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  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Detroit Preview: Mercedes-Benz Spills Some Details On 2019 G-Class Off-Road Ability

      Only 2 percent of G-Class buyers will take advantage of it


    Mercedes-Benz has been releasing a surprising amount of information on the upcoming 2019 G-Class before its debut at the Detroit Auto Show. Last month, the German automaker dropped some information concerning the interior. This latest batch of information deals with the off-road capability, something that only a small number of G-Class owners will take advantage of.

    Mercedes says the 2019 G-Class will retain a ladder-type frame, three differential locks, and a low range ratio. The front features an independent suspension setup with double wishbones on the axle. The rear retains a solid axle with four longitudinal control arms on each side. Ground clearance is slightly higher than the current G-Class  - 9.49 vs. 9.26 inches. 

    The 2019 G-Class will also come with 'G-Mode' that automatically adjusts the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering to improve off-road performance. G-Mode will automatically come on when one of the differential locks is engaged. A 360-degree view camera system helps with driving in difficult terrain.

    Mercedes will be fitting the G-Class with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Aside from improving fuel economy, the transmission will make driving the G-Class more comfortable and quieter.

    For now, you can look at pictures of a camouflaged 2019 G-Class tackling Austria's Schõckl Mountain test track.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz
    Press Release is on Page 2


    The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class: The legend on the Schöckl: More control, more comfort

    Every G-Class has to conquer the Schöckl. Mercedes-Benz uses the 1,445 metre high local mountain near the Austrian city of Graz as a test track. The 5.6 km route includes gradients of up to 60 percent and lateral inclinations of up to 40 percent. During the development stage, a "G" has to endure a good 2,000 strenuous kilometres on this very demanding course. The new G-Class masters the route with noticeably more control and comfort.

    The primary goal of development was to make the new G-Class even more effective off-road. The G thus remains a true G – thanks to its standard ladder-type frame, the three 100-percent differential locks and LOW RANGE off-road ratio. Its suspension is the result of collaboration between Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The result is an independent suspension with double-wishbone front axle in combination with a rigid rear axle. During development work, the engineers had the task of fighting for every millimetre, because off-road capability also means maximum ground clearance. The raised axle with independent suspension decisively contributes to this, and additionally increases the stiffness of the body with a strut brace.

    Agile off-road as well

    The components of the double-wishbone front axle are directly fixed to the ladder-type frame without a suspension subframe. The attachment points on the frame of the lower wishbone in a Z-direction are positioned as high up as possible. This arrangement ensures good driveability beyond the asphalt. Specifically for the G-Class, the new front axle is designed in such a robust way that the off-road performance and off-road capabilities of its predecessor are maintained and partly even surpassed. The new rigid rear axle is guided with four longitudinal control arms on each side and a Panhard rod. The off-road vehicle stays on track more robustly, and is agile and effortless in off-road applications.

    The exceptional handling characteristics and driving safety on account of the driver's high level of control can only be experienced first hand. The following figures, however, clearly show that every little detail to improve the off-road characteristics has been checked and optimised where possible.

    As before, high ground clearance and long suspension travel form the basis for the further improved off-road characteristics of the G-Class. The figures speak for themselves:

    • Slope climbing ability of up to 100% on suitable surfaces
    • Ground clearance between the axles, 241 millimetres, plus 6 millimetres maximum fording depth now 70 centimetres in water and mud passages, plus 10 centimetres
    • Driving stability at angles of 35°, plus 7°
    • Angle of departure: 30°, angle of approach: 31°, plus 1°
    • Breakover angle: 26°, plus 1°
    • Suspension travel: Front axle: Spring/rebound travel of 85/100 millimetres; rear axle: Spring/rebound travel of 82/142 millimetres

    The new "G-Mode" paves the way where there are none

    One of the prerequisites for the improved off-road handling characteristics is the new "G-Mode". The G-Class changes to "G-Mode" independently of the chosen drive program as soon as one of the three differential locks has been activated or LOW RANGE has been engaged. This off-road mode adapts the adjustable damping of the chassis and the steering as well as the accelerator characteristic, avoids unnecessary gearshifts and ensures maximum off-road capability. A small "G" icon discreetly lights up in the instrument cluster. The G simply swallows up major bumps, and even in extreme terrain the driver does not have to frantically hold on to the steering wheel to effortlessly manoeuvre.

    New automatic transmission on board

    For the power transmission, the 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter was specifically adapted to meet the needs of the off-road icon. The developers have managed to reduce the shift and response times of the 9-speed transmission by means of a dedicated software application. The wide transmission ratio not only makes driving quieter and more comfortable especially at low engine speeds, it also simultaneously contributes to reducing fuel consumption.

