Mercedes-Benz has officially unwrapped the 2019 G-Class in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
The exterior of the 2019 G-Class has had a subtly redesign, which is distinctly more modern while still retaining a strong link with the previous model. The interior gains more luxurious features and according to the brand the vehicle is even more impressive off-road.
The latest Gelandenwagen 53mm longer and 121mm wider than its predecessor and is 170kg lighter because of the liberal use of high-strength steel and aluminum.
Mercedes has said that the G500 derivative will retain its 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine (with an output of 310kW and 610Nm) mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission, with a claimed combined fuel consumption of 11.1 l/100 km.
The G-Class retains the ladder-frame chassis, selectable four-wheel-drive with low-range, and three locking differentials, but the solid front-axle has been replaced by a double-wishbone front suspension. The recirculating ball steering has been replaced by an electromechanical ack-and-pinion steering, which now allows driving assistance systems such as Parking Assist to be implemented.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.
Despite these changes Mercedes claims that this generation’s off-road capability is greater than previous models.
The new “G-Mode” driving setting adjusts the shocks, steering, throttle, and reduces shifting for more controllable off-roading. It activates when low-range is selected or one of the differentials is locked.
“Enhancing an icon such as the G‑Class in technological terms was both a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. 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 the connections between the suspension and drivetrain with the ladder-type frame”.
Inside, the rear seats can be folded down to 60, 40 or 100 percent. Special multicontour seats offer various massage functions, climate-control, fast seat heating and there is electrically adjustable lumbar support for the driver and front passenger.
There is also more leg-, shoulder- and elbowroom in both the front and rear of the vehicle.
At the time of market launch in June, the G-Class will be available at an entry-level price of €107,040.50 in Germany (about R1 604 000) remaining at the level of the preceding version.
The specification includes new features such as the LED headlamps, the driving assistance systems, the high-quality interior with leather seats, and the new suspension. The German marque states that ‘for demanding customers, options such as the Exclusive Interior Plus with leather on the interior door panels provides even more exclusivity.’