Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new G-Class, a vehicle that remains true to its legendary heritage while embracing modern advancements in technology, comfort, and performance. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class makes its grand entrance, setting new benchmarks for off-road capability, on-road dynamics, and luxurious refinement within the SUV segment. This reimagined icon preserves the robust character that has defined the G-Wagon for decades, now enhanced with cutting-edge features and a significantly improved driving experience.
The development of the new G-Class was a meticulous undertaking, focused on elevating every aspect of this iconic vehicle. While the exterior design retains the familiar and beloved silhouette, the 2019 model introduces a suite of enhancements beneath the surface. From its enhanced suspension and advanced driving systems to its meticulously crafted interior, the new G-Class is engineered to excel in any environment, whether conquering challenging terrains or cruising city streets. The result is a vehicle that is unmistakably a G-Class, yet demonstrably superior in every measurable way.
Exterior Design: Staying True to the Icon
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has long been celebrated as a design icon, its distinctive and angular form instantly recognizable. The 2019 model year G-Class honors this legacy, retaining the classic boxy silhouette and iconic design elements that have defined the G-Wagon since its inception in 1979. Features such as the prominent door hinges, surface-mounted hood, robust exterior protective strip, and the externally mounted spare wheel remain integral to the G-Class’s visual identity. These are not merely stylistic choices; they are functional elements that contribute to the vehicle’s rugged character and off-road prowess.
While the overall aesthetic remains familiar, the new G-Class boasts subtle refinements that enhance its presence. The 2019 model is slightly larger than its predecessor, measuring 2.1 inches longer and 4.8 inches wider. This increased size contributes to a more commanding stance both on and off the road. The surfaces are more taut and seamlessly integrated, resulting in narrower, more precise gaps and a heightened sense of solidity. The wheel arches and bumpers are more smoothly incorporated into the body, creating a more cohesive and contemporary appearance while staying true to the original design ethos. This evolutionary approach ensures that the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is instantly recognizable as the icon it is, while exhibiting a modern and refined execution.
Interior Revolution: Luxury and Technology
Stepping inside the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class reveals a transformative redesign. While the exterior maintains its iconic ruggedness, the interior has undergone a complete overhaul, blending classic G-Class elements with modern luxury and technology. The cabin is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, creating a luxurious and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers.
Design cues from the exterior are subtly integrated into the interior. For example, the round headlamps inspire the shape of the side air vents, and the iconic indicator lights are echoed in the design of the speaker grilles. Characteristic G-Class features such as the grab handle in front of the passenger seat and the chrome-accented switches for the differential locks are retained and refined, serving as a nod to the vehicle’s heritage.
The instrument panel is entirely new, featuring classic tube-look analogue round dials as standard, appealing to traditional G-Class enthusiasts. However, for those seeking a more modern and technologically advanced experience, the 2019 G-Class offers an optional Widescreen Cockpit, similar to that found in the E-Class and S-Class. This system comprises two 12.3-inch displays that merge seamlessly beneath a single glass panel, presenting digital instruments and infotainment in a visually stunning format. Drivers can customize the displays with three different styles – “Classic,” “Sport,” and “Progressive” – and configure information views to their preferences.
The increased dimensions of the 2019 G-Class translate directly to enhanced interior space. Passengers in both the front and rear benefit from significantly more legroom, shoulder room, and elbow room. Rear legroom is increased by a substantial 5.9 inches, while front legroom grows by 1.5 inches. Shoulder and elbow room also see notable increases, contributing to a more spacious and comfortable cabin environment for all occupants. The rear seats offer flexible folding configurations (60/40/100 percent), enhancing cargo versatility. Standard seat features include ergonomic design, memory function for the driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, and luxury head restraints. For ultimate comfort, the optional Active Multicontour Seat Package adds massage functions, climate-controlled seats, rapid heating, and electrically adjustable lumbar support, even earning recommendations from spinal health experts.
Unmatched Off-Road Prowess: The Legend Continues
The core of the G-Class identity lies in its exceptional off-road capability, and the 2019 model elevates this aspect even further. While improving on-road dynamics was a key objective, the development team prioritized enhancing the G-Class’s legendary off-road performance. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retains its robust ladder-type frame, three 100-percent differential locks, and LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction, ensuring it remains a true and uncompromising off-road vehicle.
A newly developed suspension system is central to the improved off-road and on-road characteristics. The 2019 G-Class features an independent double-wishbone front axle in conjunction with a rigid rear axle. This new front suspension design is directly mounted to the ladder frame without a subframe, maximizing ground clearance – a critical factor for off-road performance. The components are engineered for exceptional robustness, ensuring the new G-Class surpasses its predecessor in off-road capability.
