Mercedes launches new G-Wagen
Comfier, more luxurious and easier to drive than ever, the original G this is not...
Despite its continued success, the G-Wagen has been something of an awkward compromise for quite a while now. Bought for its rugged image and implied toughness, it's rarely used off road and is poorly suited to the more mundane aspects of daily driving. It's the latter half of that equation which Merc is looking to solve here - but crucially without sacrificing the looks or ability which attract buyers in the first place.
Inside and under the skin is where the G-Wagen has undergone the greatest transformation, however. Full advantage has been taken of that increased volume: 68mm more elbow room up front should put an end to any awkward driver/passenger contact, whilst 150mm extra legroom in the rear will certainly make it a more comfortable place to be.
Nevertheless, just because the closest to a green lane that most G-Wagens will get is navigating Hyde Park Corner, that doesn't mean their off-road credentials should be sniffed at. Quite the opposite, in fact. The body shell now comprises a mixture of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel, while the wings, bonnet and doors are made of aluminium, making for a 170kg weight saving over the outgoing model. There's been a focus on increased stiffness, with torsional rigidity up by 55 per cent; ground clearance is up to 241mm; and maximum fording depth now stands at 70cm, 10cm greater than before.
Back on the streets, the G-Class is now fitted with electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering as standard, which allows for the implementation of driver aids like Parking Assist. While a nine-speed automatic transmission makes "driving quieter and more comfortable especially at low engine speeds". Mercedes again proving especially adept at knowing its audience.
Upon its launch in May, the new G-Wagen will start at €107,040 (£95,000) although the exact UK specification and pricing is still to be confirmed. More on that when we have it.
I reckon this G550 could be the perfect car (for me).
they are very expensive but previous models hold their value incredibly well.
Give me one in deep blue and dark leather interior.
It will also be interesting what they'll do with the AMG version. This one already has the 4 litre V8... Same engine but with more power? The previous AMG ones are mental but the ride is atrocious. Let's see if they've fixed that.
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