BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz has disclosed a refreshed version of its G-Class 4×4. Hitting dealerships later this year, the new G-Class lineup includes the all-new edition 463 package and the new 416-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 previewed in the G 500 4×4² concept revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The venerable off-roader is more capable than ever.
The big news in Mercedes’ G-Class freshener is the new direct-injected V8 biturbo under the hood of the G 500 (sold as the G550 in the US). The V8 is derived from the V8s in the Mercedes-AMG GT and AMG C 63 and tuned to 416 hp (310 kW) and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque. Output is up from the 382 hp and 391 lb-ft developed by the outgoing 5.5-liter V8.
The rest of the members of the G-Class lineup carry their current engines over but get modest power increases. The AMG G 65’s 6.0-liter V12 biturbo now pumps out 621 hp (563 kW), up from 603 hp, and the same 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque. The AMG G 63’s 5.5-liter V8 biturbo puts out 563 hp (420 kW), up from 536 hp, and 560 lb-ft (760 Nm). The 350 d puts out 241 hp (180 kW), up from 208 hp, and also gets a torque increase to 442 lb-ft (600 Nm), from 398 lb-ft.
The new G-Class also includes a variety of other mid-cycle tweaks, such as a revised suspension setup aimed at improving body control and enhancing on-road ride comfort. The electronic stability program has been tuned to offer improved driving dynamics and enhanced stability, while updates to the ASR and ABS aim to increase traction and shorten stopping distance. The adaptive damping system available optionally on the G 500 sharpens on-road agility and handling without cutting down on off-road capability.
In terms of visual changes, the big news is the new EDITION 463 special edition, which is offered on AMG G 65 and AMG G 63 models. The package includes AMG sport side stripes, a black aluminum-look protective-strip insert, a stainless steel under guard and 21-in forged wheels. Mercedes styles the interior with a two-tone instrument panel, two-tone designo leather seats, diamond-pattern seat and door panels, nappa leather door pulls, and carbon fiber trim.
AMG models can also be ordered with a newly available color package that combines the exclusive paint options of solar beam, tomato red, alien green, sunset beam and galactic beam with obsidian black components (mirrors, roof, bumpers, etc).
The G 350 d and G 500 models receive their own subtle styling updates, such as redesigned bumpers, standard AMG flared wheel arches, and a redesigned instrument cluster. The 350 d rides on 18-in light alloy wheels.
Below the new-model updates, the G-Class features the same rugged, off-road-ready engineering with ladder-type frame, permanent all-wheel drive, low-range gearbox and three differential locks.
The updated G-Class lineup will go on sale by the middle of 2015. Mercedes has not yet released pricing information.
