Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2018 revealed

Lighter, longer and wider, with new independent front suspension and a new interior, the next-generation of Mercedes-Benz G-Class will be officially revealed for the first time at the Detroit motor show this week.

The already-capable off-road wagon has been made even more so with a new ladder-frame chassis, independent suspension with double-wishbone front axle and a rigid rear axle, three 100-percent locking differentials and low-range gear ratios as standard. It also has an extra 100mm of fording depth (now 700mm deep) over the previous model; and an extra 6mm of ground clearance (now 241mm). Approach angle has increased by 1 degree to 31; and ramp-over has increased 1 degree to 26.

The new G-Class, 170kg lighter, 53mm longer and 121mm wider, has undergone extensive testing over repeated loops of a 5.6km route on Austria’s rugged 1445-metre-high Schöckl mountain to get it to a stage where Merc officials reckon “The new G-Class is setting the bar higher still in all relevant areas – in terms of performance both on and off the road as well as with regard to comfort and telematics”.

The new G-Class is 170kg lighter.

Adding further to its off-roading prowess, the new G-Class gets G-Mode, which engages when any of the three diff-locks is engaged or when low range is selected. G-Mode, Mercedes reckons, adjusts damping, steering, throttle and transmission to best suit the terrain and circumstances. It will also be available with 18-inch All Terrain tyres.

The new G 500 (fuel consumption, combined: 11.1L/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 263g/km) gets a high-performance 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, producing 310kW and 610Nm between 2000rpm and 4750rpm.

Helping its claim to touring suitability, the new G-Class has extra room all-round, including increases of legroom in the front (up 38mm), legroom in the rear (up 150mm) and shoulder room in front (up 38mm) and shoulder room in rear (up 27mm).

Towing capacity is expected to remain 3500kg (braked).

The interior now has the new widescreen display as that in the new E-Class and S-Class.

The interior now has the new widescreen display as that in the new E-Class and S-Class.

The new G-Class is due to be launched in Australia in the third quarter of 2018, with the AMG variant leading the charge.

What do you think of the biggest G-Class update yet? Tell us what you think in the comments below.