Mercedes-Benz G Class

Like all the modern generation Mercedes Benz offerings, the G-Class also gets a new-age cabin layout with a huge horizontally laid cockpit on the dashboard being the centre of attraction. In addition, there are some design cues exclusive to the G-Class, which are not there in other Mercedes Benz cars.

The cockpit behind the nice-looking three-spoke steering wheel with aluminium silver-finished spokes includes two different 10.25-inch full-TFT screens – one for the instrument console and one for the touchscreen infotainment system. This screen is good enough to give a futuristic appeal to the cabin of the G-Class.

However, what makes the cabin of the G-Class more special is the satin chrome surrounds for the propeller-like rounded AC vents on the sides of the dashboard and in the middle of the centre console. Just below the central AC vents, there are two sleek-looking trapezoidal clusters of buttons – one for the climate control and one for the infotainment system. Like in a proper off-roading vehicle, the G-Class also comes with a grab handle on the passenger side of the dashboard.

Even in this latest iteration, the Mercedes Benz G-Class retains its iconic boxy looks, which makes it instantly recognizable as a G-Class. Thankfully, this old school design has got a modern form, with a host of new-age features and elements, which make it a proper current time vehicle.

At the front, the Mercedes Benz G-Class gets a rectangular front grille with three horizontal slats and a rounded Mercedes Benz logo in the middle. The squared housings on the sides of the grille accommodate the rounded LED headlamps, which also incorporate daytime running LEDs within them. The sleek-looking front bumper comes with satin silver strips on the sides of the license plate housing in the middle and faux air vents on the corners of it. The G63 AMG gets a fancier looking grille with vertical chrome slats.

The side profile of the Mercedes Benz G-Class makes the SUV looks squared-out, with the boxy look of the previous generation model retained. Like it has always been with the G-Class, the current model too comes with angular window panels, a clamshell bonnet, a clear looking chrome strip running across its length and flared wheel arches, which are properly filled with chunky looking tyres and machined alloy wheels.

The Mercedes Benz G-Class is the only SUV in the lineup of the carmaker, which gets its spare wheel mounted at its back. This spare wheel gives it a purist and macho identity of its own. The large rectangular windscreen with rounded edges at the back, vertical pillars on the sides, and small horizontally laid LED tail lamps placed on the lower edges of the side pillars at the bottom complete the iconic look of the G-Class at the rear.

The Mercedes Benz G-Class gets the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive setup as standard across its entire range, which gives it immense capabilities to ride on off-road terrains very easily. While it is good enough on plusher tarmacs too, the ride quality isn’t extremely plush as you would expect from a monocoque SUV. The body-on-frame construction also takes a toll on its riding dynamics at higher speeds. However, over the years, the current setup has made it more suitable enough to drive, with a plethora of suspension and drive settings enhancing the driving experience.

There are three different engine options available for the Mercedes Benz G-Class. The G350d comes with a 3.0-litre inline-six diesel, which produces 282 bhp of power and 600 Nm of torque, while the same engine is present in a higher state of tune in the G400d, where it pumps out 326 bhp of power and 700 Nm of torque. The top-spec G63 AMG gets a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol engine, which breathes out 577 bhp of power and 850 Nm of torque. A 9G-Tronic automatic transmission is the standard gearbox in all the variants.

As it is the most expensive offering in the Mercedes Benz lineup of SUVs, the G-Class gets a plethora of safety features onboard, such as eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring system, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist and many other driver assistance systems.

The Mercedes Benz G-Class might not be a sleeker-looking SUV by any standards. However, it is the same old-school charm in its design and performance, which makes it an SUV exclusively for purists and those who still prefer their SUVs to be rugged and old-school.