Mercedes-Benz Updates The G-Class With New Drivetrains, Piles On The Power

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class’ design has stood the test of time, retaining its iconic profile for more than three decades while receiving performance upgrades and minor cosmetic changes along the way. Mercedes-Benz looks to retain that formula for the 2016 model year by giving the G-Wagen another makeover, albeit a bigger one this time round.

First up, the new G 500 variant enters the line-up, replacing the outgoing G 550. Under the hood of the G 500 is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 422hp and 610Nm of torque. The engine is based on the new generation of Mercedes-AMG V8 engines that is derived from the Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-AMG C 63. The same engine can also be found in the G 500 4x4² show car revealed previously at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

The engines in the other G-Class models have also been improved as well beginning with the G 350 d’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel, now producing 245hp and 600Nm of torque. That’s 34hp and 60Nm more than before

Moving on to the crazy, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and its 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 makes even more power (27hp to be exact) to reach 571hp and 760Nm. That’s not all because at the very top is the horsepower crazy Mercedes-AMG G 65 where a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 provides 463hp and 1,000, yes, 1,000 Nm of torque! Of course, Mercedes-Benz are green conscious people too, which is why auto start/stop is equipped on all variants save for the AMG G 65.

Other enhancements see an improved suspension setup for better handling and the ESP system has been retuned to be more sensitive for greater driving stability. The G 500 is also available with an adaptive damping system as an optional extra.

Exterior changes are minor to say the least with new bumpers and flared wheel arches. Five-spoke light-alloy wheels come as standard too in 18-inch sizes on the G 350 d. New colour options are available for customers. The interior sports a redesigned instrument cluster with a 11.4-cm multifunction display and new pointers and dials.

Also available for the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and G 65 is the new EDITION 463 special model that provides further exterior changes to differentiate it from a standard model. On the outside, a stainless steel underguard, AMG sport stripes along the sides, a protective-strip insert in black aluminium look as well as exclusive 53.3 cm (21‑inch) forged wheels are just the start of things.

Inside, the interior features a two-tone instrument panel, two-tone seats in designo leather with side bolsters in carbon-look leather and contrasting topstitching, seat and door centre panels in a diamond design, carbon-fibre trim and door pulls in nappa leather.