The 2019 G-Class boasts impressive off-road specifications, including:
- Slope climbing ability of up to 100% on suitable surfaces.
- Ground clearance between axles increased to 9.5 inches.
- Maximum fording depth of 27.6 inches, a 3.9-inch increase.
- Breakover angle of 26 degrees.
- Approach and departure angles of 31 and 30 degrees, respectively.
The independent front suspension also contributes to increased body rigidity. A strut tower brace, or suspension bridge, connects the front strut towers, enhancing torsional rigidity of the ladder frame and improving overall structural integrity. At the rear, the new rigid axle is controlled by four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod, improving both on-road comfort and off-road stability.
On-Road Dynamics: Agility and Comfort
While remaining an off-road champion, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class demonstrates significantly enhanced on-road driving dynamics. The new front axle design and electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering contribute to improved agility and a more refined driving experience on paved roads. The G-Class now feels more planted and responsive, offering better steering feel and reduced body roll during cornering.
DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes are now standard, offering up to five selectable programs: “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Eco,” “Individual,” and the new “G-Mode”. These modes allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s characteristics to their preferences and driving conditions by adjusting engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and assistance systems parameters. “Eco” mode optimizes fuel efficiency, while “Sport” mode sharpens throttle response, gear shifts, and steering feel. “Individual” mode allows for custom configuration.
The optional Adaptive Damping System, in conjunction with DYNAMIC SELECT, further enhances driving dynamics. It allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics in “Sport” and “Comfort” modes. The system automatically adapts damping based on road conditions, providing firmer damping in off-road situations and more agile handling in “Sport” mode on paved roads.
The innovative “G-Mode” is automatically engaged when one of the three differential locks is activated or LOW RANGE is engaged. This dedicated off-road mode adjusts the adaptive damping, steering, and accelerator characteristics to maximize control and off-road capability. It prevents unnecessary gear shifts and ensures optimal traction, allowing drivers to navigate challenging terrain with confidence.
Weight reduction also plays a role in improved dynamics and efficiency. By utilizing a mix of high-strength steels, ultra-high-strength steels, and aluminum in the body construction, the 2019 G-Class sheds approximately 375 lbs compared to its predecessor. Aluminum is used for the fenders, hood, and doors, while the body shell is constructed from various grades of steel. This weight reduction, combined with increased torsional rigidity, contributes to enhanced driving dynamics, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced noise and vibration levels within the cabin.
Power and Performance: Engine and Transmission
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz G 550 is powered by a high-performance 4.0-liter V8 gasoline engine. This biturbo engine delivers 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for both on-road cruising and demanding off-road situations.
Power is transmitted through a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, specifically adapted for the G-Class. Dedicated software reduces shift and response times, enhancing responsiveness. The wide transmission ratio spread contributes to quieter and more comfortable driving at lower engine speeds, while also improving fuel economy.
The electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering system is another key technological upgrade. It enables the integration of driving assistance systems such as Parking Assist and is more energy-efficient than a traditional hydraulic system. The steering system offers three steering characteristic lines – Comfort, Sport, and Off-road – automatically adjusting based on the selected driving mode to provide optimal steering feel and feedback in various conditions.
A Legacy of Excellence: G-Class History
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class holds a unique position as the longest-running passenger car series in Mercedes-Benz history and the foundational model for the brand’s entire SUV lineup. Its story began in 1972 with a collaboration between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria, with the goal of creating a vehicle that combined exceptional off-road capability with on-road usability and safety.
Since its market launch in 1979, the G-Class has evolved continuously, while retaining its core values and iconic design. From the original Cabriolet and Station Wagon models to the high-performance AMG variants and ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the G-Class has consistently pushed boundaries and broadened its appeal. Its reputation for robustness and off-road prowess has been cemented over decades of real-world performance and legendary adventures. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class represents the latest chapter in this remarkable story, building upon its heritage while embracing the future of automotive technology and luxury.
Conclusion
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a remarkable evolution of an automotive icon. It successfully blends its legendary off-road capabilities with significantly enhanced on-road dynamics, luxurious comfort, and cutting-edge technology. This new generation G-Class remains unequivocally a “G,” but elevated to a new level of performance and refinement. Set to make its world premiere at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is poised to continue its legacy as the ultimate luxury off-road SUV and further solidify its place in automotive history when it goes on sale in the U.S. in late 2018.
