Mercedes reveals what the interior of the new G-Class will look like

2018 will mark the end of an era and the start of another that is expected to deliver just as many successes, at least as far as the Mercedes G-Class is concerned, the iconic model from the German manufacturer that is about to begin a new chapter. Before that, however, it has made its final moves with several special editions, such as the Limited Edition or the even more exclusive Final Edition, priced at over 300,000 euros.

The new generation of the Mercedes G-Class is already on its way, and its final destination, by the way, is the Detroit Motor Show, which opens its doors in mid-next month, where the new G-Class generation will be displayed to the whole world. The choice of the Detroit Motor Show as the launch venue, so far from its home in Graz, is no mere coincidence: North America, together with the Middle East, are the main markets for the Mercedes G-Class.

While we wait for the day we can see it in all its glory, Mercedes is starting to build anticipation by releasing images of its interior, in which we can see the numerous changes applied. In the model that is still current, it is clear that, in both design and materials, nothing reminds us that we are dealing with an extremely capable off-roader, although some reminiscences logically evoke a certain austerity. This is not the case in the new G-Class, and on board it seems as though we are sitting in just another saloon from Mercedes, a feeling only mitigated by the flat, vertical design and the passenger grab handle on the dashboard.

As you can see, the architecture of the design and much of the technology come from other Mercedes models, such as the E-Class or the recently presented CLS. Just as happens in those two models, for example, the eye is probably drawn first to the Widescreen instrument panel, a system that uses two 12.3-inch screens that look like one thanks to the use of a single glass panel. The driver can adjust the display to their liking, choosing between three modes called Classic, Sport and Progressive, configurable to show the relevant information and views each driver needs.

On these screens, the entire infotainment system can of course also be operated, with the advantage that the driver can do so without taking their hands off the steering wheel. This is possible because the steering wheel itself features touch controls, similar to those we use on smartphones today, complemented by voice feedback through the speakers that lets us keep our eyes on the road. In addition, as is customary, there are also the usual buttons that give direct access to the functions used most often.

The quality of the materials used is typical of a luxury saloon, making us forget that we are seated in an off-roader built to tackle the most difficult and remote terrain, with finishes featuring aluminium, carbon fibre or leather. The leather is mostly found on the seats, which are electrically adjustable with memory function for the front ones, and which can be equipped with the Active Multicontour Seat package to make us feel almost at home; the rear seats can be folded down in 60, 40 or even 100 percent proportions.

But for those for whom this is not enough, Mercedes will offer two more trim levels as an extra: Luxury and AMG Line. The first, as is usual on other Mercedes models, brings in different upholstery designs, superior-quality leathers and new colour combinations that give it an even more elegant finish. With the AMG Line trim we get a look oriented towards a sportier character, achieved especially through the black colour that floods the entire interior.