The Iconic New 2018 Mercedes G-Class
Published Date: 16th Jan 2018
The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class looks great whether on or off the road and whatever the weather conditions, this off-road monster impresses with its performance, cutting-edge technology, outstanding handling, and safety. At the same time, the new suspension with handy new driving modes, the “G-Mode” and the three 100 percent differential locks enhance not only ride comfort but also agility – on any surface. UK specification and pricing has not been confirmed just yet, but we will see first customer deliveries arriving in summer 2018.
A Car for the well-off
The Mercedes G-Class or G-wagon as the Americans call it has a great deal of high profile admirers. It seems to have picked up where the Hummer left off in terms of being the ultimate must have vehicle. Let’s list a few of the famed G-Class owners to date…
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Queen Rania of Jordan
Myleene Klass
Abbey Clancy
Nick Grimshaw
Alicia Keys
Stephen Curry
These are just a few of the many famous names that count on the G-Class to get them from a to b. It wasn’t always such a celeb magnet, before all the Hollywood A-listers started buying the Mercedes G-class was developed as a military vehicle from a suggestion by the Shah of Iran (at the time a significant Mercedes shareholder) to Mercedes and offered as a civilian version in 1979. In this role it is sometimes referred to as the "Wolf". The Peugeot P4 was a variant made under license in France with a Peugeot engine.
“The new G-Class is setting the bar higher still in all relevant areas – in terms of performance both on and off the road as well as with regard to comfort and telematics. Our ‘longest-serving’ model series is therefore ideally equipped to continue its success story. In short, the new ‘G’ is still a ‘G’, only better,” stresses Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
Working on the development of the new G-Class was extremely challenging for the team. “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.”
New Mercedes G-Class Price
If you’re interested in the new Mercedes G-Class, you better have some serious money saved up as it will set you back over 100,000 Euros when it gets released and that’s just for the entry-level model. The entry-level price of €107,040.50 (price in Germany, incl. VAT) can tip the scales for your average buyer, but these cars can get close to €200,000 with options and custom alterations. There is 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 provides even more exclusivity.
New G Mode
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.
Powerful and efficient
In the new G 500 fuel consumption, combined: 11.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 263 g/km) a high-performance 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine ensures powerful propulsion. The new biturbo produces an output of 310 kW (422 hp) and a maximum torque of 610 Nm at 2000 to 4750 rpm.