All New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Offers Off-Road Dominance and Driving Comfort

Mercedes-Benz is kicking of 2018 with the relaunch of one of the brands most recognizable models on the road

Words Anna James January 17, 2018

Mercedes-Benz is kicking of 2018 with the relaunch of one of the brands most recognizable models on the road. Starring in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Mercedes revealed and put on full display the all new and exceptionally capable and now road worthy G-Class. The off-road legend will has underwent its biggest makeover in its history, maintaining all of its off-roading abilities but adding in comfort only found in a Mercedes-Benz.

The most recognizable changes are on the inside. Unlike the previous-generation G-Class that wasn’t quite up to date in terms of interior comforts, the 2019 model is filled with creature comforts. Like other new Mercedes models, you can choose from a variety of options including having the dashboard loaded with dual 12.3-inch screens. The interior also got a massive expansion. Legroom up front has an increase of 1.5 inches and rear legroom is extended by a massive 5.9 inches. Shoulder and hip room also sees improvement in both rear rows between 1 and 3 inches.

If you’re a fan of the original interior, you’re likely cursing Mercedes-Benz and their design team. Curse not, several traditional G-Class hallmarks remain, including the passenger grab handle and the three differential locks on the center stack. Both rows have standard heated seats, with massage and rapid-heating functions available as an option.

To start, the G-Class will be available in just the G550 trim. The engine is a 4.0-liter V8 putting out 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. it comes mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Expect AMG variants to arrive later on, likely at other auto shows throughout this year and 2019.

The previous model had awful recirculating-ball steering, but this new G-Class packs a vastly improved electromechanical rack-and-pinion setup. There’s also a new front independent suspension, but the rear retains its old-school solid rear axle.

the G-Class packs a new “G-Mode.” This mode automatically turns on when one of the differential locks engages. It changes the dampers, steering and throttle systems to work better in off-road situations.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class will go on sale later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

MMercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class at the Michigan Theater. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Mercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Mercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Mercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Mercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Mercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class at the Michigan Theater.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hollywood Actor and former Governor of California, presenting the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Mercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Dieter Zetsche, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Britta Seeger, Ola Källenius

Mercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class at the Michigan Theater. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Mercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Mercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Mercedes-Benz Neujahrsempfang am Vorabend der North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2018. Weltpremiere der neuen Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse.
Mercedes-Benz New Year’s Reception on the eve of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Spektakuläre Installation zur Weltpremiere in Detroit: „Stronger Than Time“: 1979er G-Klasse in Bernstein gegossen: Der 280 GE ist in einer dynamischen Position im Kubus eingeschlossen, als wäre er mitten in der Bewegung von Kunstharz umflossen und festgehalten worden – so wie Insekten vor Millionen Jahren von Bernstein.
Spectacular installation for the world premiere in Detroit: “Stronger Than Time”: 1979 G-Class cast in amber:The 280 GE is enclosed in a dynamic position in the cube, as if it had been surrounded by synthetic resin in the movement and trapped in the middle – like insects locked by amber millions of years ago.