New features for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The longest-serving 4×4 in the Mercedes-Benz range will undergo a new update this year, affecting most of its areas. The most important concern the engines, all of which will be adjusted to comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard, and the tuning of the suspension and stability control. The German brand will open orders in Germany in mid-2015.

Although subtle, the new G-Class also features various touches to its bodywork that distinguish the rejuvenated G 350 d and G 500. Both feature a redesigned front bumper and, as standard, wings in body colour in the AMG style. The G 350 d comes as standard with 18-inch five-spoke wheels, and more striking colours for the exterior are introduced, such as “tomato red” or “alien green”.

The G 350 d, G 500, Mercedes-AMG G 63 and G 65 benefit from a modernised instrument cluster with an 11.4 cm multifunction display – about 4.4 inches – and more eye-catching needles and dials. If the customer wishes, the topstitching on the upholstery can match one of the new body colours mentioned.

The G 500 replaces the 5.5-litre V8 with the new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 422 CV and 610 Nm, designed by Mercedes-AMG.One of the key points of the update lies in the range of engines of the G-Class. The most significant change is the replacement of the G 500’s 5.5-litre V8 with the new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with direct injection, fitted to the G 500 4×4² prototype that Mercedes-Benz presented at the recent Geneva Motor Show.

This engine, based on the block from which the V8s of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 and GT derive, produces 422 CV of power and a maximum torque of 610 Nm. The Stuttgart manufacturer only specifies for now that, with this V8, the G 500 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds – a provisional figure – and that this variant, like the G 350 d and the AMG G 63, comes at no extra cost with automatic engine stop-start (“ECO start/stop“) in traffic queues and at traffic lights.

The brand has improved the performance of the shock absorbers and recalibrated the ABS, ASR and ESP to enhance comfort and safety.As you may have noticed, the diesel version of the G-Class conforms to Mercedes-Benz’s new nomenclature and goes from being called G 350 BlueTEC to G 350 d. Its three-litre V6 gains increases in power, from 211 to 245 CV, and in maximum torque, from 540 to 600 Nm. Something similar happens with the AMG models: the G 63’s twin-turbo V8 delivers 571 CV, 27 more than before, and the G 65’s twin-turbo V12 630 CV, an increase of 18 CV.

Although the classic structure of the G-Class remains intact, its suspension receives improved springs to provide greater ride comfort and reduce body roll. In addition, the ESP, ABS and ASR have been recalibrated to provide greater stability and traction while reducing braking distance. Mercedes-Benz will offer, as an option, a damping system for the G 500 with two settings, “Comfort” and “Sport“, allowing the driver to customise the suspension to their liking.

The range of new features concludes with the launch of a new special edition for the G 63 and G 65 called Edition 463 – these three numbers form the model’s internal code. From the outside it is identified by underbody protection in stainless steel, AMG decorative motifs on the sides, a black protective trim with a metallic finish, and exclusive 21-inch wheels.

The interior of the Edition 463 features a two-tone instrument panel, identical decoration for the designo leather upholstery with contrasting topstitching and carbon-look quilting, carbon fibre inserts, a diamond pattern for the door panels, and door handles in nappa leather.

Source | Mercedes-Benz