That is why the Mercedes G-Class is the best 4x4 off the asphalt

There is nothing else like it: the new Mercedes G-Class remains the best off-road vehicle in the world when the road ends and obstacles must be overcome. These are its reasons.

More luxurious, more sporty, safer and more dynamic than ever. The new Mercedes G-Class had to reinvent itself… without losing its essence. That essence which has made it a true icon, and which allows Mercedes to offer an off-road vehicle priced from 127,450 euros for the G 500, rising to 173,750 for the Mercedes AMG G 63.

We are looking at the most expensive off-roader by a wide margin if we seek rivals of similar size and power to the G-Class. None of them comes anywhere near the ability to keep moving forward that the Mercedes 4×4 offers when the “black stuff” runs out. This is what makes the Mercedes G-Class remain the king off the asphalt.

Ladder-frame body

One of the few things we can say that has not changed since the original Mercedes G-Class concept of 1979 is the ladder-type chassis.

With the arrival of SUVs this feature was lost, and there are now very few off-roaders that we can consider “pure” that still opt for this solution, far more robust than a monocoque body. And not only in terms of maintaining the rigidity the chassis is subjected to during extreme off-road driving, but also for the greater protection it provides to systems such as the engine, the fuel tank or the exhaust. Mercedes claims to have increased the torsional rigidity of the chassis by 55 percent compared with the previous generation.

Other details worth noting are the special coverings of the doors and tailgate, with a special internal protective membrane to prevent water from entering the cabin when fording.

4×4 dimensions and suspension travel

One of the objectives in developing the new G-Class was to achieve the best level of refinement, efficiency, safety and dynamic behaviour on the road… without compromising off-road capabilities. Two totally opposing aspects, since the latter requires exactly what does not suit the former: high ground clearance and generous suspension travel.

Mercedes has solved this with a new independent front axle suspension and a rigid rear axle that adds four longitudinal arms on each wheel to improve comfort. As for the figures achieved, here they are. I will only tell you one thing: do not look for a 4×4 that surpasses the 4×4 dimensions of the Mercedes G-Class… unless it has air suspension that allows the body height to be raised.

• Up to 100% gradient capability, if there is sufficient grip
• Ground clearance of 241 mm (+6 mm)
• Wading depth in water and mud: 70 cm (+10 cm)
• Side tilt of up to 35 degrees (+7 degrees)
• Approach and departure angles: 30/31 degrees (+1 degree)
• Ramp breakover angle: 26 degrees (+1 degree)

4×4 with low-range transfer case: as it should be

At least, in a 4×4. Because in an SUV lightness takes priority, and you are not supposed to get into complications. But a G-Class is something else.

Permanent all-wheel drive, with a transfer case coupled to the 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox. Initially, it distributes engine power 40/60 between the front and rear axles. When stationary, or when moving at up to 40 km/h, you can switch from high to low range by engaging a low-range transfer case with a reduction ratio of 2.93:1, much shorter than in the previous generation. No gradient can resist it this way. When driving with the low range engaged, you can shift to higher gears without stopping, at speeds of up to 70 km/h.

And that is not all: the multi-plate clutch of the centre differential works as an automatic limited-slip differential. Using the corresponding switches, you can lock the centre differential, the front axle differential and the rear axle differential with a 100% locking effect, both in high and low gears. And this can be done with the vehicle in motion. With all differentials locked, it is enough for just one of the four wheels of the Mercedes G-Class to have grip for the 4×4 to keep moving forward.

“G-Mode”: a magic button

Electronics take centre stage, and the Mercedes G-Class could be no different. The “G-Mode” programme for off-road driving adjusts the adjustable damping, steering, throttle response, gearshift operation and stability and traction controls. It is activated by default if the driver engages any of the available differential locks, or engages the low-range transfer case.

Twin-turbo V8 engine: brute force

In 4×4 driving it is necessary to have an engine that provides plenty of thrust, delivers it from low revs, and maintains as wide a usable range as possible.

The Mercedes G-Class has all of this, and for now it is offered in two versions, both with the 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine: the G 500 offers 422 CV and, more importantly, a maximum torque of 610 Nm between 2,000 and 4,750 rpm. The Mercedes AMG G 63 goes up to 585 CV, with a maximum torque of 850 Nm from 2,500 rpm. These are not figures related to 4×4 driving, but here they are: with this engine, the G-Class accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 240 km/h (electronically limited).

The G-Class off-road camera

Although at the price of the car it is an option costing almost 2,000 euros, the G-Class offers a 360-degree camera parking package that includes a camera developed especially for 4×4 driving. This camera allows the driver to monitor what is happening in front of the vehicle when driving in low-visibility areas, at speeds of up to 25 km/h.

In the off-road view, the multimedia system display also shows a representation of the Mercedes G-Class and the operation of its differentials and transfer case, as well as data such as altitude, the body’s longitudinal and transverse inclination, the steering wheel angle and the distribution of engine power to the wheels at any given moment.

The proof of the pudding

All the engineers’ designs are of no use if the result in practice is not what was expected. And the Mercedes G-Class undergoes an examination where only top marks will do: the Schöckl torture track, in the Austrian city of Graz. It includes a route of almost 6 kilometres on a mountain at over 1,400 metres above sea level, in which the G-Class must overcome all kinds of obstacles, with gradients of up to 60 percent, and sections with a 40 percent side tilt.