G news is always good news. The iconic G-wagen has received a slew of engine updates and that mental 4×4² version is set for production.
The G-Class, or G-wagen (geländwagen), has been around for more than 35 years and has consistently been one of the more desirable cars of our time, and of those before it. Now, as always, Mercedes-Benz have stepped in and updated the G in tune with the times. That means restyled bumpers, flared wheel arches in the body colour across the range, and revised instrumentation and display consoles. Of course, there’s more power from the turbo-motors and lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions to go with it. They’re all Euro 6 compliant, of course. The 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission is standard, as is the four-wheel driveline with three diff locks. Furthermore, the G 500 4×4² model, which garnered much interest, is set for production. Here’s a model-wise update list.
G 350 d
What’s new?
The only diesel model on sale, the G 350 d, gets the lower-case ‘d’, as is the case with the badge revamp for the entire diesel portfolio.
Power up?
Yes.
What? How much?
3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel makes 245 PS and 600 Nm, up from 211 PS and 540 Nm.
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.8 seconds, down from 9.1.
Efficiency: 10.1 km/l, up from 8.93.
G 500
What’s new?
All-new Benz-badged AMG motor from the AMG GT and C 63. No more 5.5-litre massive natural V8. Optimised ESP and optional adaptive damping available.
Power up?
Yes.
What? How much?
4.0-litre V8 BiTurbo makes 422 PS and 610 Nm, up from 388 PS and 530 Nm.
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 5.9 seconds, down from 6.1.
Efficiency: 8.13 km/l, up from 6.71.
G 500 4×4²
What’s new?
It’s a new car! Well, almost. Taller, wider and higher G 500. Track gets wider by 264 mm! It’s essentially the G 500 on stilts with matching shoes.
Seriously?
Yup! It has 440 mm of ground clearance, 1 metre water-wading ability, 325/55 R22 rubber, and weighs 3,021 kg. Same 422-PS BiTurbo V8 motor as the G 500. You can buy one from December 2015.
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): A bit longer than the ‘standard’ G 500.
Efficiency: 7.24 km/l.
AMG G 63
What’s new?
The front bumper design and a bit of revised instrumentation on the inside. AMG badge on the other side now. ECO Start/Stop is part of the standard list. Edition 463 special model available, with more visible dynamics in the form of body graphics, underbody protector, matte-black, high-sheen 21″ wheels with 295/45 rubber, two-tone interior and Designo leather seats, carbon-like seat trim.
Power up?
Yes.
What? How much?
5.5-litre V8 BiTurbo makes 571 PS and the same 760 Nm, up from 544 PS.
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Not disclosed.
Efficiency: Not disclosed.
AMG G 65
What’s new?
The front bumper design and a bit of revised instrumentation on the inside. AMG badge on the other side now. Edition 463 special model available, with more visible dynamics in the form of body graphics, underbody protector, ceramic-polished 21″ wheels with 295/45 rubber, two-tone interior and Designo leather seats and head-rests, carbon-like seat trim.
Power up?
Yes.
What? How much?
6.0-litre V12 BiTurbo makes 630 PS and the same 1,000 Nm, up from 612 PS.
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Not disclosed.
Efficiency: Don’t bother.
Story: Jim Gorde
