G-Class gets updated

The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen - or G-Class as the marketing people have rechristened it - has been around since the 1970s.

And it shows no signs of disappearing from the price lists yet, thanks to the latest round of improvements that includes an upgraded cabin, new engines and tweaks to the exterior.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2013) Front SideMercedes-Benz G-Class (2013) Dashboard

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2013) InteriorMercedes-Benz G-Class (2013) Rear Side

Key to the interior changes are refreshed instruments, plus a redesigned centre console which now houses a prominent colour screen for the Command Online telematics system.

Buyers will get a choice of four engines including, for the first time in series production, a V12 option that boasts a mammoth 1,000 Nm of torque. Needless to say, it doesn’t make for the greenest vehicle available.

Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Economy Emissions
G 350 BlueTEC V6 diesel 2,987 cc 207 bhp (155 kW / 211 PS) 540 Nm (398 lb/ft) 25.2 mpg (11.2 l/100km) 295 g/km
G 500 V8 petrol 5,461 cc 382 bhp (285 kW / 388 PS) 530 Nm (390 lb/ft) 18.9 mpg (14.9 l/100km) 348 g/km
G 500 Cabriolet SWB V8 petrol 5,461 cc 382 bhp (285 kW / 388 PS) 530 Nm (390 lb/ft) 18.9 mpg (14.9 l/100km) 348 g/km
G 63 AMG V8 biturbo 5,461 cc 536 bhp (400 kW / 544 PS) 760 Nm (560 lb/ft) 20.4 mpg (13.8 l/100km) 322 g/km
G 65 AMG V12 biturbo 5,980 cc 603 bhp (450 kW / 612 PS) 1,000 Nm (737 lb/ft) 16.6 mpg (17.0 l/100km) 397 g/km

Only the most dedicated G-Wagen aficionados are likely to spot the external alterations though, as on the G 350 and G 500 they’re limited to new door mirrors and the now de rigueur LED daytime running lights. 

The revisions to the AMG variants are a bit more extensive, and include a new double-louvre radiator grille, a restyled front bumper unit, 20” wheels and red brake calipers.

In Germany, sales of the new G-Class begin this June, with prices varying enormously between the different versions:

· G 350 BlueTEC - €85,311.10 (including VAT)
· G 500 - €99,948.10
· G 500 Cabriolet - €100,900.10
· G 63 AMG - €137,504.50
· G 65 AMG - €264,180.00

However, UK customers will have to wait until the autumn for deliveries to start. Final specifications and pricing have yet to be decided, but Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that only the G 350 BlueTEC and G 63 AMG will be offered here.

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