Mercedes-Benz Upgrades the G-Class for the 2013 Model Year

[omoderncultureo]

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly upgraded the G‑Class, so reemphasising its position as the leader among off-road vehicles. The interior is characterised by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials. The instrument cluster and centre console have been completely redesigned. The driver's field of vision now encompasses a colour screen, between two new round dials. The car features as standard the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system, including a navigation system and internet access. New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the exterior appearance of the luxury off-roader. The range of safety features can be optionally enhanced with the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS. New to the range are the G 63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO start/stop system as standard, and the G 65 AMG with twelve-cylinder biturbo engine.

Since it was originally conceived in 1979, as a vehicle to be used primarily in tough off-road terrain, the G-Class has undergone an astounding process of evolution. Over the course of 33 years Mercedes-Benz has refined what was initially a very practically-oriented off-road specialist by giving it a high-class interior and road-going qualities on a par with those of the premium saloons emanating from Stuttgart. The G-Class today is considered the top model among luxury-class cross-country vehicles, and has provided the gene pool for the other very successful SUVs built under the Mercedes-Benz brand. The G-Class has been voted off-roader of the year countless times over the past years – as also once again this year.

A comprehensive range of measures ensures that this classic cross-country vehicle remains in a class of its own in the off-road sector.

These measures include new engines, a significantly extended range of appointments, a new, even more luxurious interior and a few discreet external modifications that nevertheless manage to preserve the timeless, classic design – virtually unchanged since 1979 - that has made the G-Class a true automotive style icon.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years. In its latest evolutionary stage, it offers state-of-the-art, powerful engines, a further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety features, as well, of course, as its now legendary off-road capabilities. At the same time the design remains true to its down-to-earth, unmistakable style."

Discreet exterior modifications, a complete new look inside
The external modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors for all engine variants. The AMG versions also feature a new, characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvres, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels, available here for the first time, complement the emotive appeal of its exterior.

The instrument panel and centre console have been completely redesigned to include new controls and generously proportioned, exclusively designed trim elements. These give the interior of the car a fresh and classy look. Drivers will now find a TFT colour display in the instrument cluster between the two round dials. A further large colour screen, conveniently positioned in the centre, is part of the COMAND Online system and incorporates a DVD changer and the COMAND Controller, which are standard on all G-Class models. This new infotainment generation offers, amongst other features, a navigation system with special additional off-road functions, the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. In order to ensure that the G-Class nevertheless does not lose any of its character, certain specific design elements in the interior have been preserved. The G-Class thus retains the grab handle on the front-passenger side, the switches for the three differential locks – clearly aligned within the driver's field of vision and highlighted in silver-coloured trim – and the redesigned shift lever in the lower section of the centre console.

New optional extras include safety features such as DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera. The ESP®system has been completely revised and now includes Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.

Further individualisation options from the exclusive designo range are available as enhancements to what is already a very high-quality interior package.

Sophisticated engines with high power reserves

The range of engines in the G-Class includes the G 350 BlueTEC and the G 500, both as a long-wheelbase station wagon, plus the G 500 as a short-wheelbase Cabriolet model.The basic version of the long-wheelbase station wagon model is the G 350 BlueTEC with V6 diesel engine and a displacement of 2987 cc. The four-valve engine has an output of 155 kW (211 hp) at 3400 rpm and has available torque of 540 Newton metres across an engine speed range of 1600 to 2400 rpm. The BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz minimises its emissions, in particular of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The G 350 BlueTEC works to even better effect with the addition of AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution that is injected into the flow of exhaust gases. Refilling with AdBlue®is conveniently done from the outside of the vehicle.

One alternative to the diesel engine is the G 500, with its powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine. This has an output of 285 kW (388 hp) and offers excellent torque of 530 Newton metres. The same engine also ensures that the G 500 Cabriolet has generous reserves of power to deal with any situation.

Both the G 350 and the G 500 feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard. This sixth generation of the stepped automatic transmission that has been developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz since 1960 has once again been thoroughly revised, and optimised with regard to both consumption and comfort.

New to the range is the G 63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine (400 kW/544 hp and 760 Nm of torque), which features the ECO start/stop system as standard. The engine range has been extended by the addition of the G 65 AMG with V12 biturbo engine (450 kW/612 hp and 1000 Nm of torque), making this the most powerful series-produced cross-country vehicle in the world.

More Photos

[geofftii2002]

Its face looks like this now:

[Oliver@triplezoom]

G65?!? Amazing.

[MRVW00]

That steering wheel is HORRIBLE.

[FlashRedGLS1.8T]

As I always have, I still love it!

[Yo Teach]

It's looking at me like the Mona Lisa no matter where I focus my eyes.

[Jatt89]

I like how mercedes chooses not to go to crazy in there changes, the G class is evolving really well considering how old the body style is. Looks better than ever.

[Silly_me]

It's looking at me like the Mona Lisa no matter where I focus my eyes.

hahahaha so true!

[deucestudios]

Its face looks like this now:

G 65 AMG with V12 biturbo engine (450 kW/612 hp and 1000 Nm of torque)

That steering wheel is HORRIBLE.

G 65 AMG with V12 biturbo engine (450 kW/612 hp and 1000 Nm of torque)

[S4cabriofox]

Heheh, you know somebody at MB was in a good mood if they've decided to unleash a G65 upon the unsuspecting public.

Those LEDs are fug but I'd still have one.

