Mercedes-Benz is reportedly planning to launch the next generation G-Class 4x4 within the next year. The new off-roader will come out with a major overhaul, with bigger interior space and better under the hood elements.
The legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been standing tall and strong since it was launched in 1979. The wealthy people, which is the market base of the model, continued to love the boxy profile of the 4x4. After 38 years, news confirming the release of the next generation G-Wagen are now pulling up the excitement lever again.
Gunnar Guethenke, head of G-Class business unit at Daimler AG, explained that they were actually planning to introduce the M-Class as the successor of the 1979 G-Class. Apparently, G-class customer base still chose to express their support for the original model than the upcoming M-Class. Hence, the company did not proceed with the plans for the M-Class. In fact, the G-Wagen model recorded a maximum 3,950 sales in 2016.
The base price for the current G550 is $123,325. Whereas, the AMG G63 costs $142,325. The pricing obviously does not look cheap but according to Guethenke, the model is profitable enough to retain the original model for 38 years.
Furthermore, Guethenke confirmed to Automotive News their plans to launch the next generation G-Class next year. The boss also teased that the new model will come with a major overhaul.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class will come out larger than the first model. It has increased by 4 inches in width to provide more superior interior comfort.
The new 4x4 will also come with the brand's newly created independent front suspension. In addition, it will also run with a downsized turbocharged six-cylinder engine.
The boss also revealed that the new G-Class will retain its iconic boxy profile. Customers have loved this frame setup and the company believes this is one of the backbones for the model's off-road superior performance.
Guethenke detailed that they are considering three elements as backbones for the capabilities of their off-roaders. One is the ladder-type frame, then the trio of differential locks, and finally the low-range gearing. The chief further mentioned that these three elements are the reasons why the G-Class model stands out from the rest of the off-roaders in the market, boasting of its "durability and off-road capability."
Meanwhile, the new G-Class prototype has been spotted recently. The spy video reveals the new off-roader has rectangular LED headlights.
The exhaust on the sides of the front bumper also appears to have been revised too. The previous one big chunk of exhaust has now been divided into two openings.
More details on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class are yet to be unveiled in the coming months. Check out below spy video for more details.
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