Mercedes-Benz will make some extensive changes to its rugged G-class SUV (pictured above) for 2017. Sources say it will shy away from its military-style looks of the existing 35-year-old model. Codenamed W463, the next-generation G-Class will receive more aluminum in order to be lighter but will also be 100 mm wider, which means the total width will be around 1860 mm. Thanks to the use of aluminum, the next-generation G-Class will be 200kg lighter than the current model which has a total weight starting from 2570kg. The design of the new SUV could take some inspiration from the Ener-G-Forcethat was unveiled back in 2012 at the Los Angeles Motor Show.
The new vehicle will retain its boxy shape with its nearly-vertical windscreen. The interior will also be inspired by the current Mercedes-Benz models. Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz will offer the new 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder petrol engine but also a diesel. The petrol engine is expected to deliver around 360 hp, while the diesel somewhere around 300 hp. Both engines will be offered with the new nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox as standard. AMG versions are also planned, but currently we have no details about them.
Technology levels will also be increased, with features such as stereo camera technology enabling the inclusion of many of the driver-assistance and safety systems seen on the latest flagship S-Class. The engine range will include the new 3.0-liter, inline-six-cylinder petrol (codenamed M256) and diesel (OM656) units currently under development ahead of their debut in the new E-Class due out in 2016. For the G-Class, a petrol unit with more than 360hp and a diesel producing over 300hp are being suggested. The engines will be paired with the Mercedes new 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox as standard as part of efforts to provide the SUV with improved fuel economy and lower emissions.
