Mercedez Benz News Rumorpile: Changes In Store For The G-Wagen

[William Maley]

The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has been around for 35 years and in that time, the vehicle hasn't gone under any sort of drastic change. That could be change could happen in 2017 as the German automaker is planning some drastic changes.

Autocar has learned the automaker will be increasing the G-Wagen’s width to help improve stability and to make space for a new front suspension which will either be a three or four-link set-up and have a electro-mechanical steering system. The increase in width will also mean an increase in interior space. Mercedes-Benz will also add more aluminum to the G-Wagen's structure which will cut around 450 pounds off its curb weight.

Other changes in store include new engines, nine-speed automatic, and a revised interior.

Source: Autocar

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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[balthazar]

The German W-body Impala (to the 3rd power).

[Z-06]

Sad part is that it is "premium" vehicle and sold at a rate of thousanth of what the W body did.

MB will probably change a couple of bulbs, headlights and make it "aerodynamic" and then will soldier on for the next 35 years.

[David]

wow, I wonder if they will follow that awesome concept they did not too long ago for it.

[smk4565]

Why even change it, the fact that it has been the same for 35 years seems to be part of the appeal. But some width or length would help since it is so tall, aluminum would help on the weight, and the powertrains will of course change because they are the same that are used in other Benzes. Hopefully the looks dont' change very much, the old school look seems to be why people buy it, because it is awful on fuel economy and value, an M-class is probably a better daily driver at half the price. Off Road is another story though.

[balthazar]

NO ONE takes these off-road, so that's a non-issue.

I don't believe anyone likes the looks/features, drivability either, I believe 100% of the sales are for 1 single reason : "Look how much money I spent!".

G has no place in the MB lineup - not only is it completely out-of-step stylistically, it's out-of-step with the 21st century.

"It's good enough" is what got GM on the (far) downside of it's bell curve. daimler should put the G to permanent rest.

[smk4565]

The G-wagen might be the best off roader for sale right now.

[balthazar]

I think you'd do much better off-road in a Grand Cherokee.

[smk4565]

The Grand Cherokee has limited slip diffs, G–wagen has 3 locking differentials. The Range Rover is pretty tough, I think it's the only thing that could keep up with the G550 off road.

[Drew Dowdell]

Jeep Quadra-Trac II has brake locking diff. It is just a different technology to achieve the same result. The only think the G-wagon might have on the GC is ride height and approach angle. GC can have adjustable ride height also.

[balthazar]

Range Rover has overly wide, rubber band street tires; not well suited for off-road, only pavement.

I saw a road test in a mag of the G vs. the GC and the approach angles on the Jeep were slightly more accommodating. GC also has another gear.

[Z-06]

SMK only looks at paper reputation.

[Drew Dowdell]

You misspelled "badge".

[smk4565]

The Grand Cherokee is built on a chassis derived form the Mercedes M-class, and the M-class has basically the same off road abilities. No way a GC can match a G-wagen which was an army vehicle for off road. The Hummer could if it were still here, and perhaps an F150 Raptor also.

[balthazar]

It was an Army vehicle when it was designed FORTY years ago and when outfitted as such. Time has marched on; while others have made very tangible improvements, the g-wagon has been transformed into a blingy dinosaur intended for gazing on paved roads, riding on a simply ancient chassis. Daimler just killed off the so-called 'professional series', which was a stripped down version specifically intended for off road, instead adding more bling & gimmicks & power to the 'pavement series'. It really doesn't matter in the big picture; the G is a boutique car that very very few people buy; sales are excruciatingly low.

[David]

The Grand Cherokee is built on a chassis derived form the Mercedes M-class, and the M-class has basically the same off road abilities. No way a GC can match a G-wagen which was an army vehicle for off road. The Hummer could if it were still here, and perhaps an F150 Raptor also.

I would take a 4 door Jeep Rubicon over the G wagon and it would spank the G wagon hard and still keep on going. The G Wagon needs to be replaced with a modern 21st century version that can actually do what the Rubicon can.

[David]

Someone Built an outstanding Wiki page on the G SUV.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_G-Class

Seems like the final production run on this is slated to be only 200 units world wide. Time for this Dinosaur to Die in its current form!