Detroit Preview: 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Comments

[Drew Dowdell]

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Mercedes-Benz released a preview of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class due to be released at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  The images, all of the interior, show a significantly updated G-Class with an interior now at the level customers expect from Mercedes-Benz.  Critics of the current G-Class point out the severely outdated build quality of the current model that does not fit its high price tag.

 

The new G-Class gets the double-wide 12.3 inch displays found on other Mercedes-Benz models like the S-Class and E-Class. New steering wheel controls respond to finger gestures similar in operation to the screen of a smartphone. Much of the rest of the interior switchgear is lifted straight out of Mercedes-Benz's other models, while the seats and trim finally get the plushness expected at a $123,000 price level.

 

If you're expecting the G-Class to look different from the current model, don't.  The exterior will largely look the same as the current model. The new G-Class will go on sale late 2018.

Additional details will be released as we approach the North American International Auto Show in Detroit starting January 15th.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Media Relations

 

Press Release on Page 2

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It is an off-road legend and the ultimate benchmark for so many fans of cross-country driving: the G-Class. Since 1979 more than 300,000 vehicles have allowed their owners to experience adventures that would have been unachievable with any other vehicle. Outwardly, the "G" has changed very little. But in fact this  very  special  off-roader  has  constantly  reinvented itself. With its completely updated interior and numerous new features, the G-Class has now undergone the  most  significant  transformation  of  its almost 40-year career, in technical as well as stylistic terms - while staying  true to itself.

Iconic elements continue to serve very specific purposes, now as then, and to give the G-Class its unique appearance. All these are still to be found in the new G-Class: the distinctive door handles and the characteristic closing sound, the robust exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the prominent indicator lights. It is extraordinary features like these that combine with the off-roader's angular lines to define its special look.

Interior: as luxurious as it is authentic

That this is a contemporary interpretation of a legend is also evident, for example, from the car's clear, geometric lines: climbing aboard the G-Class reveals styling elements from the exterior transposed into the interior. The shape of the round headlamps, for instance, which is reflected in the air vents on either side. Or the design of the iconic indicators, found again in the shape of the loudspeakers.

Hallmarks of the G-Class include the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chrome-highlighted switches for the differential locks, positioned in clear view. Both have been meticulously optimized and retained as characteristic features.

G-Class drivers are able to control the full infotainment system without taking their hands off the steering wheel. The touch-sensitive Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel respond to swiping motions in the same way as the surface of a smartphone. Thanks to haptic impulses and additional feedback from the onboard speakers, the driver can use the touchpad without looking away from the road. The input options are rounded off by shortcut keys in front of the Controller for frequently accessed operating tasks, and by the optional control array for the driving assistance systems above the rotary light switch. The driver sits up close to the windscreen and enjoys good all-round visibility from behind the wheel.

The very clearly laid-out and completely redesigned instrument panel features timeless tube-look analogue dials as standard. In other words, fans of classic round instruments will certainly not be disappointed in the new G-Class. As in the new E and S-Class, an alternative instrument panel in the form of a large display screen showing virtual instruments in the driver's direct field of vision and a central display above the center console is available as an option. Two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a wide-screen cockpit beneath a shared glass cover. Drivers can choose between three different styles for the displays – "Classic," "Sport" and "Progressive" – and also configure relevant information and views according to their individual needs.

High-quality materials and added comfort

With its unmistakable character and high-quality appointments, the G-Class has always managed to combine off-road capability and luxury in a particularly harmonious way. Even in its standard specification, the G-Class's timeless and authentic open-pore wood trim gives it an air of classical elegance. Its stylish details include the generous use of high-quality metal or carbon fiber trim, and its leather seats.

"Every G-Class must be put to the test on the Schöckl." And this was the motto that headed the list of requirement specifications when it came to redesigning this classic among off-roaders. It refers to the Graz plant's local mountain, used by Mercedes-Benz for its hard – and some say even merciless - testing, and which each off-roader must be able to conquer. Which is why every "G" bears a certification mark in the form of a "Schöckl" badge at the base of its B-pillar.

The doors are very solid, clear evidence of that hallmark "G" functionality. The stowage space concept has been thoroughly overhauled, with numerous new

storage areas ensuring that everything has a home. Under the armrest, for example, is an illuminated compartment for small items. In front of the touchpad in the center console are two removable cup holders. The rear doors are each capable of accommodating a 1-liter water bottle. The rear bench seat has a freestanding backrest, so allowing maximum variability and better visibility through the rear side windows.

