The 2018 G-Class Unveiled, Just Not Officially

Just yesterday, we got a sneak-peek of the all-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class through a Jurassic Park-style video. By pausing the video a hundred times, we were able to make out the changes on the new SUV. However, we assumed there would be more on offer since this is the first major update in close to 40 years of the G-Class’ existence. As it turns out, there aren’t. How do we know that? Today, stock images of the 2018 G-Class surfaced online. The images confirm that Mercedes has not messed around with the exterior of the SUV. And that’s a good thing, especially since the older one’s boxy styling was one of its major brownie points and also the reason why Mercedes-Benz has been able to ship over 3,00,000 lakh units of the G-Class in the last 40 years!

At the front, the G-Class gets a new three-slat grille that is flanked by round headlamps on either side. The headlamps now feature circular LED units along with LED DRLs as well. The air dam has been made narrower and although the new SUV looks similar to the outgoing model, the changes do seem to make it more premium than before. Fans of the G-Class will be happy to note that the turn indicators mounted on top of the front fenders, the trapezoidal bonnet and the protruding wheel arches have all been retained.

The differences to the side and rear profile of the SUV, however, are subtle. The tail lamps are new, but they are placed in the same housing as before. The narrow rear bumpers now flow neatly into the wheel arches and there’s a new set of rearview mirrors as well.

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The Stuttgart-based manufacturer has already revealed the interiors of the G-Class through a set of images. The cabin seems to have received a thorough overhaul with older analogue instrument cluster and the floating instrument cluster being replaced by twin 12.3-inch displays that are akin to the ones seen on the flagship S-Class sedan. The lower variants, however, will have to make do with a conventional two-dial instrument cluster though. The dated centre console has been revamped with bits borrowed from the carmaker’s sedans as well. 

The biggest advantage of the new interior design is that it has opened up space for the passengers! In terms of figures, Mercedes says the new G-Class has gained 38mm of legroom and shoulder room and 69mm of elbow room for the front passengers when compared to the outgoing SUV. Larger doors allow for easier entry and exit while the increase in rear legroom by 150mm will help those seated in the back be more comfortable. The rear shoulder and elbow room too have gone up by 28mm and 56mm, respectively.

Since it’s a G-Class, expect it to be crammed with all kinds of tech and gizmos. The front seats now feature can be heated or cooled and also comes with a massaging function. The 2018 G-Class also gains a massive moonroof and an optional 16-speaker Burmester surround sound system with a 590W amplifier. Even the open pore wood trim has been replaced by a more rugged metal and carbon theme.

When it hits global markets, the G-Class is expected to feature a new range of engines. These could include the standard 2.9-litre, 6-cylinder diesel motor and a lairy AMG-tuned 4.0-litre, V8 petrol motor. Both engines will be mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The G-Class is set to make its debut at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show on January 15, 2018. More details then. So, stay tuned.

Exterior Images - Auto Week