Mercedes-Benz has delicately updated its legendary G-Class. Blink and you'll miss it.
Subtle Yet Effective
At first glance, spotting the changes might require a keen eye for G-Class details. The revised grille, a tweaked front bumper, and a new housing for the rear-mounted spare wheel are the most noticeable visual changes. The iconic headlights and tail lights gain subtle tweaks but retain their signature shapes. Mercedes-Benz offers expanded customisation options with new colours and wheel designs, allowing owners to put a slightly more personal stamp on their G-Wagon.
Interior Refinements & Tech Upgrades
Inside the cabin, the updates are focused on refining the luxurious ambience and injecting updated technology. The most significant change comes in the form of the 'widescreen' cockpit, featuring dual 10.25-inch displays seamlessly integrated into the dashboard – a configuration now familiar across many Mercedes-Benz models. Subtle trim revisions and expanded material choices lend a touch of additional freshness.
Powertrains Get a Mild-Hybrid Boost
The biggest story under the hood is the shift towards mild-hybrid technology. The G550's (G500 in some markets) twin-turbocharged V8 remains the base engine, now supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system offering smoother operation and a touch more responsiveness. The fire-breathing AMG G63 also benefits from the addition of a mild-hybrid system.
More Than Skin-Deep
Mercedes-Benz hasn't neglected the mechanical underpinnings either. The G550 receives a new 'Desert' driving mode, specifically designed for optimal performance on sandy terrain. The AMG G63 gets an optional AMG Trail Package that adds off-road-focused protection and suspension tweaks, further enhancing the beast's capability outside of paved roads.
Legacy with a Fresh Feel
The G-Class facelift is not a seismic shift but a carefully curated set of updates. Mercedes-Benz understands that the core appeal of this legendary model lies in its timeless character and unwavering capability. The styling remains an ode to its past, and the powertrain enhancements don't reinvent the wheel. Instead, the G-Class gracefully evolves with modern technology and enhanced features, ready to tackle the next few decades as both a status symbol and an undeniably capable off-road machine.