Exclusive interior: the G-Class, reinterpreted for today

The G-Class: an off-road legend and the ultimate benchmark for so many fans of cross-country driving. Since 1979, more than 300,000 of these iconic vehicles have allowed their owners to experience adventures that would have been unachievable with any other vehicle. Though superficially the "G" has changed very little, this very special off-roader has actually undergone constant reinvention. Now, with a completely updated interior and numerous new features, the G-Class has undergone the most significant technical and stylistic transformation of its almost 40-year career, while still managing to stay true to itself.

Iconic elements continue to serve very specific purposes, now as then, and to give the G-Class its unique appearance. These are still to be 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. It is extraordinary features like these that combine with the off-roader's angular lines to define its special look.

Interior: As luxurious as it is authentic

Clear, geometric lines are among the many aspects that make it evident the G-Class is a contemporary interpretation of a legend: climbing aboard reveals styling elements from the exterior transposed into the interior. Other examples include the way the shape of the round headlamps is reflected in the air vents on either side, while the design of the iconic indicators may be found in the shape of the loudspeakers.

Hallmarks of the G-Class include the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chrome-highlighted switches for the differential locks, which are positioned in clear view. Both have been meticulously optimized and retained as characteristic features.

G-Class drivers are able to control the full infotainment system without taking their hands off the steering wheel. Touch-sensitive Touch Controls on the steering wheel respond to swiping motions in the same way as the surface of a smartphone. Thanks to haptic impulses and additional feedback from the onboard speakers, the driver can use the touchpad without looking away from the road. These input options are rounded-out with shortcut keys in front of the controller that may be used for frequently-accessed operating tasks, and by the optional control array 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.

The clearly laid-out and completely redesigned instrument panel features timeless, tube-like analogue dials as standard. In other words, fans of classic round instruments will certainly not be disappointed in the new G-Class. As in the new E and S-Class, an optional alternative instrument panel in the form of a large display screen shows virtual instruments in the driver's direct field of vision and a central display above the centre console. Two 12.3-inch displays blend into a wide-screen cockpit beneath a shared glass cover. Drivers can choose between three different styles for the displays – "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive" – and also configure relevant information and views according to their individual needs.

High-quality materials and added comfort

With its unmistakable character and high-quality appointments, the G-Class has always managed to combine off-road capability and luxury in a particularly harmonious way. Even in its standard specifications, the G-Class's timeless and authentic open-pore wood trim gives it an air of classical elegance. Its stylish details include the generous use of high-quality metal or carbon fibre trim, and its leather seats.

"Every G-Class must be put to the test on the Schöckl" was the motto that topped the list of requirement specifications when it came to redesigning this classic off-roader. This refers to the Graz plant's local mountain, used by Mercedes-Benz for its hard – and, some say, even merciless - testing, which each off-roader must be able to conquer. This is why every "G" bears a certification mark in the form of a "Schöckl" badge at the base of its B-pillar.

The doors are very solid, clear evidence of hallmark "G" functionality. The stowage space has been thoroughly overhauled, with numerous new storage areas ensuring that everything has a home. Under the armrest, for example, is an illuminated compartment for small items such as chewing gum, handkerchiefs or sunglasses. An optional wireless charging point is also available. Two removable cup holders and an oddments tray are located in front of the touchpad in the centre console. The rear doors are each capable of accommodating a 1-litre water bottle. The rear bench seat has a freestanding backrest, allowing for maximum variability and better visibility through the rear side windows.

The standard audio system features seven loudspeakers. An optional Burmester® surround sound system with 16 speakers and a 590 watt amplifier with Digital Sound Processing is also available.

The revised dimensions of this new, larger G-Class do not only benefit the driver but the passengers in the second row as well.

The most important data at a glance:

The rear seats can be folded down to 60, 40 or 100 percent. The seats in the G-Class are equipped as standard with numerous convenience functions such as the Memory function for the driver's seat, front and rear seat heating, and luxury head rests in the front. Such ride comfort can be enhanced still further, as required, with the optional Seat Comfort package, which includes special multicontour seats with a range of massage functions, climatized 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 on a continuous basis according to the driving dynamics. This provides better support for the seating positions of the driver and front passenger and also offers more lateral support during cornering, for example. The front seats offered with the Seat Comfort package are recommended by experts from the German spinal health organisation "Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.".