    The new transfer case is flange-mounted directly on to the 9G-TRONIC. It is adjusted in such a way that 40 percent of the drive torque reaches the front axle and 60 percent reaches the rear axle. The permanent all-wheel drive ensures maximum traction.

    The low-range ratio can be engaged via the LOW RANGE switch in transmission mode N at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The gear ratio of the transfer case is then changed from 1.00 in HIGH RANGE to 2.93. It is possible to switch from LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE at speeds of up to 70 km/h. The gear ratio of the transfer case is 2.93 and thus significantly shorter than in the predecessor model (2.1), which becomes noticeable particularly when pulling away on an extreme gradient.

    All-round visibility from a bird's-eye view is possible thanks to the optional 360° camera, the reversing camera and three further cameras. This means that obstacles located below the window line or in front of the vehicle such as a hill crest do not remain hidden. The information is presented clearly in full HD in a choice of different views on the multimedia system's display. Dynamic guide lines show the road and the width of the G-Class. In addition, the off-road screen specially designed for the G-Class also displays data such as height, gradient, angle, compass, steering angle and activated differential locks.

    Furthermore, for particularly arduous applications, 18-inch all-terrain tyres are available.

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    30 minutes ago, dfelt said:

    But that is the point Balthazar and I are trying to make, the underside might be modern according to MB, but the look is severely dated and while they sell them at an overflated price for what you get IMHO, they could probably increase sales greatly if they used the GLG style of body as the new G-Wagon scaled to be larger.

    MB is missing a bigger sales potential by sticking with already built stamping in building and selling the G-Wagon.

    I think MB knows what they are doing..  sales volume isn't the measure for a luxury product.. exclusivity and uniqueness is... It sells more than enough, and the look is totally unique.   And again, what part of 'all new' are you missing?  It's not 'already built stamping', but intentionally styled to resemble the previous model...like the Jeep Wrangler was totally redesigned recently, yet keeps a strong resemblance to past versions.

    And besides, they have more 'modern' mainstream luxury SUVs for the volume..the GLE and GLS, and a Maybach version of the GLS is coming supposedly... 

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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    The "all new" part that's missing is the part where it LOOKS remotely 'all new'.
    Wrangler isn't an uber-expensive brand flagship and doesn't pretend to be, yet is still has some features more modern than the G-vagun. G-vagun should represent the pinnacle of brand product development, yet it represents the absolute antithesis of that.

    Imagine if the Escalade was "all new" yet looked basically indistinguishable from the '99 in 2018. Because.

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    Then you're still missing my point.

    It's way out of line with the face/message of the rest of the brand.  It's like a weird adopted cousin with a wandering eye or something.  I'd be OK with it if it were priced under the GLS.  Which, BTW, as the 'G' version of the 'S', should be the flagship SUV. It's just out of whack when Daimler recently realigned everything to "make more sense", and I find myself highly confoosled, as no doubt many others are also.  Highly.

    And smk has stressed it's the s-class that's the flagship, meanwhile ignoring the maybach and that the g-vagun is priced higher than the S-sedan, both highly significant factoids to our hardcore MB fanboi.  I'm sure he knows best- just as he does for all GM's doings.  I just don't happen to agree with him on this one.

    :)

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    Your 'point' is invalid.  It works for M-B..they know what they are doing.  It will sell as much as it needs to sell.   Your comment about it being 'out of line' with M-B styling, well, I thought you were against brand conformity--i.e. the 'different lengths of sausage' approach the German car makers usually follow with their sedans--you always slag on that.

      Nothing wrong with having a model or two in the lineup that goes it's own, distinct way...the Wrangler doesn't have much in common styling-wise with other Jeeps, neither does the Corvette--it doesn't share styling with the Silverado or Impala.   And both are considered iconic, as is the G.   And the price point is irrelevant for such models.

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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    1 hour ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

    Reread my previous post, the G wagon's style is part of it's cachet.  It wouldn't work if it looked like other luxury SUVs.  And it's not their flagship; that's the S class Maybach. 

    Cubical I get the point that for a CAR, the S-Class Maybach is their top of the line. 

    For SUV, that is their G-Wagon which for all of 2017 sold 4,188 units.

    I believe if they had a more modern version like the GLG I have posted pictures of that might or might not come out in 2019 as a saleable product but had the G wagon concept front end, it could probably sell 10-20,000 units as their top end SUV.

    MB might be thinking Retro, but that part has played out in today's society and I think this new with OLD SKIN G-Wagon will see sales diminish not rise.

    Just as Cadillac has the Escalade as their top end SUV/CUV and currently the CT6, MB has the G-Wagon and S-Class covering those and in that regards I question MB mgmt. decision about keeping the old body style.

