Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2018) Review

January 2018

Mercedes G-Class launched

The specification includes a host of new features such as LED headlamps, driving assistance systems, a high-quality interior with leather seats, and new suspension. For demanding customers, options such as the Exclusive Interior Plus with leather on the interior door panels.

As in the new E-Class and S-Class, an instrument cluster in the form of a large display showing virtual instruments in the driver's direct field of vision and a central display above the centre console is available as an option. In this case the two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a Widescreen Cockpit beneath a shared glass cover. Drivers can choose between three different styles for the displays,

Thanks to haptic impulses and audible feedback from the on-board 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 excellent all-round visibility from behind the wheel.

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 and are ergonomically designed, thus providing enhanced seating comfort and lateral support.

Features include the Memory function for the driver’s seat, seat heating front and rear, as well as luxury head restraints in the front. This comfort can optionally be boosted still further with the Active Multicontour Seat Package. In addition to the special multicontour seats, this encompasses such features as various massage functions, climate-controlled seats, and fast seat heating. This variant also offers electrically adjustable lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger.

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.

Thanks to the independent suspension, it was possible to improve the rigidity of the body front end. A strut tower brace, also known as a suspension bridge, now connects the front strut towers, which increases the torsional rigidity of the ladder-type frame.

At the rear, in contrast to the predecessor, the new rigid axle is controlled by four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod. This makes normal driving on the road even more comfortable. In rough terrain, the rear spring jounce of 82 mm and rebound of 142 mm plus the ground clearance of 241 mm to the rear axle gear help to ensure a safe ride even in extreme situations.

One of the prerequisites for the improved off-road handling characteristics is the new “G-Mode”. The G-Class changes to “G-Mode” independently of the chosen driving mode as soon as one of the three differential locks has been activated or the LOW RANGE off-road reduction gear has been engaged.

This off-road mode adapts the adjustable damping of the chassis and the steering as well as the accelerator characteristic, avoids unnecessary gear shifts and thus ensures optimum control and maximum off-road capability. A small “G” icon discreetly lights up in the instrument cluster. The “G” swallows rough ground so easily that the driver is able to enjoy inch-perfect manoeuvring even in the steepest terrain and receive excellent feedback on the traction capacity of the surface.

In the new G 500 a high-performance 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine ensures powerful propulsion. The new biturbo produces an output of 422PS and a maximum torque of 610Nm at 2000 to 4750 rpm.

February 2018

Mercedes-AMG G 63 revealed

The basis for the hallmark AMG Driving Performance both on and off metalled roads is provided by the 585PS 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, the rear-biased all-wheel drive (40:60) with three differential locks, the extremely fast-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, the double wishbone independent front suspension and the adaptive adjustable damping.

The reinterpretation of the unmistakable design creates strong highlights with the AMG-specific radiator grille, flared wheel arches, striking side pipes on the exhaust system and the up to 22-inch wheels.

The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine now also replaces the previous 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine in the G 63. It generates 585PS in this model, and delivers a maximum torque of 850Nm.

This is available across a wide rev range between 2500 and 3500 rpm, and provides a sense of effortless superiority. It absolves a sprint from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission is used in the G 63. This 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 Plus” transmission modes makes for an even more emotional driving experience. Defined engine manipulation makes for even faster gear changes.

The dual-flow exhaust system features side pipes below the rear doors. The twin tailpipes in high-gloss chrome emit the typical AMG V8 sound. The standard exhaust flap can be adjusted in two stages using the switch in the centre console or depending on the selected driving mode, to make the exhaust note more sporty or discreet.

On market launch the new Mercedes-AMG G 63 will also be available as an exclusive "Edition 1" special model. The available paint finishes are magnetite black, obsidian black, iridium silver, mojave silver, selenite grey, designo graphite metallic, designo platinum black. designo mystic white bright, designo platinum magno and designo night black magno.