What's the news?
Mercedes-Benz will launch its first entirely new G-Class, formerly known as the G-Wagon, at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in January. The G-Class, as it is now known began life in 1979, and since then more than 300,000 examples have been produced. Over the years its various iterations have transported owners, celebrities and even the Pope through all kinds of terrain. It was an SUV before we knew what an SUV was.
The model has evolved over its lifetime, and regular updates pushed the platform beyond what many thought it was capable of. Performance versions varied from the jacked-up Mercedes-AMG 4x42 and its crazier 6x6 relations while for the ultimate adventure-loving plutocrat Mercedes-Maybach created the G 650 Landaulet.
So, what's new inside the next-generation G-Class? Well, everything. Mercedes has yet to reveal the exterior of the new car officially but CompleteCar has seen a very lightly disguised version at a special preview event, and we can confirm that it remains true to the original. This fact alone is sure to keep the majority of buyers happy, but more importantly, the new version has been engineered with the future in mind, unlike the outgoing model which was never intended or predicted to last as long as it has.
You still push in a button on the door handle to open it, and there is a climb up into the cabin that is greater than in a more conventional SUV. Geländewagen aficionados will appreciate the familiar characteristic metallic click as the door shuts. The windscreen remains very upright resulting in excellent forward visibility. Despite the car benefitting from significant reinforcement, the A-pillars do little to restrict vision.
There is a sense of familiarity to the cabin even though it contains all of the latest Mercedes-Benz design elements and technology. The grab handle in front of the front passenger remains a fixture on the dashboard - something that Mercedes was keen to retain. Oliver Metzger, who was in charge of development confirmed that it was quite an engineering challenge to get this into the car with all the airbag deployment and restraint systems.
The upright dashboard design carries electronic architecture and design that is very similar to that seen in the E-Class and S-Class models. The option of two 12.3-inch displays blends perfectly into the instrument panel behind a single shared glass cover. It allows the G-Class to be more prepared for the digital age, especially concerning connectivity for users. Modern features like the touch-sensitive Touch Controls on the steering wheel respond to swiping motions while the touchpad features haptic feedback to allow the drive to use it while keeping their eye on the road. Naturally, the off-road controls aren't far from reach either, with designers keeping the three differential lock buttons within easy reach on the central console.
To appeal to the G-Class's ever-broadening customer base, Mercedes will offer a better range of interior specification, including a sporty AMG Line for the first time in the G-Class. Elements like a flat-bottomed steering wheel and black seats with contrasting red stitching and matching red seat belts give it a more distinctive appearance. Buyers will also be able to order a light-coloured interior for the first time also, with macchiato beige being added to the list of choices. Other design elements allow for the selection of premium-looking metal or carbon fibre inserts throughout the cabin while ambient lighting emphasises the cabin's design at night.
Anything else?
Other creative design elements inside the cabin of the new G-Class include the air vent design that resembles the headlight, complete with square surround. Oliver Metzger explains: "We tried to bring the exterior into the interior and maybe you can see the indicator that sits on the fender recreated in the shape of the speakers on top of the dashboard."
Overall the cabin has grown in every direction to benefit passengers. Legroom in the front is up by 38mm while the rear benefits greatly with a 150mm increase. Shoulder width gains 38mm up front and 27mm in the back, and it's a similar story with elbow room, up 68mm in the front and 56mm in the rear. The rear seats can be set to nine different positions including an upright 90-degree angle to boost cargo space.
We'll have to wait a little longer before we see the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class in full, but one thing is for sure and that it will still be every bit the Geländewagen so many of us love.