The iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class – affectionately known as the G-Wagen after its German name: Geländewagen – has been given its first major facelift since the launch of the 4×4 back in 2018.
The mid-cycle upgrade focuses on key components of the G-Wagen, including sharpening up its signature design, electrifying the brutish powertrains, and adding modern assistance systems and capabilities.
Living legend
The new G-Wagen boasts a subtly modified exterior look brought about by a new grille with four instead of three horizontal louvres, revised front and rear bumpers in a new “squircle” pattern, and an overhauled selection of alloy wheels starting at 18 inches.
Additionally, it gets new A-pillar cladding, a spoiler lip on the roof edge, and new insulation materials which contribute to improved aerodynamics and increased acoustic comfort.
For the high-octane AMG versions, cosmetic tweaks encompass a model-exclusive bumper with stainless steel inserts and three vertical louvres in front of the air intakes, the Panamericana grille with vertical slats, adaptive Multibeam LED headlights, silver brake callipers, six different wheel designs of between 20-22 inches in diameter, and a new Manufaktur Hyper Blue Magno paint option.
Inside, the G-Class now comes as standard with the latest-generation multifunction steering wheel with touch controls, ambient lighting, comprehensive leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch driver and infotainment system, augmented reality navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice assistance.
A new Offroad Cockpit function is included, too, which provides an overview of the relevant data for off-road adventures in both front displays such as pitch and roll angles, as well as functions to support driving off the beaten track.
The latter incorporates a new “Transparent Bonnet” feature that stitches together the pictures from the exterior cameras to provide the driver with a virtual view of what’s going on under the nose of the SUV, allowing the pilot to assess crests, embankments, and depressions when they are no longer visible through the windscreen.
Once again, the AMGs are separated by an AMG Performance three-twin-spoke steering wheel in Nappa leather, a smattering of AMG logos all around the cabin, black piano lacquer finishes, and a “Supersport” mode for the driver’s display that comprises a central, round tachometer with horizontal readouts to the left and right of it.
Optionally, buyers can get items such as temperature-controlled cupholders, a wireless smartphone charger, keyless entry and start, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment system with two 11.6-inch touch displays for the rear passengers.
Under the blocky bonnet, the new G-Class benefits from electrification throughout the range courtesy of a 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) system in conjunction with a variety of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.
Combined with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive, the MHEV setup ensures heightened responsiveness off-road and greater comfort on paved surfaces, in addition to reduced fuel consumption in comparison to the pre-facelift models, said Mercedes.
Drivers now also have a choice between seven drive modes on the non-AMG versions including the usual Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Individual, as well as the all-new Rock, Sand, and Trail settings which are intended for off-road use.
On the AMG models there is no Eco option, but there are Sport+ and Slippery settings for a total of eight drive modes. The athletic SUVs also get Mercedes’ AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping.
The specifications of the revised G-Wagen powertrains are shown in the below table:
| Specification | G450d | G500 | G63 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3.0-litre | 3.0-litre | 4.0-litre V8 |
| Output | 270kW/750Nm | 330kW/560Nm | 430kW/850Nm |
| eBoost | 15kW/200Nm | 15kW/200Nm | 15kW/200Nm |
| 0-100km/h | 5.8 seconds | 5.4 seconds | 4.3 seconds |
| Top speed | 210km/h | 210km/h | 220km/h |
| Consumption | 8.7-10.0l/100km | 10.9-12.3l/100km | 14.7-15.7l/100km |
Availability
The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class is hitting European showrooms in late 2024 from a starting price of €122,808 (R2.5 million).
As such, local customers will likely be able to get their hands on the SUV in middle-to-late 2025.
For reference, the current G-Wagen retails from R3,305,454 in South Africa for the standard version and R4,318,174 for the AMG, with the new models likely to be priced north of this.
Mercedes-Benz G500
Mercedes-AMG G63
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