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.
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, now as then, and to give the G-Class its unique appearance. These features 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. Special features like these in conjunction with the off- roader’s angular lines define its special distinctive look.
Off-road: the legend surpasses itself
The primary goal of development was to redefine the quality of 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. Thanks to its standard ladder-type frame, the three 100-percent differential locks and LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction, the G remains a true G.
The new “G-Mode” paves the way where there is none
One of the prerequisites for the improved off-road handling characteristics is the new “G-Mode.” The 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 of the chassis and the steering as well as the accelerator characteristic, avoids unnecessary gear shifts and thus ensures optimum control and maximum off-road capability. A small “G” icon discreetly lights up in the instrument cluster. The “G” conquers rough ground so easily that the driver is able to enjoy inch-perfect maneuvering even in the steepest terrain and receive excellent feedback on the traction capacity of the surface.
On-road: agile, comfortable, superior
The specification for the G-Class not only included solidness and superiority in terrain, but also greater driving dynamics and comfort on paved roads. Thanks to the new front axle design, the on-road performance of the G-Class has therefore 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.
Powerful and efficient
In the new G 550 a high-performance 4.0-liter V8 gasoline engine ensures powerful propulsion. The new biturbo produces an output of 416 hp and a maximum torque of 450 lb-ft at 2,000 to 4,750 rpm, which is carried over from the previous model.
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.
As direct as possible, as indirect as necessary
As standard the G-Class is now fitted with electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering, which now allows driving assistance systems such as Parking Assist to be implemented. In addition, the electromechanical steering uses less energy than a hydraulically assisted steering system. Depending on the driving mode, one of three sets of steering characteristic lines, namely Comfort, Sport and Off-road, comes into effect.
The summer of 2017 saw the 300,000th G-Class roll off the assembly line in Graz – a European-spec Mercedes-Benz G 500 in designo Mauritius blue metallic with black leather seats and contrasting white topstitching. Equipped with a range of off-road features including all-terrain tires mounted on black 16-inch rims and a sturdy roof rack,