Work on the upcoming 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is in progress, as the German automaker seems determined to keep alive the lunchbox styled military-destined SUV. A major transformation is inevitable, but the G-Class will still retain its old-world beefiness.
The G-Class, or the Gelandewagen, was originally destined for use by NATO and other allied troops. It started rolling off the production line in 1979, and was sold mostly to military clients. However, it also caught the attention of wealthy farmers and Russian businessmen due to its capability over all kinds of terrain. Till date, the G-Class continues to soldier on in two series. The 461 Series is aimed exclusively for military use, and the 463 Series is destined for use by private individuals. With passing time, passive safety regulations and emission norms get stricter. Hence, the civilian series of the G-Class will see a lot of changes, whereas the military-specific 461 series will continue unchanged.
DETAILS OF THE MAKEOVER
BODY and CONSTRUCTION : A thorough update is expected in this area. Though the Body-on-Frame construction will stay, the chassis will now be made up of aluminium instead of steel. This change will see the G-Class losing upto 375 kilograms. To preserve the muscular image, the upcoming 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class will increase by about 100 mm in width. However, the roof-height will be lowered. Other minor changes will include selected areas in the body of the G-Class, to ensure a lowering of the drag coefficient.
The new G-Class will carry the Distronic Plus radar eye hidden behind the Three-Pointed Star logo. It will also possess a set of Adaptive LED headlamps, selectively blocked air-intakes and miniature cameras which will act as the eyes of various assistance systems.
POWERPLANTS : Changes in this area are less expansive. To cope up with the latest emission norms, the G-Class may say goodbye to its good, old V12 powerplant. In place of it, it will gain a set of staright-six engines. Here are the possible options :
- 3.0-litre petrol straight-six outputting 367bhp and 354lb ft
- 2.9-litre diesel straight-six outputting 313bhp and 354lb ft
- 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 outputting 462bhp and 442lb ft
- 5.5-litre V8 G63 AMG outputting 571bhp and 590lb ft
Another important technical change will be the inclusion of a new independent suspension setup in place of the older live front axle setup.
INTERIOR CHANGES : Thanks to the increased width, the upcoming 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class will require a completely new dashboard. The entire panel will be reworked, and will feature old touches like a high-mounted passenger handle, striking differential-lock push buttons and two huge, round dials on the information display cluster. A latest COMAND system will be present, coupled with a touchpad and a larger dashboard monitor. There will be a new steering wheel, too.
In short, the upcoming 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class will still retain its old air, but it will be backed up by latest technology and electronic wizardry.
Source – Car Magazine