• Home
  • News
  • Reviews
    • Off-Road Tests
    • Driving impressions
    • Shootouts
  • Travel
    • Travel Stories
  • Blogs
    • Adventurer Interviews
    • Kingsley Holgate
    • Johan Badenhorst of Voetspore
    • Camp Site reviews
    • Mountain Passes of South Africa
    • Tech
    • Retro Rides
  • Multimedia
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
  • Cars
    • Used Cars For Sale
    • New Cars For Sale in South Africa
    • Demo Cars For Sale
    • Car News

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Upgrade

by Leisure Wheels

12 April 2012

New Mercedes-Benz G-Class

 

The infamous G-Class has for years been the symbol of superfluity for the adventurer, and now it’s received an update.

 

They haven’t changed much – the G-Class is generally accepted for what it is and has a generous fan base, even here in southern Africa. If you’re one of them, you’ll be happy to know it’s still pretty much the same boxy shape it’s been since its inception – tough, rugged and simplistic.

For many, the very term “luxury off-road vehicle” is problematic and paradoxical. Yet, judging just by how many ‘fashionable’, ‘luxurious’ and ‘hip’ vehicles that are also able to go off-road are entering the market, it’s a highly popular concept at the moment. South African drivers seem especially taken by the notion, as is evident in our FUV article in the May edition of Leisure Wheels.

The G-Class, however, is not a luxury vehicle that happens to be able to go off-road, as much as it is an excellent off-road vehicle that happens to come with rather hefty price tag.

 

What’s new?

 

ON THE SURFACE – You’ll find most of the changes on the inside. The new G-Class features a brand new instrument cluster and center console design – different colours, different shapes. Standard features like a updated infotainment system bring navigation and internet access to the rugged off-roader, while on the exterior sees minor tweaks such as LED daytime driving lamps and new mirrors. Mercedes has mentioned nothing regarding upgrading the primitive seating or increasing comfort – a case of “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it?

SAFETY – parking aid (Parktronic), blind spot assist and Merc’s adaptive cruise control system (Distronic Plus) have been added to the basket.

A NEW MODEL! The G 63 AMG model joins the line up. This monster of a machine features a V8 biturbo engine (paired, ironically, with an Eco start-stop system as standard)

 

A bit about the G-Class

The G-Class is famous for its durability. Despite the price tag evolving, the vehicle itself has remained simple and basic. This draws much criticism, but there’s no denying that its simplicity has helped it attain it’s reputation of being virtually unbreakable. Much of the G-Class is still mechanical where similarly priced vehicles use electric systems, and the loading bay even has a wooden base. The Gelandewagen was originally conceived in 1979 as a tough off-roader, but has since attained an aura of exclusivity and the ultimate show of excess. A lesser vehicle would draw more criticism for this, but as a result of its seemingly-infallible ability, it’s generally forgiven for its price tag.

 

← Previous Next →
Latest Videos
Land Rover | Defender | 2020 | crash test

LAND ROVER DEFENDER CRASH TEST

Camel Trophy | Land Rover | 1995 | South America

VIDEO: CAMEL TROPHY 1995

  • Covid-19 portal
  • Advertise with us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • We use cookies

CONTACT US

CAPE TOWN OFFICE

36 Old Mill Road,

Ndabeni

7405

Western Cape

Telephone: (021) 530 3300

Email: [email protected]

CONNECT WITH US!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER


Subscribe
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe
×