2018 G-Class exterior images leaked

Images of the upcoming Mercedes G-Class have surfaced online. In November 2017, Mercedes Benz discontinued the G-Class model which was also popularly known as the G-Wagen. The G-Class was developed in 1972, and the civilian sales started from 1979. The SUV was on sale for 38 years and its replacement will be showcased at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.

The images reveal that Mercedes has kept the design of the new G-Class similar to the previous model. Although, there have been changes to the front and rear end of the vehicle. At the front, the headlights are slightly revised and are of a bigger size. They also get circular daytime running lamps around them. The headlight housing panels also appear to slope towards the side, unlike the flat ones of the last generation. At the back, there have been a few changes including a pair of rear brake lights just above the bumper, the high mounted stop lamp positioned above the window and the rear wiper now hidden behind the spare wheel.

According to media reports, the SUV will get a revised ladder on frame chassis which is lighter, can handle approach angles of 31 degrees and has a water wading depth of 700 mm. It is also expected to get a rigid axle at the rear, an independent suspension at the front, a new off-road G-mode when the low range ratios are selected and 360-degree cameras to assist in parking as well as off-road conditions.

The G-wagen is expected to be powered by two versions of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8 petrol engines and a 6-cylinder diesel. A new AMG model powered by a 6.0-litre, twin-turbo V12 could also be offered at a later date. A 9-speed automatic gearbox will handle the transmission duties on the regular models, while the existing 7-speed auto box is expected to be offered on the AMG models. All models will come equipped with a four-wheel drive system.

Source - Autoweek.nl