NEW BUT OLD: OLD BUT NEW

Sat, 27 Jan 2018 14:38:21 +0000

By Kawana Mulonda

Mercedes introduced in the 1970’s it G-Class for tough work in any environment on our six continents. G being Galendwewagen. The design that culminated was a boxy shaped SUV which was very capable off road. The same time saw the proliferation of the Range Rover and the elite of the time could not get enough of it. The G class added luxury appointments to its bare-chested nature and improved its road going manners.

The result now, after 4 decades is a ultra-luxurious and capable 4 x 4 that has undergone little change over time. The G is an instantly recognisable and very desirable machine. Mercedes has stuck to this winning formula since inception until now. A new variant is set for the show room late this year but is dubbed the 2019 model. They have said to have stuck to the original car as much as possibly can but it is however new.

The old one is an envy evoking machine and when one hears the audio output from the side mounted exhaust pipe, emotions stir.  This is especially in the high output AMG trim. Oddly, Mercedes sells more of the AMGs in this model than any other. It will rather be pleasing that the same engine carries over to the new model, the G550.

So what has changed? The visual changes are carefully executed to stay within the iconic box shape (which is bad for aerodynamics and adds to the outrageous fuel consumption). Most noticeable are the wider wheel arches and bumbers. The new model is slightly wider than the old one and longer too. This has created more room in the interior especially for rear passengers.  Most changes are not for the eye though, the interior is new and unmistakeably Benz. The air vents, switch gear, steering wheel and the black-silver colour coding follows that of Benz.

Visible though too are wider wheel arches and bumpers. Not visible is the biggest change where the front axle has been replaced by an independent suspension. This is great for handling but may be a compromise on off-road. Purists argue that this will dent the famed off road ability of the monster but the manufacturer argues otherwise. Buyers would insist on buying an off road capable G but will almost certainly never take it over rocks and sand. So Benz may be justified in doing so.

In addition to the drag box shape, other elements have been carried over from the previous model are: rear mounted Spare tire, front passenger grab handle, three switches for front, centre and rear diff locks on the centre console. Outside are turn signals atop the headlamps, exposed door hinges and side exhaust pipe.

The old 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 will continue to do service but this time will be mated with the nine speed auto. The more gears are said to reduce fuel consumption. A new transfer case is adapted that has permanent four wheel drive with a 40/60 front-rear torque bias. It definitely has a low range selection of when extra traction is required. It has a new off-road feature called G-mode.

The G-mode is activated when low range or any of the three locks is triggered. This mode adapts the throttle and steering responses plus the gear shifting for better off road driving. Other modes are Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual. The eco is obviously for an easier fuel combustion but kind of hard to fathom with this performance oriented beast. The individual mode lets the driver select the preferred settings. Most likely the more to be used will be the sport mode. This together with G-mode is the true essence of the wagen; the exhaust tone is even raspier in sport.

The G is a favourite of many tuning and customisation companies. Despite selling more AMGs in this model, more adjustments are made to elicit more power from it. Expect firms like Brabus to lay their hands on it. The outgoing model had a Green model, the G350 in diesel guise and a diabolical 621HP V12, it is widely expected that at least one of these will follow in the new model.

the tri-axle G63 6×6; the hard-core, wide-body G500 4×42; and the extended-wheelbase, half-convertible, $500,000 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet.