The 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 and to give the GClass its unique appearance . All these are still found in the new GClass : 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 combined with the offroader ’ s angular lines define its special look .
The enhanced design of the 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 off-road .
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 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 luxury appointments , the G-Class has always combined two extremes . 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 , 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 GClass 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 not be disappointed in the new GClass . 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 onboard 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 excellent all-round visibility from behind the wheel .
More space for all
The revised dimensions of the now larger G-Class benefit not only the driver and front passenger , but also the passengers in the second row . Key data at a glance :
Description Difference
Legroom in the front + 38 mm
Legroom in the rear + 150 mm
Shoulder room in front + 38 mm
Shoulder room in rear + 27 mm
Elbow room in front + 68 mm
Elbow room in rear mm
+ 56 mm
The rear seats can be folded down to 60 , 40 or 100 percent . The seats in the GClass are equipped as standard with numerous convenience functions and are ergonomically designed , thus providing enhanced seating comfort and lateral support . Features include the Memory function for the driver ’ s seat , seat heating front and rear , as well as luxury head restraints in the front . This comfort can optionally be boosted still further with the Active Multicontour Seat Package . In addition to the special multicontour seats , this encompasses such features as various massage functions , climate-controlled seats , and fast seat heating . This variant also offers electrically adjustable lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger . The side sections of the seat cushions and backrests of the active multicontour seats include integrated air chambers that fill or empty continuously depending on the driving dynamics , thus providing better support for the seating positions of driver and front passenger and , for example , offering more lateral support during cornering . The front seats of the Active Multicontour Seat Package are recommended by experts from the German spinal health organisation “ Aktion Gesunder Rücken e . V .”.
Off-road : the legend surpasses itself
The primary goal of development was to redefine the quality of the handling both on and off the road . This goal has been achieved : The new G-Class performs even better off-road , while on the road it is significantly more agile , dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor . The G thus remains a true G – thanks to its standard ladder-type frame , the three 100-percent differential locks and LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction .
The new suspension emerged from the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Mercedes-AMG GmbH . The result is an independent suspension with double-wishbone front axle in combination with a rigid rear axle . As part of their work , the engineers had the task of fighting for every millimetre , because off-road capability not least also means maximum ground clearance . The raising of the axles makes a decisive contribution in this respect , while requiring a strut tower brace in the engine compartment to achieve the ruggedness objectives .
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