The Legendary Mercedes Benz G-Wagen Is Reborn
As the longest serving model in a Mercedes lineup, it came as a challenge to improve an icon. First pictures reveal a solid block we have all grown to love, but hidden to the eye is a totally different approach in architecture. Not that it has lost its exterior mounted door hinges or particular indicator lights, changes go deep into the construction.
Starting with the traditional ladder type frame, for the first time it is linked without a subframe to an independent front suspension with double wishbone front axle. The rear remains rigid yet with four trailing arms on each side. A combination which will ensure on-road drivability that we have never seen from a G-Class before.
In the words of the manufacturer, off road skill has been surpassed in terms of wading depth, ground clearance, even the capability to move forward through demanding terrain. Three 100% differential locks remain while coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission is a 4-liter V8 biturbo engine. As of June the G500 will be made available to the first customers with the power available at 422hp. Due to the fact that weight has been reduced by 170 kilograms, performance figures should be au pair with expectations.
Besides becoming much wider and ample in space, Die Neue G-Klasse features the latest in Mercedes interior fashion where seat massage functions are at home as with any other model. 300.000 of these vehicles have been manufactured since 1979 in Graz (Austria) and first drives will reveal how revolutionary the new model is. After all, we have been waiting for a vehicle that will surpass the original for a long time since its inception.