It's out with the old and in with the new for the upcoming Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Since 1979, the G-Class has not received any significant exterior changes; but that shifts with the 2019 model year.
Mercedes has officially announced that the new G-Class has begun production in Graz, Austria under Magna Steyr, the company that produces the current model.
The new G-Class will still feature the same distinctive details that make it one of the most unique models on the road (and in the off-road vehicle category). According to Mercedes, these include "the distinctive door handle and the characteristic closing sound, the robust exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the prominent indicator lights."
Angular lines, precise gaps, and harmonious transitions round out the look.
The new G-Class is 2.1 inches longer and 3.0 inches wider than previous generations. It also features a 10.6-inch ground clearance.
No matter what, you can count on it to still look like the G-Class we know and love today.
It seems that the main focus, however, in the overhaul is the driving dynamics, "The primary goal of development was to redefine the quality of the handling both on an off the road. The new G-Class performs even better off-road, while on the road it is significantly more agile, dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor."
The SUV sits atop a ladder frame, which helps with its off-roading prowess, and comprises a new independent suspension with a double-wishbone front axle and a rigid rear axle.
"Further technical development of an icon such as the G-Class was both a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. Each part and every bolt came under close scrutiny," Dr. Gunnar Güthenke, Head of the Off-Road Product Group at Mercedes-Benz, states.
With a 375-lb loss from the previous generation, the new model not only performs flawlessly, but it also quickens the production process at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria. The body is made of steel grades, while the fenders, doors and hood aluminum.
A 416-horsepower 4.-liter V8 sits under the hood, which is accompanied by a new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.
Inside, the new Mercedes G-Class abounds with luxury and innovation, with a beautiful steering wheel and accents. A 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen with a glass panel, leather seats, a Burmester surround sound system and ambient lighting with 64 available colors come equipped.
Mercedes comments on the 1979 G-Class, "It was an evolution that also brought a steadily expanding fan base and emphasized its character as an exclusive vehicle for any occasion."
That fan base is just as present—if not more. 2017 was the model's most successful sales year with 22,000 units sold.
How are they going to stack up against the old G? Board member of Daimler AG, Ola Kallenius, comments, "In short, the new 'G' is still a 'G', only better."
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