New Mercedes G-Class Features a “Transparent” Hood and More Power
For the past forty-five years, Mercedes-Benz’s off-road legacy has been borne by the G-Wagen. Furthermore, not much has changed for the boxy SUV in almost fifty years. However, Mercedes is finally—and somewhat—electrifying its legendary off-road vehicle for 2024 in advance of the EQG EV, which is due out later this year.
A new 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine with mild hybrid assistance from an electric auxiliary compressor and an exhaust gas turbocharger replaces the standard G550’s V-8 powerplant. With the integrated starter generator alone producing 20 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, the base G-Class is now equipped with 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. That is a slight decrease in torque but a total of 27 more horsepower than the prior generation.
Wider gear ratios are achieved overall with a revised nine-speed automatic with a torque converter, and all-wheel drive with a 40–60 torque split is standard. Furthermore, the G550 maintains its superior off-road capabilities while having a smaller displacement engine. Combining a transfer case with three mechanical differential locks provides low-range off-road gearing. The truck’s 30- and 31-degree approach and departure angles, respectively, and its 9.5-inch ground clearance are still present.
To facilitate off-roading, Mercedes integrated an Off-Road Cockpit feature into the MBUX infotainment system. With the 12.3-inch touchscreen and matching digital instrument cluster, the Off-Road Cockpit shows variables like as temperature, steering angle, altitude, and vehicle orientation. Users can alter the display to suit their preferences. Additionally carried over from the EQE and GLC is the “Transparent Hood” feature, which uses the 360-degree overhead camera to let the driver look “through” the front end of the vehicle.
The G-Class is equipped with a wide range of additional technology, such as a safety equipment package that comes standard with the Driver Assistance package. This covers traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and other features. Furthermore included with the parking package is a 360-degree overhead camera. Adaptive steering assistance, active emergency stopping, and route-based speed assistance are among the extras that buyers can choose.
The performance-focused G63 retains its engine while the standard G550 downsizes. With the same 48-volt mild hybrid assistance and 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque as the base model, the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine remains. With that kind of power, the G63 can reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
For improved on- and off-road performance, the G63 now has AMG Active Ride Control, a new option that adds hydraulic roll stabilization and adjustable adaptive damping. It is available as a component of the AMG Offroad Package Pro.
For 2025, the G550 and G63 base models receive minor aesthetic enhancements. In particular, the G63 has a new color option called Manufaktur Hyper Blue Magno, standard adaptive LED headlights, and a redesigned bumper. Six distinct wheel configurations, ranging in size from 20 to 22 inches, are also available.
Mercedes withholds some information, one of which being the price of the updated G-Class. With delivery, the 2024 model costs $144,150, while the G63 costs $180,950. Anticipate a marginal increase in price for the 2025 model in both areas.
