The new suspension, the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, the "G-Mode" and the three 100-percent differential locks promise to enhance not only ride comfort but also agility – on any surface.
The new G-Class, the luxury off-road vehicle from Mercedes-Benz, remains true to the character of the original.
The door hinges positioned on the outside and the surface-mounted bonnet are carried over to the new generation.
The new G-Class is 53 mm longer and 64 mm wider, and the revised dimensions of the now larger G-Class benefit all occupants.
The rear seats can be folded down to 60, 40 or 100 percent.
Features include the Memory function for the driver's seat, seat heating front and rear, as well as luxury head restraints in the front.
Ride comfort can be boosted with the Active Multicontour Seat package, which also offers various massage functions, climate-controlled seats, and fast seat heating, powered front seats.
The active multicontour seats include integrated air chambers that fill or empty continuously depending on the driving dynamics, thus providing better support for the seating positions of driver and front passenger and, for example, offering more lateral support during cornering.
The front seats of the Active Multicontour Seat Package are recommended by experts from the German spinal health organisation "Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.".
As in the new E-Class and S-Class, an instrument cluster in the form of a large display showing virtual instruments in the driver's direct field of vision and a central display above the centre console is available as an option.
In this case, the two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a Widescreen Cockpit beneath a shared glass cover.
Thanks to haptic impulses and audible feedback from the on-board speakers, drivers can use the touchpad with controller in the centre console without taking their eyes off the road.
The input options are rounded off by shortcut keys in front of the controller for frequently used operating tasks, and by the optional control panel for the driving assistance systems above the rotary light switch.
The new G-Class performs even better off-road, and remains a true G – thanks to its standard ladder-type frame, the three 100-percent differential locks and LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction.
The new suspension is an independent type with double-wishbone front axle in combination with a rigid rear axle.
With a ground clearance of 270 mm to the front axle gear, the G-Class provides plenty of potential for maximum assertiveness in off-road terrain.
The figures speak for themselves:
- Slope climbing ability of up to 100% on suitable surfaces
- Ground clearance between axles, plus 6 mm, now 24.1 cm
- Maximum fording depth now 70 cm when driving through water and mud, no less than an additional 10 cm
- Stable at tilt angles of 35°, plus 7°
- Angle of departure: 30°, angle of approach: 31°, plus 1°
- Break-over angle: 26°, plus 1°
DYNAMIC SELECT is now available with several driving modes for the G-Class.
At the touch of a button, the system modifies the characteristics of the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and assistance systems.
The driving modes "Comfort", "Sport", "Eco" and "Individual" can be set conveniently via the DYNAMIC SELECT rocker switch.
In "ECO" mode, a particularly fuel-optimised driving style is possible, for example.
In "Sport" mode, on the other hand, the shift points of the automatic transmission, the throttle response of the engine, and the parameters of the electric steering system and the exhaust flap are changed.
"Individual" allows drivers to configure their own preferred vehicle settings.
For improved off-road handling characteristics, the new "G-Mode" is activated 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, and avoids unnecessary gear shifts.
A small "G" icon discreetly lights up in the instrument cluster.
The new G-Class has shed around 170kg thanks to a new mix of materials comprising strong, high-strength, ultra-high-strength steels and aluminium, as well as improved production processes at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria.
The rigid bodyshell is now made of a variety of steel grades, while the wings, bonnet and doors are made of aluminium.
As standard the G-Class is now fitted with electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering, which now allows driving assistance systems such as Parking Assist to be implemented.
In addition, the electromechanical steering uses less energy than a hydraulically assisted steering system.
In the new G 500, a high-performance 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine ensures powerful propulsion.
The new biturbo produces 310 kW (422 hp) and a maximum torque of 610Nm at 2,000 to 4,750 rpm.
For the transfer of power, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter was specifically adapted to meet the needs of the off-road icon.
The shift and response times of the 9-speed transmission were reduced via a dedicated software application.
The wide transmission ratio not only makes driving quieter and more comfortable especially at low engine speeds, it simultaneously also contributes to reducing fuel consumption.
