switches for the three differential locks.

The car’s larger dimensions also mean a 40mm-longer wheelbase, contributing to more rear passenger space, an area that was criticised in its predecessor. Mercedes claims rear leg room has risen by 150mm and front leg room by 38mm. There are also increases in elbow and shoulder room in both the front and rear.

The rear seats can be tilted to nine different angles, meaning that they can be left upright to optimise stowage space in the boot or reclined for greater rear occupant comfort over long journeys. The rear bench also folds flat to increase the size of the luggage compartment. Mercedes has yet to announce the luggage capacity but it is expected to surpass the outgoing model’s 699 litres.

The rear view camera has also been improved. Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche, speaking at the car's reveal at Detroit motor show, said: "As any G-Wagon owner knows: the rearview camera in the current model mostly shows the spare wheel. That's why our engineers have now placed the camera below the spare wheel." The camera is also "one-hundred percent waterproof".

Alongside the interior, the other major focus for the new G-Class has been improved handling, with Mercedes stating that “the primary goal of development was to redefine the quality of handling both on and off the road”. As a result, it claims the G-Class is even better off road yet also “significantly more agile, dynamic and comfortable” on the road.

Zetsche added: "[The G-Wagon] is instantly recognisable - yet better in every dimension. This is the safest, the most efficient, most comfortable, but - first and foremost - the most off-road capable G-Wagon of all time."

The G-Class retains the ladder-frame chassis of its predecessor in heavily modified form, which, along with a new aluminium body structure, means a 170kg drop in weight.

The new suspension has been developed with AMG. The independent suspension uses a double-wishbone front axle in combination with a rigid rear axle. The raising of the axles has helped increase ground clearance to 241mm, up 6mm.

Other improvements to off-road capability include a 70cm maximum fording depth (10cm more than before), a 30deg departure angle and a 31deg approach angle.

Body rigidity is also improved on the ladder-type frame, with a strut tower brace at the front end connecting to front strut towers. At the rear, the new rigid axle is controlled by four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod, which is claimed to make on-road driving more comfortable.

G-Class boss Gunnar Güthenke said: “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.”

The four-wheel-drive model also offers up to five driving modes. Comfort, Sport, Individual and Eco echo modes are offered across much of the Mercedes range, allowing vehicle characteristics such as engine, transmission, suspension and steering to be modified. The fifth mode, G-mode, is for off-road driving only. It incorporates the three differential locks offered on its predecessor plus low-range gearing. G-mode adapts the damping and steering as well as the accelerator, avoiding unnecessary gearshifts, all of which “ensures optimum control and maximum off-road capability”, reckons Mercedes.

Another significant change is the adoption of a new steering system. The recirculating ball set-up, which dates back to the 1979 G-Wagen, has been replaced by a contemporary electromechanical rack and pinion arrangement, which is claimed to offer a precise and suitable steering response for on and off road. It also allows for the implementation of driving assistance systems such as Parking Assist.

The model also gets Mercedes’ nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with torque converter, replacing the seven-speed gearbox of its predecessor. It has been specifically adapted to meet the needs of the car, says Mercedes, with reduced shift and response times.

The new G-Class will arrive in the UK in August in Mercedes-AMG G63 guise, which is the most popular variant sold here. It will use the AMG-developed 4.0-litre V8 turbo petrol engine, with 603bhp and 627lb ft, and replace the current 5.5-litre turbo V8, which delivers 563bhp and 560lb ft.

The G63 is expected to cost just under £140,000, a rise of around £4000 over its predecessor. The AMG variant will be launched with a First Edition version that is likely to cost £156,000.

An entry-level 350d – to arrive in 2019 – is expected to start from £85,000, less than the current model’s starting price of £92,070. This will be in a well-specified AMG Line trim. It is understood that a cheaper trim level is also being considered, which would bring the G-Class under £80,000.

The 350d adopts the 2.9-litre straight six diesel engine slowly being rolled out across the range, including the S-Class and CLS. It will develop 282bhp and 443lb ft.

A G500, which uses the same engine as the G63 in a lesser state of tune, is confirmed for other markets and has not been ruled out for the UK.

Zetsche, talking at the reveal told the audience to "watch this space" when asked about an electric G-Class, alluding to Mercedes' announcement last year that all of its models would be electrified by 2022.

Despite the imminent arrival of the new G-Class, UK sales of the current model were up 30% year on year in 2017.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mercedes-benz-g-class-revealed-more-tech-class-ability

On the topic of old Mercedes tech, spotted this little gem on wikipedia.

Those aircon vents look shyte!!! Who came up with that crap

Shmee has a first look video

[video=youtube_share;UEesGdf7pNw]https://youtu.be/UEesGdf7pNw[/video]

[video=youtube_share;DWBYbPNUojU]https://youtu.be/DWBYbPNUojU[/video]

[video=youtube_share;FZbD9NmvBXo]https://youtu.be/FZbD9NmvBXo[/video]

New Mercedes-Benz G-Class given AMG Line treatment

Earlier this month, Mercedes-Benz revealed its new-generation G-Class. And now the Stuttgart-based brand is showing off a new AMG Line styling package for the latest version of its off-roader.

As discovered by Blog Mercedes-Benz Passion, the AMG Line package for the Geländewagen includes a smattering of performance-inspired additions.

The 20-inch multi-spoke alloys are perhaps the most immediately noticeable additions, framed by boxy wheel arch extensions and covering branded and perforated brake discs. A sports exhaust system is also included, while plenty of brushed aluminium trim has been applied to the exterior.

The cabin, meanwhile, gains bright red seatbelts plus a flat-bottomed steering wheel trimmed in Nappa leather upholstery, while red contrast stitching is used on the facia, front seats and centre console lid. The floor mats, too, gain red accenting as well as AMG branding.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/new-mercedes-benz-g-class-given-amg-line-treatment/

Behind the scenes

[video=youtube_share;TFlKukmqMaw]https://youtu.be/TFlKukmqMaw[/video]