The standard audio system features seven loudspeakers. The Burmester® surround sound system with 16 speakers and a 590 watt amplifier with Digital Sound Processing is available as optional equipment.

The revised dimensions of the now larger G-Class do not only benefit the driver, but also the passengers in the second row.

The most important data at a glance:

Description	Difference
Legroom - front	+ 1.5 in (38 mm)
Legroom - rear	+ 5.9 in (150 mm)
Shoulder width - front	+ 1.5 in (38 mm)
Shoulder width - rear	+ 1.1 in (27 mm)
Elbow room - front	+ 2.7 in (68 mm)
Elbow room - rear	+ 2.2 in (56 mm)

The rear seats can be folded down to 60, 40 or 100 percent. The seats in the G-Class are equipped as standard with numerous convenience functions such as the Memory function for the driver's seat, seat heating front and rear, and luxury head restraints in the front. As well as the special multicontour seats, features range from massage functions, climatized seats, fast seat heating and electrically adjustable lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger. The side sections of the seat cushions and backrests of the active multicontour  seats include integrated air chambers that fill or empty on a continuous basis according to the driving dynamics, so providing better support for the seating positions of driver and front passenger and, for example, offering more lateral support during cornering. The front seats of the Active Multicontour Seat package are recommended by experts from the German spinal health organization "Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.".

Extras for the G-Class: two exclusive equipment packages

There are so many variants for the new G-Class that it is extremely rare for any two cars to be exactly alike. This wide range of equipment options is made possible by the fact that features from the designo manufaktur range have already been integrated into the standard equipment variants.

Passengers are accommodated on seats in Lugano leather in Black, Nut Brown or Macchiato Beige. There is furthermore a choice of two top-class equipment packages: Exclusive Interior and Exclusive Interior Plus. The Exclusive Interior is available in a range of seven colors. Three of these are elegant combinations of nappa leather in black and one of the designo manufaktur colors Platinum White, Yacht Blue or Classic Red. The package also includes a black designo roof liner in DINAMICA microfiber, along with air vents in silvershadow. The Exclusive Interior Plus comprises additional elements in Nappa leather such as the door trim, sections of the center console, the instrument panel and all the upholstery. A particular feature here is the seat design with dynamic diamond- pattern quilting. With this package, customers have a choice between the designo shades of Black, Espresso Brown and Classic Red. For the first time it is also possible to order a light-colored interior throughout, in Macchiato Beige – encompassing everything from the flooring to the roof liner.

An off-road legend since 1979

The G-Class is the top model among luxury off-road vehicles. It is not only by far the passenger car model series with the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all SUVs to bear the three- pointed star – this is why all Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G in their name.

What began in 1972 with a collaboration agreement between the then Daimler- Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz is now a story peppered with superlatives and significant milestones. As it was back then, the G-Class is still built largely by hand in Graz.

Right from the very first design, this was no ordinary cross-country vehicle. Product planners, designers and engineers designed a vehicle that offered a compelling combination of reliability, robust build and superb off-road performance, which nevertheless appealed to customers as a fully-fledged, comfortable and, above all, safe, exclusive automobile for recreational purposes.

At the time of its market launch, in the spring of 1979, it was available with a choice of four engine variants covering a performance spectrum of 53 kW / 72 hp to 115 kW / 156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet with a short wheelbase or Station Wagon models with short or long wheelbase. In 1989, the vehicles in the model series 463 marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the off-roader that was not just about keeping pace with technical progress. It was an evolution that also brought a steadily expanding fanbase and emphasised its character as an exclusive vehicle for any occasion. And, since 1993, a vehicle with an official name: the G-Class.

The 25th anniversary of the G-Class was marked by the arrival of a very special model on the market, honed by Mercedes-AMG: the G 55 AMG Kompressor. Its eight-cylinder power unit (350 kW / 476 hp, 700 newton meters of torque) gave the robust off-roader an unprecedented level of performance and demonstrated  the tremendous potential of the G-Class.

The G-Class's 30th birthday was celebrated in 2009 with a series of new equipment features, enhancing primarily the comfort and exclusivity of the interior. The ergonomically optimized front seats offered more support, while new designs and climatized seats made the veteran beast even more luxurious. Sales of the G-Class have increased continually ever since. Thanks to the  strong growth rates, the forefather of the SUV achieved a new sales record in 2016, with almost 20,000 units being sold within a year.

