It’s here – the all-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Though it may look almost comically unchanged over the car it replaces, this is a comprehensive replacement and you can count the number of parts carried over from its predecessor on one hand.
Boxy and old-school in appearance it may be, but this latest G is packing some serious tech, as well as some outlandish power in the AMG G63 specification that we’re testing here.
We’ve headed out to see just how this successor to one of the longest-running model lines ever deals with the UK’s roads.
What’s new about the new G-Class?
As we said earlier, despite the car’s almost agriculturally square design, a lot has been changed on this latest G-Class over the older car. The rigid ladder chassis remains but it’s now lighter, while independent double wishbone suspension has been fitted to it in order to make the G a little more well-behaved on the tarmac.
It’s also larger than the old G. It’s grown in length and width. As well as making it even more commanding out on the road, it means there’s more space inside for people and luggage.
This AMG version car also benefits from an uprated braking system to help bring the leviathan to a halt in an effective manner.
How does it look?
Big, brash and out-there, the G-Class isn’t one for shrinking violets. It’s a dominating presence, with its wide arches, vast proportions and huge tyres contributing to a vehicle which is difficult to ignore. Certainly, it’s not going to be for all people – but we certainly love the way it looks.
There’s a lot of gangster-like appeal to the way our all blacked-out test car looked, though we’re aware of a particularly good shade of green available for the G-Class too – this is the one we’d go for if it were our choice.
What’s the spec like?
As you’d expect from a car weighing in with a £153,000 price tag, there’s a lot of standard equipment to be found in the G-Class. You get Mercedes’ latest Comand infotainment system which is simple and easy to use, along with a Burmester surround sound system.
Automatic three-zone climate control helps keep things at just the right temperature, while a high-definition 360-degree parking camera aids when trying to position the G. That final touch is a definite plus in a car of this size.
The whole cabin is just far better put together than before, and lives up to the three-pointed star at the front of the car. The seats are supportive, and there’s better room in the back too – though it still can’t offer the same amount of rear-seat space as you’d find in more conventional luxury off-roaders, like the Range Rover.
Continued on next page: Interior, drive experience and our verdict
