Mercedes-Benz: G over hill and dale! 🎥
OFFROAD CLASSIC The G-Class from Mercedes appears in a new edition. Under the only slightly modified body, the off-road legend is now available with a fully electric drivetrain in addition to the conventional ones.
With the 2024 G-Class, a Mercedes icon is rolling off-road in a new edition. The body shape, which has remained almost unchanged for 45 years, has been retained. Right-angled shapes define the silhouette, rustic doors facilitate access and the high ground clearance forms the basis for exceptional off-road characteristics. The spare wheel on the rear door and the mounted indicators have also been retained.
With the MBUX infotainment system, however, the G-Class is now significantly more digital. The standard equipment also includes augmented reality navigation, which superimposes graphic information on the display into live images from the front camera. In addition, the off-road cockpit on the displays provides a good overview of the important information for driving off-road, and the 'Transparent hood' function allows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle.
All-electric off-road
The G 580 EQ made a particularly strong impression during the first G-Class test drives. The electric version adopts the torsion-resistant ladder-type frame of the combustion models and places a 116 kWh battery in between, which enables ranges of up to 473 kilometers. Protection against knocks and scratches off-road is provided by a 2.6 centimeter thick plate made of carbon composite material, which is attached to the ladder frame under the battery.
The all-electric G is powered by four individual motors, which together deliver a maximum output of 432 kW (587 hp) and a maximum torque of 1164 Nm.
The drive torque can be distributed fully variably to all four wheels. This enables the electric G-Class to drive confidently uphill and downhill, even on the most difficult terrain. In addition, special driving functions are made possible in conjunction with the off-road reduction. With G-Turn, for example, it is possible to turn the vehicle on loose ground almost on the spot. The two wheels on one side then turn forwards and the opposite wheels turn backwards. With the G-Steering function, a significantly smaller turning circle can also be achieved in tight bends, and thanks to the off-road crawling function in three speed levels, the electric drive can master the trickiest sections of off-road terrain independently. The driver can then concentrate fully on steering.
Conventional drives too
Those who continue to rely on combustion models have the choice between diesel and petrol engines, both with 48-volt mild hybridization. The G 450 d and G 500 models deliver maximum outputs of 367 and 449 hp from six cylinders and three liters of displacement, as well as off-road-friendly maximum torques of 750 and 560 Nm. In terms of performance level and driving experience, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is a step above, relying on a turbocharged 4-liter V8 and delivering 850 Nm and 585 hp of drive power for sports car-like performance. In the G 63, the Active Ride Control suspension with active roll stabilization and adaptive adjustable damping ensures optimized driving dynamics and even more comfort. With a length of 4.87 meters and a weight of 2640 kilograms, it is around five centimeters longer and more than 100 kilograms heavier than the G 450 d and G 500. Compared to the G 580 EQ, however, it is more than 400 kilograms lighter.
Prices for the new G-Class start at 150,900 (G 450 d) and 161,900 francs (G 500), with the G63 starting at 234,900 francs. The base price of 162,900 Swiss francs for the G580 EQ electric variant seems downright modest, but the special Edition One model with a wealth of additional equipment costs as much as 210,800 Swiss francs.
