The all-new Mercedes Benz G-Class is finally available in South Africa. At the moment the range only includes the G63, but a 350d model will join it next year.
As standard you get a 430 kW 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, the rear-biased all-wheel drive (40:60) with three differential locks, the fast-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, the double wishbone independent front suspension and the adaptive adjustable damping.
The gearbox has a model-specific software application to achieve very short shift times. The multiple downshift function allows more spontaneous bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in “Sport” and “Sport+” transmission modes makes for an even more emotional driving experience. Defined engine manipulation makes for even faster gear changes.
Low range can be engaged via a switch at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The gear ratio of the transfer case is then changed from 1.00 in HIGH RANGE to 2.93. It is possible to switch from low range to high range at speeds of up to 70 km/h.
A new fully digital 12.3 inch Widescreen Cockpit comes as standard for the first time in the new G-Class allowing the driver to have three different display styles. These styles are “Classic”, “Sporty” and “Progressive”.
The Mercedes-AMG G63 retails for R2 591 000 and the optional “Edition 1” package retails for R300 000.