The unshakeable Mercedes G-Class has been given its routine overhaul. For 2015, the revised G500 borrows the 4.0‑litre directly injected V8 biturbo engine from the AMG GT and C63. However, for use in the G-Class, the V8 has been modified to deliver 310 kW (422 hp) with torque of 610 Nm. This motor has already been previwed on a G-Class in the G 500 4×4² show car.
Power for the other G-Class models have been bumped too:
– the G 350 d benefits from a hike in output from 155 kW/211 hp to 180 kW/245 hp, with its torque climbing from 540 to 600 Nm.
– The AMG G 63 now delivers 420 kW/571 hp (i.e. an extra 20 kW/27 hp) with torque of 760 Nm.
– Instead of 450 kW/612 hp, the 12-cylinder powerplant in the AMG G 65 now puts out 463 kW/630 hp with torque of 1000 Nm.
| Model | Cyl. | cc | kW/hp | Nm | 0-100 km/h in sec* |
| G 350 d | V6 | 2987 | 180/245 | 600 | 8.9 |
| G 500 | V8 | 3982 | 310/422 | 610 | 5.9 |
| AMG G 63 | V8 | 5461 | 420/571 | 760 | 5.4 |
| AMG G 65 | V12 | 5980 | 463/630 | 1000 | 5.3 |
The G 350 d, G 500 and AMG G 63 are now equipped as standard with an ECO start/stop function to reduce fuel consumption, along with reprogrammed ESP, ASR and ABS systems. The standard suspension setup has been revised with optimised shock absorbers for improved control of body movements and even greater on-road ride comfort. In addition, the G 500 is optionally available with a new adaptive damping system with Sport and Comfort modes.
As is typical of the G-Class, the new models retain the familiar, sturdy basis of body and ladder-type frame, as well as its acclaimed off-road performance enhancement kit, which includes permanent all-wheel drive, low-range gearbox and three differential locks that can be engaged/disengaged while on the move.
Visually, the new G 350 d and G 500 models get restyled bumpers and now standard AMG flared wheel arches in the colour of the vehicle. The G 350 d now also comes as standard with 45.7 cm (18-inch) five-spoke light-alloy wheels. On the inside, the G 350 d and G 500 feature a fresh instrument cluster in two-tube look with 11.4 cm multifunction display and redesigned pointers and dials. The two AMG models also sport a redesigned instrument cluster.
This time around, there are exclusive exterior paint finishes in solar beam, tomato red, alien green, sunset beam and galactic beam. Detachable parts such as mirrors, front and rear bumpers, wheel arch extensions, the ring around the spare wheel cover as well as the roof are painted in obsidian black. The interior topstitching is colour-matched to the paintwork.
There’s a new, exclusive AMG EDITION 463 special model as well, whose interior specification includes a two-tone instrument panel, two-tone seats in high-quality designo leather with side bolsters in carbon-look leather and contrasting topstitching, seat and door centre panels in a diamond design, carbon-fibre trim and door pulls in nappa leather. On the outside, a stainless steel underguard, AMG sport stripes along the sides, a protective-strip insert in black aluminium look as well as exclusive 53.3 cm (21‑inch) forged wheels visually differentiate the special model. The EDITION 463 special model is available on the basis of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and the Mercedes-AMG G 65.
Technical data (2015 Mercedes-Benz G500)
| Cylinders | V8 |
| Cylinder angle | 90° |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Displacement | 3982 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 83.0 x 92.0 mm |
| Cylinder spacing | 90 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 : 1 |
| Output | 310 kW (422 hp) at 5250 to 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 610 Nm at 2250 to 4750 rpm |