Mercedes-Benz has released the first details of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, an update that, he says, consists of “the most significant transformation of his career of almost 40 years” (was launched in 1979 and, since then, has received numerous updates on the same basis). The last update occurred in 2012 ( information ) that is still for sale.
Mercedes-Benz has provided some images of the body with “camouflage”. Its lines clearly recall those of the previous model. However, it only retains “iconic elements” such as door handles, protections or prominent flashing lights from the previous model.
It also retains a chassis of stringers and crossbeams, three lockable differentials and reductive . The front suspension is now independent, double-wishbone (previously it was a rigid axle ). The rear remains a rigid axle with a Panhard bar , which holds the body laterally.
The free height to the ground is 241 mm (6 mm more than in the previous model) and its maximum wading capacity is 700 mm (100 more than before). The characteristic angles are very good; the entrance is 31 degrees; the output 30 and the ventral 26. These values are improved by those of some SUVs that can have air suspension to raise the height of the body. For example, a Land Rover Range Rover 2018 has a maximum ground clearance of 296.1 mm and a vadelo capacity of 900 mm.
There are several driving modes, one of them planned to travel by field (G-Mode). It can be activated automatically if one of the differential locks acts or the gearbox engages. This driving mode changes the suspension setting of variable hardness, direction and gear change.
The gearbox is automatic of 9 pairs of torque converter (its commercial name is 9G-Tronic) and it has an integrated transfer case, which transmits 40 percent of the engine\’s power to the front wheels and 60 percent to the front wheels. back You can go from long gears to short ones (pressing a button) up to a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour; the opposite operation can be done up to 70 km / h. The reduction value is very high: 2:93 to 1.
The passenger compartment now has a look closer to the rest of the Mercedes-Benz range, but retains the traditional structure, with a vertical center console and a dashboard with hardly any curved lines. The most novel thing is the addition of two new large screens (12.3 inches), one for the instrumentation and one for the multimedia system, which covers a much larger area than before. According to Mercedes-Benz, for “fans of classic round instruments”, the standard instrumentation is still conventional needle gauges. The air vents have a more sophisticated appearance.
The multimedia system can be operated through a new steering wheel with touch controls (as in Class E ). The controls also change in front of the central armrest.
There are a variety of coating materials for different surfaces: the moldings can be of various types of wood, either aluminum or carbon fiber; the seats can be upholstered in leather. In the central pillar there is now an anagram with the legend “Mercedes-Benz Schöckl proved” , which indicates that this model overcomes the tests that the brand does in the facilities that it has in the Schöckl mountain, in Austria.
There are new holes, larger than before, distributed throughout the interior. A recharging surface for mobile devices can be optionally installed under the central armrest. In the rear doors there are new pockets with capacity for a liter bottle (until now, they did not have it.
The standard sound equipment has seven speakers, and the most powerful optional, with Burmester designation, has 16.
Mercedes-Benz also says that it has improved the space for passengers (already very good). There are 38 mm more width in the front seats at the height of the shoulders, 27 mm in the same height of the rear seats and 150 mm more space for the legs of these passengers. It seems to us a very big gain, that we will try to corroborate when taking our measurements when possible.
At an additional cost, the front seats can be so-called active-type multi-contour, with multiple electrical settings, various types of massage, heating and ventilation and a function that inflates and deflates the side cushions to increase the support when taking curves.
There are two equipment customization packages: Exclusive Interior and Exclusive Interior Plus. For the first there are seven leather colors available, three of them nappa leather, as well as black microfiber upholstery for the roof. With the second increases the amount of pieces covered in nappa, such as the center console, the frame of the instrumentation or the doors. You can also add the AMG equipment line, which adds red trimmings such as seat belts or seams.
Mercedes-Benz will give more details and images of the new G-Class during the Detroit Auto Show, which will be held between January 11 and 24, 2018.