The new 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, this off-road vehicle impresses with its performance, cutting-edge assistance systems, outstanding handling, and safety. At the same time, the new suspension, DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, "G-Mode" and three 100‑percent differential locks enhance not only ride comfort but also agility – on any surface.

"The new G-Class is setting the bar even higher in all relevant areas: in terms of performance both on and off the road, as well as 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 Management 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 simultaneously a challenge and an opportunity. 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 on the connections between the suspension and drivetrain, which has a ladder-type frame."

At the time of market launch in May, the base specification of the G-Class will include a host of new features such as LED headlamps, driving assistance systems, high-quality interior with leather seats, and new suspension. For demanding customers, options such as the Exclusive Interior Plus, which includes leather on the interior door panels, provide even more exclusivity.

The G-Class, reinterpreted for today
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury off-road vehicle that has long been considered a design icon. Its external form has not changed significantly since 1979. Iconic elements serve very specific purposes, now as then, and to give the G‑Class its unique appearance. The new G-Class still features distinctive door handles and a characteristic closing sound, a robust exterior protective strip, an exposed spare wheel on the rear door and prominent indicator lights. In concert with the off-roader’s angular lines, extraordinary features like these define its special look.

The enhanced design of the G-Class follows the philosophy of Sensual Purity while still remaining true to its original character. The exterior-mounted door hinges and surface-mounted hood have been carried over to the new generation. Though the off-road icon has seen minimal changes to its appearance, it has been continually enhanced technically over the decades. The latest update sees it making the leap into a new era in terms of both technology and form. The new G-Class is 53 mm longer and 121 mm wider and now has even greater presence, on and off the road.

More than ever, the new G-Class appears to be cast from a single piece. All surfaces have a more taut design and the surface quality has been taken to an even higher level, resulting in narrower, more precise gaps and more harmonious visual transitions. In addition, the wheel arches and bumpers form a more integral part of the body.

Interior: Authentic icon
While the exterior maintains its iconic classic look, the interior of the G-Class has undergone a modern redesign which reinterprets the genes of the classic vehicle to reflect the new exterior. With its off-road character and top-class luxury appointments, the G-Class has always combined two extremes in a harmonious union. Even from the first glance and from the first touch, it's clear that only high-quality materials are used. Every detail is finished by hand with the utmost care.

Numerous design features from the G-Class exterior have been transposed into its interior. For instance, the shape of the round headlamps is reflected in its side air vents, while the design of the iconic indicators is reflected in the shape of its loudspeakers. Hallmarks of the G‑Class, such as the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chrome-highlighted switches for the three differential locks, have been meticulously optimized and retained as characteristic features.

As in the new E-Class and S-Class, an instrument cluster in the form of a large display shows virtual instruments in the driver's direct field of vision, while a central display above the centre console is available as an option. In this case, the two 12.3-inch (312.42 mm) 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 good 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:

The rear seats can be folded down to 60, 40 or 100 percent. The seats in the G‑Class feature numerous standard convenience functions and are ergonomically designed, thus providing enhanced seating comfort and lateral support. Features include the Memory function for the driver's seat, heated seats at front and rear, and luxury head restraints in the front. This ride comfort can be boosted still further with the optional Active Multicontour Seat Package. In addition to the special multicontour seats, this package includes various massage functions, climate-controlled seats, and fast seat heating, as well as 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 development goal 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, 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 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 required ruggedness.

The components of the double-wishbone front axle are directly mounted to the ladder-type frame without a subframe. The lower wishbone's attachment points on the frame in Z-direction are positioned as high up as possible. This arrangement ensures good driveability beyond the asphalt. The new front axle has been designed specifically for the G-Class in such a robust way that the off-road performance and off-road capabilities of its predecessor are maintained and are even surpassed in some respects.

Equipped in this way, and with a ground clearance of 270 mm at the front axle gear, the G-Class provides plenty of potential for maximum assertiveness and driving pleasure on off-road terrain. The figures speak for themselves:

• Slope-climbing ability of up to 100% on suitable surfaces
• Ground clearance between axles now 24.1 cm (+6 mm)
• Maximum fording depth now 70 cm (+10 cm) when driving through water and mud
• Stable at tilt angles of 35° (+7°)
• Angle of departure: 30°, angle of approach: 31° (+1°)
• Break-over angle: 26° (+1°)

The vehicle's independent suspension made it possible to improve the rigidity of the body's front end. The torsional rigidity of the ladder-type frame is increased by a strut tower brace, known as a suspension bridge, which now connects the front strut towers.

In contrast to its predecessor, the new rigid axle at the rear is controlled by four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod. This makes normal driving on the road even more comfortable. In off-road terrain, a safe ride – even in extreme situations – is helped by the 82 mm rear spring jounce, 142 mm rebound, and the rear axle gear's 241 mm ground clearance.

À la carte: "Comfort", "Sport", "Individual" or "Eco"
A range of DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes allow the G‑Class traits to be adjusted in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the characteristics of the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and assistance systems at the driver's behest. The four programs – "Comfort", "Sport", "Eco" and "Individual" – can be set conveniently via the DYNAMIC SELECT rocker switch. A particularly fuel-efficient driving style is possible in "ECO" mode, for example, while "Sport" mode changes the shift points of the automatic transmission and the throttle response of the engine, as well as the parameters of the electric steering system and the exhaust flap. "Individual" allows drivers to configure their own preferred vehicle settings.

