2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Putting the ‘G’ in G-Wagen (Video)

The G-Wagen is one of Mercedes’ oldest models. Production of the original model started in 1979 in Graz, Austria where the vehicle is still produced to this day. Since the 1970’s Mercedes has not done too much to mess with the classic boxy shape of the G-Wagen. Every so often they will change the looks and the interior slightly, still keeping the same basic shape since 1979. This year marks another iteration of the famous German off-roader and Mercedes has certainly changed a few things. Most importantly, this Gelandewagen is bigger and more luxurious than ever before.

2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
[Photo: Mercedes-Benz]

Interior

While the classic styling is a much-loved characteristic of the G-Wagen, the interior felt a bit lacking compared to other vehicles in this price range. Fortunately, this is one of the areas that Mercedes have spent a ton of time tweaking. The redesigned interior is now much larger, adding 1.5 ” of legroom up front and 5.9″ of legroom for the rear seats. There’s also 1.5″ front shoulder width and 1.1″ more rear shoulder width. Finally, there’s 2.7″ more front elbow room and 2.2″ more rear elbow room. Furthermore, Mercedes have significantly updated the infotainment system to include all of the latest technology available in the Mercedes brand.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class borrows technology cues from the E-Class and S-Class in the form of two 12.3-inch displays that blend into a “Widescreen Cockpit” beneath a glass panel. Drivers can choose three different styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive, as well as relevant information to suit their individual needs.

Exterior

To accommodate a more commodious interior, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has grown on the outside as well. The new G-Wagen is 2.1 inches longer, for a total length around 190 inches. It’s also 4.8 inches wider (85.7 inches) than the outgoing G-Class.

2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
[Photo: Mercedes-Benz]

Suspension

While the G-Wagen still has a body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle, the front suspension has been swapped out for independent units. Mercedes has disclosed that this was done to improve the ride on pavement. However, they are confident that the 2019 G-Class will still be just as capable off-road. 9.5″ of ground clearance, for example, should help to ensure that this G-Wagen hasn’t lost its off-road ability. Mercedes says it will be able to ford water at a depth of up to 27.5″. The approach angle is 31 degrees, while the departure angle is 30 degrees, and the breakover angle is 26 degrees.

Mercedes have kept the three locking diffs that have always been in the G-Class. In addition, there is a new ‘G-Mode’ that tweaks the suspension dampening, steering and transmission depending on your selected terrain.

Performance

The 4.0-liter, biturbo V8 carries over from the previous model. The engine makes 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 to 4,750 RPM. That power is routed through a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to a new mix of materials and improved production processes, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 375 pounds lighter than before, which ought to help performance and fuel economy.

As standard equipment, Mercedes also fitted the new G-Wagen with electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering, to make way for the Parking Assist system. The steering weight changes depending on the driving mode – Comfort, Sport, or Off-Road.

2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Stronger Than Time
[Photo: Mercedes-Benz]
The G-Wagen has been a stelwart sign of German engineering and strength throughout the decades. To drive that point home, Mercedes-Benz encased one of the original G-Wagens in 44.4 tonnes of synthetic amber resin in an installation entitled “Stronger in Time”. The installation embodies the strong DNA carried down through the generations, most of which you can still see in the newest Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Pricing will stay about the same for the 2019 model (starting around $124,000), but Mercedes hasn’t announced specific pricing just yet. It will be available for sale in late summer 2018.

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