New AMG engines, a markedly expanded range of appointments, an even higher-quality interior, careful exterior modifications and safety features such as DISTRONIC Plus as well as the parking aid PARKTRONIC ensured further enhancement of the off-roader in 2012. A year later, Mercedes-Benz expanded the product portfolio with the G 63 AMG 6x6: a three-axle off-road vehicle that combined the "best of three worlds", featuring as it did all the developments of the new G-Class generation, the robustness of heavy off-highway vehicles and the superior engine technology of Mercedes-AMG.

The G550 4x4² added not only a luxurious interior to the equation, but also ground clearance of 45 centimeters and impressive on-road performance. Since 2015 designo manufaktur has offered customers the possibility to individualize their G with exclusive equipment variants. The extraordinary G 650 Landaulet made its own very special mark in 2017. It was the first of its type to emerge under the Mercedes-Maybach name and only 99 vehicles were built. With its superlative V12 engine, portal axles, electrically operated fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment, this  variant of the "G" was aimed at customers who want their open-top driving to be as exclusive as it is stylish.

The summer of 2017 saw the 300,000th G-Class roll off the assembly line in Graz – a Mercedes-Benz G 500 in designo Mauritius Blue Metallic with black leather seats and contrasting white topstitching. Equipped with a range of off- road features including all-terrain tires mounted on black 16-inch rims and a sturdy roof rack, the anniversary vehicle embarked this summer on a new adventure. G-Class fans around the world determined the vehicle specification by voting for their favorite equipment and appointments on the official
G-Class Facebook page. The future road trips of the 300,000th G-Class can also be followed on social networks.

The new G-Class will be celebrating its world premiere at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and will go on sale in the U.S. by late 2018.

Please note this information is preliminary; additional information will be provided at the time of the product reveal in January.

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[G. David Felt]

Nice, about time they dumped that 40+ year old interior with the cheap net bags and net cup holders all in plastic.

Love that they took a page from escalade with a warm decent two tone coco Brown interior. Very nice for using a car dash in the SUV.

[ccap41]

That looks gooooood.

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

Love that they took a page from escalade with a warm decent two tone coco Brown interior.

They didn't take that from the Escalade at all... You could get a G in any color scheme you wanted today. 

[G. David Felt]

7 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

That looks gooooood.

They didn't take that from the Escalade at all... You could get a G in any color scheme you wanted today. 

Warm coco brown was not on their pallet in the last few years, you could not get any color you wanted unless you went custom and paid a crazy price. Part of the standard colors available is what I was commenting on and that seems to now be part of their 2019 pallet.

Interesting comparison of the 2018 Escalade interior dash to the 2019 G-Wagon dash.

[ccap41]

I know they're all "hidden" because the top of the page wasn't loading and finishing but they have multiple shades and combinations of colors available. Nothing from the G was taken from the Escalade's book. 

Trying to build and Escalade I'm only seeing three interior color options and two on the Platinum trim. 

[Drew Dowdell]

The G-wagon is more of a technical rugged off-road look.  The Escalade looks more sensual luxury.  Both designs have their place.

Everyone here knows how much I've bashed the current G-Wagon... but this update looks pretty convincing to me and it might actually justify its pricetag now.  I'd like to see some updated powertrains, but the rest of the body shape could largely carry over and I'd be fine with it. 

[ccap41]

41 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Warm coco brown was not on their pallet in the last few years, you could not get any color you wanted unless you went custom and paid a crazy price.

Everything pictured in the OP is available now. 

[G. David Felt]

2 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Everything pictured in the OP is available now. 

Crazy as I did not see them but really appreciate you posting them here. Thank you. Good to know they had it.  

[balthazar]

Here's to hoping all the exposed screws & gaskets on the exterior are finally brought up to 1979 standards, nevermind 1939 standards.

[Robert Hall]

Just now, balthazar said:

Here's to hoping all the exposed screws & gaskets on the exterior are finally brought up to 1979 standards, nevermind 1939 standards.

Maybe they will simulate the exposed screws & gaskets on the new one as a retro touch. 

[balthazar]

But can it be a retro touch if it's currently in use?

Edited December 13, 2017 by balthazar

[Robert Hall]

The current G class is so old, it's unintentionally retro. 

[ccap41]

Maybe I'm an idiot but I love the exposed hinges and screws. 

It's retro but honest at the same time. 

[G. David Felt]

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

Maybe I'm an idiot but I love the exposed hinges and screws. 