    I also think Cadillac is missing the boat by not offering a V edition Escalade as well as a V Sport edition just like they do on the cars.

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    5 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

    It's not a volume model, it's a niche model. The Maybach version of the next gen GLS will serve as the biggest luxo SUV.

    I understand Niche Model, but they are clearly leaving money on the table I believe.

    2017 sales based on most common pricing online.

    Take G-Wagon

    4,188 sold * $120,000 = $502,560,000

    Take Escalade

    Standard 22,994 * $85,000 = $1,954,490,000

    ESV 14,700 * $90,000 = $1,323,000,000

    Total Sales of Escalade = $3,277,490,000

    So 3.2 billion in sales or 502 million in sales. Which would you want?

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    I don't M-B is worried about sales numbers for the G.   It's more about exclusivity and rarity than volume.   Besides, the GLS sold 32k in the US last year..so there is the volume luxury sales.

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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    5 hours ago, balthazar said:

    But you get the sentiment being expressed here, yes? That the G desperately needs a redesign to bring it into the current century? Designs can be scaled easily- not a major hurdle.

    Do you feel the same way about the Wrangler? 

    4 hours ago, dfelt said:

    But that is the point Balthazar and I are trying to make, the underside might be modern according to MB, but the look is severely dated and while they sell them at an overflated price for what you get IMHO, they could probably increase sales greatly if they used the GLG style of body as the new G-Wagon scaled to be larger.

    MB is missing a bigger sales potential by sticking with already built stamping in building and selling the G-Wagon.

    Luckily, Mercedes has like 5 or so other SUVs to choose from. 

    The G Wagen’s sales has been going up consistently the last 5 or so years. People who have the money for one love them even when they still had the sketchy interior and everything. 

    Edited by ccap41
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    4 hours ago, balthazar said:

    The "all new" part that's missing is the part where it LOOKS remotely 'all new'.
    Wrangler isn't an uber-expensive brand flagship and doesn't pretend to be, yet is still has some features more modern than the G-vagun. G-vagun should represent the pinnacle of brand product development, yet it represents the absolute antithesis of that.

    Imagine if the Escalade was "all new" yet looked basically indistinguishable from the '99 in 2018. Because.

    The Escalade also doesn’t have anything unique about it like being the best handling or performing SUV whereas the G is known for being a beast off road like a Range Rover. 

    There’s no reason to change what isn’t broken. 

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    22 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    Do you feel the same way about the Wrangler?

    I answered that on the 3rd post of this page.

    Quote

    Luckily, Mercedes has like 5 or so other SUVs to choose from. 

    I don't think MB buyers are cross-shopping the GLA or GLC or GLE (I assume these are all actual models) with the G550. Shouldn't those who spend the most, at a staggering margin, be rewarded with the best the brand can offer?

    Edited by balthazar
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    4 hours ago, dfelt said:

    I believe if they had a more modern version like the GLG I have posted pictures of that might or might not come out in 2019 as a saleable product but had the G wagon concept front end, it could probably sell 10-20,000 units as their top end SUV.

    Is there any $120,000 starting msrp vehicle selling 20,000 units a year? 

    4 hours ago, dfelt said:

    I understand Niche Model, but they are clearly leaving money on the table I believe.

    2017 sales based on most common pricing online.

    Take G-Wagon

    4,188 sold * $120,000 = $502,560,000

    Take Escalade

    Standard 22,994 * $85,000 = $1,954,490,000

    ESV 14,700 * $90,000 = $1,323,000,000

    Total Sales of Escalade = $3,277,490,000

    So 3.2 billion in sales or 502 million in sales. Which would you want?

    But this is 40 years old so 99% of that 502m is profit. Right? *sarcasm* 

    Remember, they have the GLS also. And GLE, GLC, GLA(and the hideous coupes). Cadillac doesn’t have a vehicle to lineup to all of those so it’s kind of a ridiculous comparison. If anybody is leaving sales on the table it’s Cadillac by a landslide. 

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    1 hour ago, balthazar said:

    I answered that on the 3rd post of this page.

    I don't think MB buyers are cross-shopping the GLA or GLC or GLE (I assume these are all actual models) with the G550. Shouldn't those who spend the most, at a staggering margin, be rewarded with the best the brand can offer?

    You guys are comparing Escalade to G Wagen. The real competitor is the GLS. Which sells plenty, 32,000 units. The G is it’s own thing. Changing to look closer to something they already have makes zero sense. 

    What features does a Wrangler have that a G Wagen doesn’t? 4 cylinder engine? Removable top? 

    I find it ironic that one brand can keep their vehicle looking the same for 40 years but another can’t, all because one is a “flagship” and one isn’t. 

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