Mercedes-Benz has revealed details of the new 2018 G-Class off-roader ahead of its official debut later this month after photos of testing were leaked.
Every G-Class from Mercedes-Benz has to be able to conquer the Schöckl, the local 1,445-meter mountain, and the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class is no different.
Put through its paces on the 5.6km route with gradients up to 60 percent and lateral inclination up to 40 percent, the new G-Class endured 2,000 kilometres of the course and mastered it.
Off-road capability was a key focus for the new G-Class and it remains a solid performer with features including a standard ladder-type frame, three 100-percent differential locks and LOW RANGE off-road ratio.
The suspension is born from a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Mercedes-AMG GmbH. This resulted in an independent suspension with a double-wishbone front axle in combination with a rigid rear axle.
The new G-Class now offers 241 millimeters ground clearance between the axels (+ 6mm), 70 centimetre maximum fording depth in water and mud (+10 cm), driving stability angles of 35 degrees (+7 degrees) angle of departure and angle of approach 30 and 31 degrees respectively (+1 degree), breakover angle of 26 degrees (+1 degree) and suspension travel for front axle: Spring/rebound travel of 85/100 millimetres with rear axle: Spring/rebound travel of 82/142 millimetres.
There is also the inclusion of new ‘G-Mode’ which engages when one of the three differential locks activates or LOW RANGE is engaged. This mode adjusts damping of the chassis, steering, accelerator characteristic, unnecessary gear shifting and provides maximum off-road capability making the car easier to drive in off-road situations.
Also new in the G-Class is a new 9GTRONIC automatic transmission which features reduced shift and response times with a wide transmission ratio for a quieter, more comfortable ride.
A new transfer case is flange-mounted directly to the 9GTRONIC transmission for a 40:60 split in drive torque. Permanent all-wheel drive also ensures maximum traction.
An optional 360-degree camera will offer a bird’s-eye view in addition to the reversing camera and three other cameras. This will allow obstacles to be visible which are below the window line or in front of the vehicle. All will be displayed in full HD on the multimedia display with a choice of different views. A specially designed off-road screen can display data such as height, gradient, angle, compass, steering angle and activated differential locks.
New 18-inch all-terrain tyres round out the sneak peak ahead of the official debut of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class later in January, when full specs and pricing are expected. Australian buyers can expect the AMG G63 model to be available sometime around the middle of 2018 with the G350 diesel variant expected shortly after.
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