2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Arrives In Detroit. Looks Familiar, But Is Completely New (With Video)

After being leaked a week before its launch, Mercedes-Benz finally revealed to us their legendary G-Class, or G-Wagen to some of the fans.

To the untrained eye, the changes are quite minimal, and can even be a game of spot the difference, but upon closer inspection, You’ll see prominent changes in the headlights, bumpers, and grille. The three-pointed star logo is re-designed in order for the radar to be integrated well into the design. Of course, that radar is for the Adaptive Cruise Control and other semi-autonomous tech that the legendary SUV will receive. Despite the familiar looks, this new G-Class is 53 mm longer and 121 mm wider than its predecessor.

Inside, and the changes are quite dramatic. It gets an overhaul with every shape and contour being redesigned. The level of interior luxury has been raised substantially, while still maintaining the rugged, old-school look of the G-Class. Interior quality can be further enriched with the options of using wood veneers or even carbon fiber and aluminum. Optionally, the twin binnacle analog gauges can be replaced with two ultra-wide 12.3-inch TFT LCD screens. Mercedes-Benz promises more interior room, with 150 mm more legroom for the rear passengers.

As ever, there are plenty of options that can be specified, including an insane 16-speaer Burmester sound system, designo leather upholstery, and Active Multicontour Seats that adds heating, cooling, and massage functions. If the standard amount of dead cows isn’t enough for you, then the Exclusive Interior Plus package adds more leather to the other parts of the interior that still don’t have leather, such as the door panels, dashboard, and stuff.

While the exterior design may not look all that new, the entire car is completely new from the ground up. Despite the focus on comfort, the G-Class is still capable off-road. It still rides on a ladder frame chassis, and it has been equipped with three 100% differential locks. The biggest change, however, is the new independent front suspension and front axle for better ride comfort and road agility. The rear axle is also new for better off-road prowess. Also, the G-Class will have impressive approach and departure angles of 31° and 30° and a maximum fording depth of 70 cm. Breakover angle is 26 degress, while ground clearance is at 241 mm.

Keeping the G-Class in check while off-road is a new G-mode, which changes the characteristics of the throttle, steering, and adaptive damping system for maximum off-road capability. Speaking of the suspension, the G-Class has an AMG-tuned suspension and a curb weight that has been reduced by about 170 kg, thanks to the increased use of aluminum.

At launch, the G-Class is offered with a 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 that produces 416 hp and 609 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission, paired with low-range, three lockable differentials, as standard. An off-road oriented G-Class will be released shortly after, perhaps a successor to the Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4².