It's retro but honest at the same time. 

Kinda like the Ford Troller in Brazil.

[Robert Hall]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

Kinda like the Ford Troller in Brazil.

Or the Hummer H1...looked ancient by the 2000s.  Big price, but crudely put together. 

[ccap41]

8 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Kinda like the Ford Troller in Brazil.

Yup! and the Wrangler. 

[Drew Dowdell]

20 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Maybe I'm an idiot but I love the exposed hinges and screws. 

It's retro but honest at the same time. 

Hinges, sure.  exposed screw heads on the interior, definitely no.  On the exterior.. eh it depends where they are. 

[ccap41]

I'm totally fine with them on the exterior but I can agree that the interior could have gotten cleaned up a little better.

[G. David Felt]

9 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I'm totally fine with them on the exterior but I can agree that the interior could have gotten cleaned up a little better.

Totally agree that Bolts on the exterior like we see with the Wrangler, Hummer, Ford Troller is fine and a more butch off road type look. 

Interior, they should have cleaned that up 10+ years ago.

[balthazar]

Exposed hinges CAN have an industrial look to them, agreed. Even exposed screws -such as around fender flares, for EX- can 'work'.

But too much of the G-wagon is just 50-yr old (or older) body hardware tech. Old MBs -and the G-wagon- are horribly outdated in body construction engineering. This is circa 1985, and on the flagship SL :

Why is that thick rubber gasket so exposed? It's not 'rugged', it's slop.

Edited December 13, 2017 by balthazar

[smk4565]

It is a nice update, more leg and hip room, the new G-wagon is 5 inches longer, but that still makes it barely larger than a GLE or X5 and cut 350 lbs of weight, so all pluses there.  The interior looks much better than before, current decade styling and they kept the classic grab bar and locking diff switches, so the original DNA is still there.  

This will probably be the #1 selling car in Beverly Hills and Dubai in 2018.

[A Horse With No Name]

23 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

The G-wagon is more of a technical rugged off-road look.  The Escalade looks more sensual luxury.  Both designs have their place.

Everyone here knows how much I've bashed the current G-Wagon... but this update looks pretty convincing to me and it might actually justify its pricetag now.  I'd like to see some updated powertrains, but the rest of the body shape could largely carry over and I'd be fine with it. 

My thinking also.

11 hours ago, smk4565 said:

It is a nice update, more leg and hip room, the new G-wagon is 5 inches longer, but that still makes it barely larger than a GLE or X5 and cut 350 lbs of weight, so all pluses there.  The interior looks much better than before, current decade styling and they kept the classic grab bar and locking diff switches, so the original DNA is still there.  

This will probably be the #1 selling car in Beverly Hills and Dubai in 2018.

I would take it over a Navigator.

[ccap41]

22 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

My thinking also.

I would take it over a Navigator.

Without a doubt! It's also probably a few feet smaller in like every dimension than a 'Gator so the need of the customer might be different but the current size of the G is perfect for me. It's not huge at all. 

[A Horse With No Name]

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

Without a doubt! It's also probably a few feet smaller in like every dimension than a 'Gator so the need of the customer might be different but the current size of the G is perfect for me. It's not huge at all. 

Thank you so much for taking this as a compliment on the Benz and not a slam on the 'Gator.  Would take the 'Gator over any BMW, Lexus, Acura, or Infinity SUV for sure.

...and being a few feet smaller also would be part of my buying calculus.

[Robert Hall]

The G-class is a nice size, but a bit narrow IMO...of the current crop of M-B SUVs, I'd take the GLE..just the right size, IMO.

[ccap41]

14 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Thank you so much for taking this as a compliment on the Benz and not a slam on the 'Gator.  Would take the 'Gator over any BMW, Lexus, Acura, or Infinity SUV for sure.

...and being a few feet smaller also would be part of my buying calculus.

Personally, I'd probably take the smaller Benzes and BMWs over the Gator as well. I'm just not as comfortable driving things as large as houses, lol. GLE550e or GLE43 would be fine and over at BMW I'd like an X535i or 35d would be preferred. 

[Robert Hall]

10 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Personally, I'd probably take the smaller Benzes and BMWs over the Gator as well. I'm just not as comfortable driving things as large as houses, lol. GLE550e or GLE43 would be fine and over at BMW I'd like an X535i or 35d would be preferred. 

