The seventies must have been a riot for peace-lovers but the decade also saw the introduction of the Gelandewagen. And you have the right to think otherwise, but without the G-Wagen (or the G-Class as it’s called now), the automotive world would have been very different. Thankfully the G was here to stay, and now with the latest (and possibly greatest) update, it ensures it gets to stay forever. Now before you start objecting the daily use of something that looks like a tank, the G-Class is ready for whatever the modern world throws at it. And in the India-relevant, performance-orientated G 63 guise, it may just be able to dodge all that quickly — including your objections.
So apart from the newness that the G-Class has received, what’s new here, you must ask. To start with the 5.5-litre AMG unit is now replaced by a 4-litre biturbo engine that makes 576.6 bhp and 86.73 kgm. And to keep up with the rapidly deteriorating environment, it can also switch four of its cylinders when not needed, hence managing a combined CO2 emission figure of 299 gram per km. On the bright (and fast) side of things, it manages a limited top speed of 220 kph, and boasts a 0-100 kph time of just 4.5 seconds.
It comes mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, and the 4MATIC drivetrain continues with differential lock at centre, rear, and front axles. The clutch is said to behave like a locking diff for extended use before the driver manually engages the locks. In addition, the all-wheel drive system is rear-biased (with a 40:60 split of torque) in comparison to the outgoing model’s 50:50.
Elsewhere, the G 63 gets an electromechanical steering system, a body that’s rigid by about 55 per cent, a mix of aluminium and steel in the construction, and coil springs all around. The front is an independent double wishbone setup while the rear is a rigid axle. Adjustable damping is also standard, and you can switch between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, like in case of the steering and gearbox. There are five on-road and three off-road driving modes, which means there’s a ridiculous amount of variation the G 63 offers — effectively covering you for all kinds of driving and surfaces you would want to traverse.
On top of all the revisions the new G-Class gets, there are wider wheels, new bumpers, flared wheel arches, red brake calipers, distinguished badging, new radiator grille with vertical slats etc. The new interior gets two 12.3-inch displays (optional) — similar to what you may have seen in the new Mercs — and is more spacious than before, thanks to an increased footprint. And the long features list (and exclusivity) is turned to a eleven if you purchase the limited Edition 1 special launch models.
Talking of which, the car will debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, and will go sale the very same month. We’ll let you know when Mercedes-Benz decides to bring it to India.
