Mercedes-Benz G-Class Gets Thorough Refresh

Fans of the G-Class will be happy to know that Mercedes hasn’t forgotten them. For 2016, there’s all new engines lined up for the G-Class as well as revised suspension tuning and a special edition avilable. And if you want to further stand out of the crowd, there’s a whole pallet of bright colors for you to choose from. 

The Geländewagen, (or cross-country vehicle) has been in production for more than 36 years and has sold well throughout its lifetime. With its body on style construction and famous ladder frame utilizing three locking differentials, not only does the G-class have the credentials of an SUV, but the DNA and performance to back it up.

For 2016, the big news comes from the availability of a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 for the G500. A similar engine is found in the Mercedes AMG-GT and C63. In the G500, the 4-liter is producing 422 HP and 450 lbs-ft of torque.

All other models also get engine upgrades. The G350d ( d is for diesel) now makes 245 HP and 442 lbs-ft of torque. The AMG G63 is producing 571 hp and 560 lb-ft and the premium G65 now produces 630 hp and  737 lbs-ft of trunk pulling power.

According to Mercedes, “The standard suspension setup has been revised with optimized shock absorbers.” This translates to a better ride on and off-road. Additionally, Mercedes revised its ESP, ASR and ASB systems for enhanced driving dynamics and shorter braking distances.

A new AMG 463 edition adds special interior and exterior treatments. Inside there’s “a two-tone instrument panel, two-tone seats in high-quality design leather with side bolsters in carbon-look leather and contrasting topstitching, seat and door centre panels in a diamond design, carbon-fibre trim and door pulls in nappa leather.”

On the outside, ” a stainless steel under guard, AMG sport stripes along the sides, a protective strip insert in black aluminium-look as well as exclusive (21‑inch) forged wheels underscore both the dynamics and exclusivity of the special model.”

And its American clientele will really enjoy the added color packages which include such colors as solar beam, tomato red, alien green, sunset beam and galactic beam.

The G-Class, although not evolved in exterior design all that much, remains a niche luxury SUV that will continue to sell well. Although many of its owners will never really take them off-road, it’s the idea of extreme performance and luxury that gets buyers coming in time and time again.