Air suspension is not exactly new technology, although it is relatively complex. Normally, automakers build suspension systems that can lower and raise themselves to clear speed humps in the case of supercars and to cope with tough conditions for something like a Range Rover. However, tuners use trick suspension that's specially designed to give a stanced look.
The work of ACC, a Japanse company, is well known to us. Sometimes, they come up with amazing Japanse minivans that we think you guys aren't going to get. But a G-Class that tries to slam itself is an entirely different matter.
Most try to make the G-Monster appear sportier by widening the fenders and sprinkling carbon fiber throughout. Some off-road adventurers go the opposite direction with awesome axle upgrades that will clear a mountain in one go.
Besides the AC Air Runner suspension system, this W463 G500 model also features touches from a company called Avantgarde... that we can't seem to find. But identifying the body kit is dead-easy.
We are dealing with a Wald International Black Bison kit that was released way back in 2013. Spotting the extra body bits is way easier than explaining how they improve the SUV. Wald crafted a new front bumper, rear bumper, headlight cover, rear door panel, over fender and carbon fiber bonnet.
This wouldn't be Wald if the company didn't do everything to ensure your G-Class is one of a kind. The shape of the lower air intakes is a trademark of the company. But because of the trick-like shape, everything else looks like it's never been used in another Mercedes project. Of particular noteworthiness is the vented hood with large openings and the insert on the rear door.
Even though the back is so high off the ground you could walk a dog under it, the tuners still used a diffuser and mounted a wing up top.
Just to make things clear, this isn't the first G-Class on air suspension. In 2010, ACC did another project based on the G500. However, the latest auto-leveling technology means transitions are much more predictable nowadays.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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