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Daimler AG - Global Communicatio
Mercedes Boosts the G
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; G 500; Exterieur: obsidianschwarz metallic exterior: obsidian black
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Daimler AG - Global Communicatio
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015
The extra bump in power will help the new G-Class ford crossings like this.
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Daimler AG - Global Communicatio
Mercedes Boosts the G
Inside is business as usual providing control of three locking diffs and a ton of luxury leather quilting.
By Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets smaller turbo V-8 and manic V-12
Believe it or not, the Mercedes G-Wagon is due for a redesign in 2016. While that may seem ridiculous considering Mercedes hasn’t changed the overall look of the G-Wagon in over 30-years, several little design cues and powertrain changes are made to the iconic off-roader every once in a while. As fans of the old-school styling, the words “G-Class” and “redesign” usually sends shivers down our spines every time we hear them, but we are relieved once again to report that Mercedes has not messed with the only model in the lineup with proper off-road credentials. You must forgive our gun shy demeanor as we’ve seen all too many 4WD’s go the way of the AWD mall crawler, or worse yet, killed off completely like the Land Rover Defender.
With that sigh of relief, we can happily report that the G-Wagon’s classic military boxy shape will return to showrooms in 2016, albeit with slightly wider wheel arches, a new front bumper with more pronounced air intakes and a redesigned instrument cluster. While Mercedes has only made minor cosmetic changes to the G-Class, it’s what they have crammed under the hood that has raised some eyebrows.
For 2016, Mercedes has dropped the gasoline chugging 5.5L V-8 in the base G 550, replaced it with the same 4.0L V-8 that graces the new AMG GT and AMG C 63 engine bays. The new boosted V-8 pumps out 416 hp and 443 lb-ft and Mercedes proclaim the new leaner G 550 will earn itself a combined fuel efficiency rating of 12.3L/100km.
The 5.5L turbo returns to the AMG G 63, with a power upgrade that promotes 563 hp and 560 lb-ft towards the wheels. Not enough engine? Not to worry, Mercedes have you covered with the new AMG G 65 that will soon see Canada’s shores. The supercar-powered AMG will boast a massive 621 hp and 738 lb-ft screaming from a twin-turbocharged 6.0L V-12, the very same beast that powers the SL65 AMG and Pagani Huayra.
While the interior, front fascia and wheels are all scream glam, lurking underneath is still all the utilitarian hardware that has made the G-Class a star in the off-road world for over 30-years. Solid axles are fitted front and rear aided by no less than three locking differentials operated manually from the cab, all sitting on a ladder frame. Very impressive, we hope to get our hands on one of these beauties when they get to Canada for a full rundown in a future issue.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- MSRP: $TBA
- Engine: 4.0L Turbo V-8, 5.5L Turbo V-8, 6.0L Turbo V-12
- Power: 422 hp, 450 lb-ft
- Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic
- Curb Weight: TBA
- Wheelbase mm (in): TBA
- Approach Angle Deg: TBA
- Departure Angle Deg: TBA
- Ramp Breakover Angle: TBA
- Wading Depth mm (in): TBA
- Tow Capacity: TBA
- Fuel Efficiency (L/100km): 12.3 Comb (G 500)