The G-Class is the top model among luxury off-road vehicles although the good folk at Range Rover may choose to argue. The G Class, or ‘G-Wagen’ as it is affectionately known is not only the passenger car model series with by far the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all SUVs bearing the familiar three-pointed star. Three equipment lines are available in the latest upgrade: Edition; AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus and all feature a new 3.0 litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, producing 330bhp.
On off-road terrain the G-Class remains an unrivalled legend. It masters the key off-road disciplines effortlessly and with impressive results, for example, grade-ability, ground clearance, wading depth and angle of approach/departure.
On The Outside
The G Class is resolutely utilitarian in looks inside and out. It’s hardly changed over forty years, but this is no catwalk model whose best days are behind her: Technology-wise, this car is as bang up to date as any new model from the German premium brand with styling to match.
This is thanks to the 20" AMG alloy wheels, multi-beam LED headlamps and a radiator grille with chrome trim elements. Edition models come as standard with 19 inch AMG five-twin spoke alloy wheels, heat insulating dark tinted glass, again the multi-beam LED headlights, a parking package with 360° camera and a trailer coupling.
On The Inside
The G-Wagen is more extensively equipped as standard than the preceding model. This includes a high-quality interior with leather seats, an instrument panel covered in ARTICO man-made leather, and open-pore wood. There are also new options to tailor the car fully to personal preferences. In addition to various optional extras, and for the first time ever, the ‘Exclusive Interior Plus’ with diamond quilting is optionally available for the G 350d version.
Further, there’s a ‘Comand (correct spelling in this case) Online’ infotainment system with 12.3 inch central display, a 12.3 inch digital cockpit display plus ‘Thermotronic’ three-zone climate control; heated front and rear seats and smart phone integration. How’s that to be going on with?
Partly due to the new quiet and harmonious diesel engine, the G-Class proves to be extremely comfortable, even on long distances. When driving, the exhaust system and the engine, which is also willing to rev at higher engine speeds, produce much less noise and vibrations in the interior. To reduce engine noise, the engine mounts of the diesel engine are actively controlled for the first time. At speeds below 5 km/h, they are set to soft to optimally dampen the transfer of torsional vibrations to the ladder-type frame at low engine speeds. At higher engine speeds, the two engine mounts are automatically made stiffer, which has positive effects on the vibrational comfort and the driving dynamics.
On The Road
The new in-line six-cylinder diesel makes the German icon the most efficient "G" so far. It produces an output (depending upon variant) of 286bhp with a peak torque of 600Nm between 1200 and 3200 rpm. The G Class is as powerful as never before.
The new six-cylinder diesel engine is designed to comply with future emissions legislation (Real Driving Emissions). All components relevant for efficient emissions reduction are installed directly at the engine. This contributes to faster effectiveness of the catalytic converter and the diesel particulate filter. Thanks to the integral technology approach comprising the new stepped-bowl combustion process, dynamic multi-path exhaust gas recirculation and near-engine emission control system, further reduced consumption figures with low emissions are possible. Thanks to the near-engine insulated configuration, the emission control system has little heat loss and ideal operating conditions. That’s a lot of engineering talk to make clear that this is the cleanest G-Class yet.
Specifically for the G-Class, the new front axle is designed in such a robust way that the off-road performance and off-road capabilities of its predecessor are retained and even surpassed. The components of the double-wishbone front suspension are directly mounted to the ladder-type frame without a subframe. This arrangement ensures good drive-ability when on the gnarly surfaces.
At the rear, in contrast to the predecessor, the new rigid axle is controlled by four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod. This makes normal driving on the road even more comfortable. Dynamic Select is now available with up to five driving modes for the G-Class; Comfort, Sport, Eco, Individual and the new off-road G-Mode. This adapts the adjustable damping of the chassis, the steering as well as the accelerator characteristics and avoids unnecessary gear shifts and thus ensures optimum control and maximum off-road capability. G-Mode also activates the vehicle’s low-range transfer gearbox.
Thanks to the new front-axle design, the on-road performance of the G-Class has been enhanced at the same time. On the road, the "G" is as agile as it is comfortable and provides the driver with a better steering feel. The off-roader stays on track more solidly and is agile and effortless when driving off-road.
This Mercedes Benz G Class premium SUV will be familiar to many who love a car that can do anything. It really is better than ever even after forty years or more of glorious tradition. If this car appeals, or indeed any Mercedes Benz vehicle, find out more about importing this car VAT-free from the UK to New Zealand, Kenya and other global destinations. The first step to contact us here at MHH International.
