2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets upgraded

The exceptional 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has just recently received some significant upgrades. The G-Class is still one of the leaders among off-road vehicles. The interior now includes high-quality finishes made with exquisite materials. In addition, the instrument cluster and centre console have been absolutely transformed.

In addition driver's field of vision is now encompassed by a colour screen. The 2013 G-Class also features the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system. It includes a navigation system and internet access.

What is more, new LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors also add to exterior appearance of the luxury off-roader.

And how about the range of safety features: it can be optionally enhanced with the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS.

Absolutely new to the range is the G 63 AMG model with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine with standard ECO start/stop system, and the G 65 AMG model with twelve-cylinder biturbo engine.

In fact, the G-Class today is one of the top models among luxury-class cross-country vehicles, and has provided the gene pool for the other very successful SUVs built under the Mercedes-Benz brand. This year the G-Class has been voted off-roader of the year, as it has been voted many years before.

In the new upgraded range there are new measures included, such as new engines, a significantly extended range of appointments, new luxurious interior and a few discreet external modifications.

Although the exterior modifications have been "discreet", the interior is compledtely transformed.

Fisrt, the external modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors for all engine variants. In addition, the AMG versions also include new characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvres, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes, red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels.

But let us put more attention on the interior. Here the instrument panel and centre console have been entirely redesigned and now include new controls and new trim elements. The result is that the new G-Class now has fresh and classy look.

In addition, the TFT colour display is now on the the instrument cluster between the two round dials. And an additional large colour screen is conveniently positioned in the centre. It is part of the COMAND Online system and incorporates a DVD changer and the COMAND Controller. All this comes as a standard on all G-Class models.

The afore mentioned infotainment system includes also a navigation system with special additional off-road functions, the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.

The G-Class however, retains the grab handle on the front-passenger side, the switches for the three differential locks – clearly aligned within the driver's field of vision and highlighted in silver-coloured trim – and the redesigned shift lever in the lower section of the centre console.

Of course, there are also featured new optional extras: DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera, ESP® system withTrailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.

More importantly, the range of engines included, has been futher optimized. It now includes: the G 350 BlueTEC and the G 500, both as a long-wheelbase station wagon, plus the G 500 as a short-wheelbase Cabriolet model. The basic version of the long-wheelbase station wagon model is the G 350 BlueTEC with V6 diesel engine and a displacement of 2987 cc. The four-valve engine has an output of 155 kW (211 hp) at 3400 rpm and has available torque of 540 Nm (397 lb-ft) across an engine speed range of 1600 to 2400 rpm.

Important note here is that the BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz minimises its emissions effectively.

Furthermore, there is one alternative engine to the diesel one. Namely, it is the G 500, which has a powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine with an output of 285 kW (388 hp) and offers excellent torque of 530 Nm (390 lb-ft).

Vehicles, equipped with the G 350 and the G 500 enines will also feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard. In particular, this is the sixth generation of the stepped automatic transmission that has been developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz.

What is absolutely new to the G-Class range is the G 63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine, which produces 400 kW (544 hp) and 760 Nm (559 lb-ft) of torque. In addition, this engine also features the ECO start/stop system as standard. In fact, the engine range has been extended by the addition of the G 65 AMG with V12 biturbo engine, which is able to create 450 kW (612 hp) and 1000 Nm (735 lb-ft) of torque.

The new G-Class Range will be available from June 2012 with a starting price of 85 311 Euros.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2013)

2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class engines at a glance:

Source: Mercedes-Benz