[geofftii2002]

G 65 AMG with V12 biturbo engine (450 kW/612 hp and 1000 Nm of torque)



G 65 AMG with V12 biturbo engine (450 kW/612 hp and 1000 Nm of torque)

Oh! Got it.

[Aperture]

How does one remove sand and mud from perforated leather? Is it still okay to hose out the interior?

/s

[Fritz27]

I need a 600hp V12 twin turbo SUV that's shaped like a shipping container in my life.

[Brimjolt]

Car manufacturers need to stop with the whole "led lights" thing. I feel its incredibly bitten off and terrible played.

[greatfox]

Car manufacturers need to stop with the whole "led lights" thing. I feel its incredibly bitten off and terrible played.

There are regulations in Germany that require them now. It's not by choice, apparently.

[Volvo_D]

Now with Derp face.

[71DubBugBug]

The g is still one of my favorite cars of all time!

Anyone notice the percentage of these things being driven by good looking women?
Maybe its just in chicago, but damn!

[muffintop]

Curb Weight and MPGs?

[Brimjolt]

There are regulations in Germany that require them now. It's not by choice, apparently.

really??

[venom600]

really??

Really. Every car that comes with HIDs that's sold there has to also have LED daytime running lights. Get used to it, it isn't going away.

[71DubBugBug]

Curb Weight and MPGs?

people who can afford one dont usually ask

[Dutchmastr9]

The g is still one of my favorite cars of all time!

Anyone notice the percentage of these things being driven by good looking women?
Maybe its just in chicago, but damn!

boston too

[Son]

This was the last car that needed LED DRLs.

[Señor Peligro]

I love how the door panels look like curtains.

The front end is not an improvement. But I love these things.

[mikegilbert]

I want a G65 now!

First thing I'd do is get rid of the headlights and LED DRLs...and replace them with some 7" LED Truck Lites:

[kimilein]

I want a G65 now!

First thing I'd do is get rid of the headlights and LED DRLs...and replace them with some 7" LED Truck Lites:

That anatid don't care.

[ValveCoverGasket]

As I always have, I still love it!

yup

[Bakounine]

Too bad they chose the super-luxurious/exotic/expensive route with that truck. This thing having military roots, a bare-bone diesel version would have been a great Wrangler Rubicon rival.

Sure it would have been more expensive than a Wrangler, but not eye-poppingly more like it is now. That way, it would probably have enjoyed cult status for a larger audience and draw more people into MB dealerships.

[TangoRed]

Too bad they chose the super-luxurious/exotic/expensive route with that truck. This thing having military roots, a bare-bone diesel version would have been a great Wrangler Rubicon rival.

Sure it would have been more expensive than a Wrangler, but not eye-poppingly more like it is now. That way, it would probably have enjoyed cult status for a larger audience and draw more people into MB dealerships.

That doesn't fit in with the Mercedes image at all though. And I don't think they give two ****s at this point about drawing people in mass quantities for this vehicle at this point honestly.

[NickWVU]

CSB,
But I worked at a guys house in the Sag Harbor area of L.I. several summers ago. He had a two door AMG cabrio (among other things). I knew it was cool, but I didn't know it was THAT cool until summer was over. No pics of the exact vehicle, but here it is.



Ugly with the top off, due to the weird rear window. But cool, and rare from what I understand.

[Bakounine]

That doesn't fit in with the Mercedes image at all though. And I don't think they give two ****s at this point about drawing people in mass quantities for this vehicle at this point honestly.

Only in NA does Mercedes = only luxury. They also make pretty utilitarian vehicles which value robustness over luxury, e.g. Unimog, taxi cabs. We had a glimpse of this here with the Sprinter. It was more expensive than its rivals, but not terribly so and offered an interesting alternative.

After more than 30 years of production, it would most likely not be very expensive to build if it wasn't for all the bells and whistles.

[8v_gti777]

I remember sitting in one of these and how out of place the luxury interior stuff feels. It's like they bolted it into a vehicle it wasn't intended for. But the new engines sound nice.

[TangoRed]

Only in NA does Mercedes = only luxury. They also make pretty utilitarian vehicles which value robustness over luxury, e.g. Unimog, taxi cabs. We had a glimpse of this here with the Sprinter. It was more expensive than its rivals, but not terribly so and offered an interesting alternative.

After more than 30 years of production, it would most likely not be very expensive to build if it wasn't for all the bells and whistles.

I'm aware. The Sprinter was also not posted on the mbusa website nor was it intended for anything except for commercial use. The G-wagen would be a private-consumption passenger vehicle, which would pose a problem for it in the U.S. Mercedes isn't willing to tarnish its upscale image here at this point.

But I agree, a barebones version would be cool.

[phofpower]

I'm aware. The Sprinter was also not posted on the mbusa website nor was it intended for anything except for commercial use. The G-wagen would be a private-consumption passenger vehicle, which would pose a problem for it in the U.S. Mercedes isn't willing to tarnish its upscale image here at this point.

But I agree, a barebones version would be cool.

Sprinters are sold right along S-classes in the US currently

http://www.mbsprinterusa.com/

[Aperture]

CSB,
But I worked at a guys house in the Sag Harbor area of L.I. several summers ago. He had a two door AMG cabrio (among other things). I knew it was cool, but I didn't know it was THAT cool until summer was over. No pics of the exact vehicle, but here it is.



Ugly with the top off, due to the weird rear window. But cool, and rare from what I understand.

This looks like an insane amount of fun. Unfortunately, it also has the proportions of a Micro Machine.