Extras for the G-Class: Two exclusive equipment packages

There are so many variants available for the new G-Class that it is extremely rare for any two cars to be exactly alike. This wide range of equipment options is made possible by the fact that features from the designo manufaktur range have already been integrated into the standard equipment variants.

Standard passenger seats are available in Lugano leather in black, nut brown or macchiato beige. Two optional top-class equipment packages are also available: Exclusive Interior and Exclusive Interior Plus. The Exclusive Interior is available in a range of seven colours. Three of these are elegant combinations of nappa leather in black with one of the designo manufaktur colours platinum white, yacht blue or classic red. The package also includes a black designo roof liner in DINAMICA microfibre, along with air vents in silvershadow. Exclusive Interior Plus comprises additional elements in nappa leather such as the door trim, sections of the centre console, the instrument panel and all the upholstery. A particular feature here is the seat design with dynamic diamond-pattern quilting. With this package, customers have a choice between the designo shades of black, espresso brown and classic red. For the first time, it is also possible to order a light-coloured interior throughout: macchiato beige is available to encompass everything from the flooring to the roof liner.

The sporty AMG Line can be combined with all three variants. In this case, black seats are combined with contrasting topstitching in red for the seats, instrument panel, doors and centre console, along with red seat belts. It is a look that goes well with the vehicle's sporty steering wheel with a flattened bottom section, which is available for the G-Class for the first time.

An off-road legend since 1979

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 in the history of Mercedes-Benz by a wide margin, but is also the first SUV to bear the three-pointed star – this is why all Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G in their name.

What began in 1972 with a collaboration agreement between the then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz, is now a story peppered with superlatives and significant milestones. As it was back then, the G-Class is still built largely by hand in Graz.

Right from the very first design, this was no ordinary cross-country vehicle. Product planners, designers and engineers designed a vehicle that offered a compelling combination of reliability, robust build and superb off-road performance, which nevertheless appealed to customers as a comfortable, safe and exclusive automobile for recreational purposes.

At the time of its market launch in the spring of 1979, the G-Class was available with a choice of four engine variants that covered a performance spectrum of 53 kW/72 hp to 115 kW/156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet with a short wheelbase or Station Wagon models with short or long wheelbase. In 1989, 463 model series vehicles marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the off-roader, one that was not just about keeping pace with technical progress. It was an evolution that attracted a steadily-expanding fanbase and emphasized its character as an exclusive vehicle for any occasion. And, since 1993, it has been a vehicle with an official name: the G-Class.

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. Its eight-cylinder power unit (350 kW/476 hp, 516 lb-ft of torque) gave the robust off-roader an unprecedented level of performance and demonstrated the tremendous potential of the G-Class.

In 2009, the G-Class's 30th birthday was celebrated with a series of new equipment features that primarily enhanced the comfort and exclusivity of its interior. The ergonomically optimised front seats offered more support, while new designs and climatized seats made the veteran beast even more luxurious. Sales of the G-Class have increased continually ever since. Thanks to the strong growth rates, the forefather of the SUV achieved a new sales record in 2016, with almost 20,000 units being sold within the year.

New AMG engines, a markedly expanded range of appointments, an even higher-quality interior, careful exterior modifications and safety features such as DISTRONIC PLUS as well as the parking aid PARKTRONIC marked further enhancements to the off-roader in 2012. In 2015, the G 550 4x4² added not only a luxurious interior to the equation, but also ground clearance of 45 centimetres and impressive on-road performance. Designo manufaktur also began to offer customers the possibility to individualize their G with exclusive equipment variants.

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, this summer the anniversary vehicle embarked on a new adventure. 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. The future road trips of the 300,000th G-Class can also be followed on social networks.

The new G-Class will be celebrating its premiere at the North American International Auto Show 2018 in Detroit.

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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 1,500 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 48,320 vehicles in 2016. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the third consecutive year.

For more information, please contact:
JoAnne Caza                416-847-7550             joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Sinead Brown               416-847-7588             sinead.brown@mercedes-benz.ca

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