The 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is on its way, marking almost 40 years of history since the first 1979 G-Wagen was introduced. The 2019 version is brand new, but it looks very familiar. You will recognize the iconic shape of the G-Class. However, you should know that nearly everything else has been re-engineered.
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Exterior Styling
Although the exterior appearance of the 2019 G-Class is nearly identical to the previous model year with its upright and boxy styling, taking a closer look will show you some differences. The horizontal rub strips along the fenders and doors are still there, but a little smoother. More noticeably, the boxy taillights have become bright LEDs, and you will spot an LED ring signature on the round headlights. The panel gaps on the outgoing model are also gone. If you put the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class side by side with its predecessor, you will notice it is 4.8 inches wider and 2.1 inches longer, making it about 85 inches across and 190 inches long.
Interior Touches
The interior of the 2019 G-Class shows more significant changes, including a dashboard with squared-off surfaces and S-Class styling. The result is a unique appearance you won’t find anywhere else, including on other Mercedes-Benz models. Drivers can opt for dual 12.3-inch displays that sit behind a similar single glass pane to those on the S-Class sedans. Use the haptic touchpad to control these screens. Even with the updates, you will notice hints of the G-Class heritage, such as the grab handle immediately in front of the passenger’s seat.
Thanks to the increase in exterior dimensions, passengers in the latest Mercedes-Benz G-Class get more space. There is even almost a half-foot more rear legroom, in addition to an increase in elbow and shoulder room. To make the most of this extra space, the rear seats split 60/40 before folding. There are only two rows of seats, not three as in the GLS-Class.
Under the Hood
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class continues the trend of incredible power and capability. At launch, it will have a 4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 450 pound-feet of torque and 416 horsepower. While this engine is familiar, the new 9-speed automatic has a wider gear ratio whether you are on or off the road and improves fuel economy.
The G550 is particularly impressive when it comes to off-roading. Enjoy three differential locks that you activate by pressing a button to maximize traction. The two-speed transfer case has full-time four-wheel drive as standard. Underneath, everything is all new. The old solid front axle now has a double-wishbone independent setup that should help with stability at higher speeds off-road while maximizing on-road performance. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance when running, the average driver should have no problem tackling obstacles, although many competitors have greater clearance.
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G-Mode
The G-Mode is worth mentioning separately since this off-road mode enhances the stability and traction control systems. It activates as soon as you engage one of those three previously mentioned differential locks. Once activated, G-Mode modifies traction control, braking, and steering parameters.
