Contents Show
In 1979, the first Mercedes off-road vehicle, the legendary G-Class, was launched. Germany's first SUV is set to get a complete remake next year. However, this no longer has much in common with the off-road vehicle from forty years ago.
New design, new engine, the G-Class will be a superior SUV with striking driving dynamics. Tobias Moers, Managing Director at Mercedes-AMG GmbH says: "The new AMG G 63 comes with incredible performance in the segment of pure off-road vehicles. It was important for us to retain the original character of the off-road vehicle. The G 63 enjoys real cult status among our customers and fans.”
The body of the Mercedes-AMG G 63
The 2019 model has been completely redesigned. In addition to a new, modern look, the body consists of a mix of materials. Fenders, hood and doors are made of aluminum. For the SUV, the A and B pillars are made of high-strength steel because of their load-bearing function. Overall, the torsional rigidity of the frame, body mounts and body has been increased by around 55%.
Video: AMG G 63 (2019)
Mercedes-AMG G 63 2019 – Adaptive damping system
Suspension is the be-all and end-all of an all-terrain SUV. Even the forefather of the G-Class made a name for itself with its spectacular off-road performances. For the first time there is an independent wheel suspension with double wishbones on the front axle; a rigid axle with five-link suspension is used on the rear axle.
At the rear, the new axle is guided with four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod. This makes normal road trips even more comfortable. Off-road, the ground clearance of 241 millimeters to the rear axle ensures safety even in extreme situations. To reduce the tendency to roll, the G 63 has additional anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles.
V8 engine in the new G-Class
A 63-liter V2019 biturbo engine works under the hood of the Mercedes-AMG G 4,0 8 from Affalterbach. It replaces the 5,5-liter predecessor. With its 585 hp and 850 Nm of torque, the G 63 sprints to 4,5 km/h in 100 seconds. Mercedes-AMG specifies its top speed as 220 km/h. If the new G-Class is equipped with the Drivers Package, the G 63 can even reach a top speed of 240 km/h. Remarkable values for a 2,5 ton SUV.
Video: Off-Road with the G-Class
The three off-road and five on-road modes of the G-Class
The driver has a total of five different driving modes for the road and three driving modes for the terrain. Each mode changes the performance of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. The pilot can choose between smoothness, comfort, sport, sport+ and individual on-road. The Sand, Trail and Rock programs are available for off-road use.
Image Credit / Image Source: daimler.com