Heh-heh..the huge American SUVs have their place and use cases, but they wouldn't make any sense for me.   They also wouldn't fit in my garage.  I like the size and styling of  current GLE and does share the platform and lots of dirty bits with my Grand Cherokee-- but with more complex electronics and likely more expensive failures. 

[A Horse With No Name]

23 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Personally, I'd probably take the smaller Benzes and BMWs over the Gator as well. I'm just not as comfortable driving things as large as houses, lol. GLE550e or GLE43 would be fine and over at BMW I'd like an X535i or 35d would be preferred. 

Actually I was saying I would take the Lincoln over the Import boys if I was looking for a large SUV. 

Were I to buy today, I think I would take Rover for a luxury SUV...give me three please...one as a spare, one in the garage for repair, and one to provide shade by the side of the road when it is broken down...

Do like the GLE though.

[ccap41]

Yes, I would absolutely love a Rover Sport Supercharged. That's like a dream vehicle of mine. It's the right size and it's got ass to scoot. 

[A Horse With No Name]

3 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Yes, I would absolutely love a Rover Sport Supercharged. That's like a dream vehicle of mine. It's the right size and it's got ass to scoot. 

Ohhhhhh yes...and I have a fetish for all things British when it comes to iron.

[Drew Dowdell]

I don't care about off-roading much... and if I did go off-road, I wouldn't take a $125k vehicle.  I'd rather have a Navigator and a new Wrangler.... I'd probably spend less money in the process.

[ccap41]

I don't plan on going 200mph but I still want a Ford GT because it's the best at what it does(I realize it isn't actually the best but you know what I'm getting at). 

[G. David Felt]

Just now, ccap41 said:

I don't plan on going 200mph but I still want a Ford GT because it's the best at what it does(I realize it isn't actually the best but you know what I'm getting at). 

Ford GT style is the selling point. It is a look that is very desirable.

[Drew Dowdell]

Just now, ccap41 said:

I don't plan on going 200mph but I still want a Ford GT because it's the best at what it does(I realize it isn't actually the best but you know what I'm getting at). 

Sure, but I wouldn't want to take it racing and risk getting it dinged up because I wouldn't want to damage something I spend that much money on in the first place.

I realize that people who have the money to buy these things new may not care... but even if I hit the powerball tomorrow, I doubt I would change my frugal ways. 

[ccap41]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Sure, but I wouldn't want to take it racing and risk getting it dinged up because I wouldn't want to damage something I spend that much money on in the first place.

I realize that people who have the money to buy these things new may not care... but even if I hit the powerball tomorrow, I doubt I would change my frugal ways. 

I wouldn't either. Knowing it is a limited supply of cash and insurance and such are never ending, I'd still be smart with it. 

[Robert Hall]

If I were going to go buy new SUVs tomorrow, I'd be sensible and stick w/ Jeeps.  '18 Grand Cherokee Summit Hemi and '18 Wrangler Rubicon 2dr.  Those would keep me happy for years... 

Edited December 14, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Drew Dowdell]

Just now, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

If I were going to go buy new SUVs tomorrow, I'd be sensible and stick w/ Jeeps.  '18 Grand Cherokee Summit and '18 Wrangler Rubicon 2dr.  Those would keep me happy for years... 

This had me thinking while I was out at lunch.... what new SUV would I want today. I wouldn't get a G-Class, but a GLS? Maybe.

I want something with great torque and a floaty suspension for all the highway driving I do. 

[Robert Hall]

If I had more garage space and budget, I'd throw in a Challenger SRT 392 Scat Pack and a boat and trailer.  Hence the Hemi GC.    Something to work towards...

[Drew Dowdell]

33 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

If I had more garage space and budget, I'd throw in a Challenger SRT 392 Scat Pack and a boat and trailer.  Hence the Hemi GC.    Something to work towards...

Bad man... you have me looking at new Grand Cherokee Hemi Overlands on Jeep.com

[A Horse With No Name]

You all are making me feel like a non car guy.  Basic GTI and every ounce of other cash in investments for me.

Just now, Drew Dowdell said:

Bad man... you have me looking at new Grand Cherokee Hemi Overlands on Jeep.com

They are rather hot...

[Robert Hall]

2 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Bad man... you have me looking at new Grand Cherokee Hemi Overlands on Jeep.com

Heh-heh..I figure in 3-4 years, I'll be ready to trade for a CPO '17-18 GC...I'm not planning to keep the '14 Limited for 17 years like I did the '00 Laredo.  I also have a plan for more garage space in the next year to 18 months.