DYNAMIC SELECT provides a host of options in combination with the new suspension with optional Adaptive Damping System. These permit the driver to modify the vehicle's damping characteristics in "Sport" and "Comfort" modes using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch.

The G-Class detects the road conditions and sets the appropriate damping characteristics, so that the damping is stiffer in off-road terrain, for example. By contrast, the G-Class boasts a more agile response when driving on the road in "Sport" mode.

The new "G-Mode" paves the way where there is none
One of the prerequisites for the vehicle's improved off-road handling characteristics is the new "G-Mode". As soon as one of the three differential locks has been activated, or the LOW RANGE off-road reduction gear has been engaged, the G-Class changes to "G-Mode" independently of the chosen driving mode, and is indicated by a small "G" icon discreetly lighting up in the instrument cluster. This off-road mode adapts the adjustable damping of the chassis and the steering as well as the responsiveness of the accelerator, avoids unnecessary gear shifts and thus ensures optimum control and maximum off-road capability. The "G" covers rough ground so easily the driver is able to enjoy perfect manoeuvring even on the steepest terrain and to receive excellent feedback on the traction capacity of the surface.

On-road: agile, comfortable, superior
The specifications of the G-Class not only include solidness and superiority for off-road adventures, but also greater driving dynamics and comfort on paved roads. The on-road performance of the G-Class has been enhanced thanks to a new front axle design. On the road, the "G" is as agile as it is comfortable and provides the driver with more satisfying steering. The off-roader stays on track more solidly, and is agile and effortless when driving off-road.

The developers used a digital prototype to simulate the service life of individual vehicle components and closed systems to uncover opportunities to use lighter raw materials. As a result, the G-Class is approximately 170 kg lighter, with components made from a new mix of materials comprising strong, high-strength, and ultra-high-strength steels and aluminum, as well as improved production processes at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria. The rigid body shell is now made of a variety of steel grades, while the wings, hood and doors are made of aluminum.

To retain the door hinges and handles typical of the G-Class, the developers modified them to suit the new aluminum design. The A- and B‑pillars are made of high-strength steel due to their load-bearing function. Despite the measures taken to reduce the weight of the vehicle, it was possible to increase the torsional rigidity of the frame, body shell and body mounts by around 55 percent, from 6,537 to 10,162 Nm/deg. In addition to improvements to the vehicle's natural driving dynamics and comfort, this also results in enhanced quality of such elements as noise levels: there are now significantly less noise and fewer vibrations in the interior, when driving.

Powerful and efficient
The new G 550 is powered by a high-performance 4.0-litre V8 gasoline engine producing 416 hp and a maximum torque of 450 ft-lb 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 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 also contributes to reduced fuel consumption.

As direct as possible, as indirect as necessary
The G-Class is now fitted with electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering, which has allowed for the implementation of driving assistance systems such as Parking Assist. The electromechanical steering also uses less energy than a hydraulically assisted system. Depending on the driving mode, one of three sets of steering characteristic lines – "Comfort", "Sport" and "Off-road" – comes into effect, always paired with sufficient steering power assistance. This delivers comfortable or sporty steering on the road and straightforward and precise feedback on unpaved and demanding terrain. In other words: as direct as possible, as indirect as necessary.

Stronger than time
The G-Class is the top model among luxury off-road vehicles. It is not only the passenger car model series with the longest production run by far in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all SUVs to bear the three-pointed star, which is why all Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G in their name.

What began in 1972 with a collaboration agreement between what were then known as Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz, is now a story of superlatives and significant milestones. Even the first concept to be developed stood out. The team designed a vehicle with impressive superior off-road capability that also appealed to customers as a full-featured and safe vehicle suitable for recreational purposes. All-wheel drive, 100-percent differential locks, and the robust ladder-type frame have also been part of the "G" since that time.

In 1989, the 463 model series vehicles marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the off-roader that was not just about keeping pace with technical progress. It was an evolution that also brought a steadily expanding fan base, emphasized its character as an exclusive vehicle for any occasion, and – since 1993 – gave it an official name: the G-Class.

The G-Class models used for the "Popemobile" are famous around the world. The off-road Mercedes-Benz 230 G painted in mother of pearl with a special transparent body accompanied Pope John Paul II on numerous journeys beginning in 1980.

The 25th anniversary of the G-Class was marked by the arrival of a very special model on the market.  Honed by Mercedes-AMG, the G 55 AMG Kompressor had an eight-cylinder power unit (469 hp, 516 lb-ft of torque) that gave the robust off-roader unprecedented performance and demonstrated the tremendous potential of the G-Class.

In 2015, the G 500 4x4² added not only a luxurious interior to the equation, but also a ground clearance of 45 centimetres and impressive on-road performance. Since 2015, the designo manufaktur range has been providing customers with the option to take a G-Class and make it their own with exclusive equipment variants that are perfectly coordinated with each other.

The summer of 2017 saw the 300,000th G-Class roll off the assembly line in Graz: a Mercedes-Benz G 500 in designo Mauritius blue metallic with black leather seats and contrasting white topstitching (combined fuel consumption: 12.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 289 g/km). Equipped with a range of off-road features including all-terrain tires mounted on black 16-inch rims and a sturdy roof rack, the anniversary vehicle soon embarked on new adventures. G-Class fans around the world determined the vehicle's specifications by voting for their favourite equipment and appointments on the official G‑Class Facebook page. You can follow the future road trips of the 300,000th G-Class on social networks.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,700 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 48 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 52,298 vehicles in 2017. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the fourth consecutive year.

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