It began ground-breaking work on the former Nittner aerodrome in Kalsdorf, around 15km to the south of Graz.
This is where customers and fans will be able to experience the on and off-road capabilities of the G-Class.
The site measuring more than 100,000 sq m will house a total of four test modules in addition to a reception and presentation area: a natural and an artificial off-road section, a hill with various approach ramps with gradients up to 100% and an on-road section on the former taxiways. This is where participants will be able to perform such exercises as braking and slalom with the G-Class.
The routing on the natural off-road section was chosen in co-operation with specialists and the Graz-based planning consultancy Ökoteam, ensuring that vulnerable biotopes are protected and only a few trees needed to be felled.
The Magna Steyr plant, where the G-Class has been produced for Mercedes-Benz since 1979, is only around 20 minutes drive from the new G-Class Experience Center.
The current G-Class has been in the market since June 2018 and is renowned for its performance, modern assistance systems, outstanding handling, and safety. In the present model, the new suspension, the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, the "G-Mode" and the three 100% differential locks promise elevated ride comfort and agility on any surface.
"The new G-Class has even better off-road capabilities than its predecessor. In future, at the new G-Class Experience Center near Graz, customers and fans will be able to find out for themselves that it masters even the most demanding challenges," says Dr. Gunnar Güthenke, Head of the Product Unit Off-Road Vehicles at Mercedes-Benz.
"Our traditional test track on the Schöckl mountain slopes near Graz is one of the world's most demanding off-road test facilities, and remains the measure of all things for our professional development and test drives."
