Mercedes-Benz G-Class Iconic Off-Roader Gets More Powerful Engines

Of course, the only way to achieve such ubiquitousness is to get the design right from the first try, and then do as little as possible to change it. In this case, the big G's design has stayed more or less the same for over 35 years, which is a feat not a lot of cars can brag about. The only one that comes close is its off-road companion, the Land Rover Defender, but that model has just been discontinued, so one-nill for the Mercedes.

Starting this month, all G-Class models are getting technical and visual upgrades, with the emphasis on giving the cars more power while also lowering the fuel consumption. You know the drill, we've seen it so many times before with almost all manufacturers.

More to the point

The refreshed Gs will get up to 16 percent more power and up to 17 percent better fuel economy, while the whole range will have EU6 compliant engines. The Mercedes-Benz G500 is set to receive the new 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine under its boxy hood, with a whole set of interior and exterior tweaks affecting all other models.

The AMG GT engine will be delivering just 422 hp in the G500, as opposed to up to 510 hp in the AMG GT S, but it does put out 610 Nm (450 lb-ft) of torque, so motivation won't be an issue for this petrol powered G. Compared to the previous 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, this new set-up offers 35 more horsepower and 80 more Nm (60 lb-ft), so it improves performances (0.2 seconds less for the 0-100 km/h - 62 mph - sprint) while also considerably lowering fuel consumption (12.3 l/100 km or 19.1 mpg compared to 14.9 l/100 km or 15.8 mpg).

All the other models get boosted power figures as well, including the G350d diesel version that goes from 211 hp to 245 hp. The AMG G65 range topper sees its power output jump to 630 hp from the current 612 hp.

Suspension has been tweaked with optimised shock absorbers for improved control of body movements and even greater on-road ride comfort. If you ask us, it's not comfort the mighty G was lacking on road, but stability.

That has been addressed too, as Mercedes-Benz is quick to point out: "An adapted ESP® setup makes enhanced driving dynamics possible and, as a result, increased driving stability and road safety."

Inside and outside the box(y design)

The visual modifications department is predictably scarce, with revised bumpers and standard flared wheel arches in body color. On the inside, the changes are also discreet and consist of a new instrument cluster with a large display and redesigned pointers and dials. There's a choice of new colors - solar beam, tomato red, alien green, sunset beam and galactic beam - and all the detachable exterior parts can be had in obsidian black.

Another important information - or maybe the most important one - is that the G500 4x4^2 is about to get into production and will be available for orders starting this December. The new portal axes bearing model uses the same engine as the G500 and, apart from the AMG G65, will be the most expensive model in the G-Class range with a price of 226,100 euros ($255,854.4) for the German market (including 19% VAT). The most accessible model is the G350d that will set you back 89,922.35 euros ($101,756).

You can find more info on all models in the press release below and don't forget to check out the extensive image gallery.