Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly restyled the G-Class, its iconic luxury off-road vehicle. In particular, the interior is characterized by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials, and the instrument cluster and center console have been completely redesigned.
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 evolution. Over the course of 33 years, Mercedes-Benz has refined what was initially a very practically-oriented off-road specialist by giving it a premium interior and road-going qualities on par with those of the premium sedans from Mercedes-Benz.
The G-Class today is considered the top model among luxury-class cross-country vehicles, and has provided the gene pool for other very successful SUVs built under the Mercedes-Benz brand. The G-Class has been voted offroader of the year countless times over the past years, most recently this year.
A comprehensive range of features ensures that this classic cross-country vehicle remains in a class of its own in the off-road sector.
These highlights 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.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years. In its latest evolutionary stage, it offers state-of-theart, powerful engines, a further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety features, as well, of course, as its now legendary off-road capabilities. At the same time the design remains true to its down-to-earth, unmistakable style.”
The external modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors. The AMG version also features a new, characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvers, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake calipers and 20-inch wheels, available here for the first time, complement the emotive appeal of its exterior.
The instrument panel and center console have been completely redesigned to include new controls and generously proportioned, exclusively designed trim elements. These give the interior of the SUV a fresh, premium look. Drivers will now find a TFT color display in the instrument cluster between the two round gauges.
A large color screen, conveniently positioned in the center, is part of the COMAND system and incorporates a DVD changer and the standard COMAND Controller. This new infotainment system offers, amongst other features, a navigation system with special additional off-road functions, voice-operated controls 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 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 trim – and the redesigned shift lever in the lower section of the center console.
New standard safety features include DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera. The ESP system has been completely revised and now includes Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.
Further individualization options from the exclusive designo range are available as enhancements to what is already a very high-quality interior.
The available engines for the 2013 G-Class include the powerful 5.5-litre V8 gasoline engine in the G550, which has an output of 388 hp and offers excellent torque of 391 lb-ft. The engine is mated to the familiar 7-speed automatic transmission. This sixth generation of the stepped automatic transmission that has been developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz since 1960 has once again been thoroughly revised, and optimized with regard to both consumption and comfort.
New to the range is the G63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine with 544 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque, which features the ECO stop/stop system as standard.
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 characteristics make it an unrivalled proposition in rough, off-road terrain.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
