Mercedes-Benz G-class under the knife

At the beginning of 2018, Mercedes-Benz really seemed to be saying goodbye to its now naturally very outdated G-class after almost 40 years. In a sense it did, because it presented a completely new generation. However, there was a significant side note, because instead of a retro design, Mercedes-Benz went for an almost identical body for the new G-class. According to the Germans, the recognizable angular design could still start the next round. This round will clearly not end with the upcoming facelift.

After all, we see in these spy photos – despite the camouflage – that there are no major external changes in the barrel. At most, what differently arranged bumper work and perhaps a partly new layout of the lighting, but we have probably had it. We are therefore committed to ensuring that there is more going on under the skin. To start with the interior. The G-class does not yet have the latest version of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment on board, so that must of course change. Since the G-class is quite high in the model range, it cannot be ruled out that that system will now work on a large S-class and EQS-like screen. Not the Hyperscreen, but the large ‘hanging’ central screen diagonally against the dashboard.

There is also a considerable chance that the G-class will be introduced to a partially electric drive. For example, Mercedes-AMG may use electrical power for the G63, if it still keeps that name. In any case, it is likely that it will then be labeled ‘E-Performance’, just like the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door 63 S E-Performance. It combines the 4.0 biturbo V8 with an electric motor on the rear axle and has a system output of 843 hp. Whether it will be that intense remains to be seen. The arrival of a fully electric version of the G-class after the facelift is also plausible. Last year Mercedes-Benz already looked ahead quite concretely with the EQG Concept. We expect to be able to admire the upgraded G-class this year.