Next-gen Mercedes-Benz G-Class seen in China

After nearly four decades of production with a slightly updated exterior design, Mercedes plans to introduce a new G-Class early next year. We have seen the prototypes on test earlier in Europe. Now, one of the test mules has been spotted in China where the G-Class is quite popular among the elite.

Most visible change for the new model will be a wider body that is rumoured to grow no less than 10cm. The new car will also get a wider track, electro-mechanical steering (which will allow modern assistance systems) and independent suspension at front. The general layout, however, with a boxy profile and a steep windshield will carry over. 

According to our sources, Mercedes will use plenty of light-weight materials to reduce the car’s weight by 200kg. Power will come from several in-line six-cylinder engines options with up to 300bhp (turbo diesel) and 360bhp (petrol), coupled to the 9-G Tronic automatic gearbox. 

As for the AMG version, the high performance G63 will follow shortly after the introduction of the less potent variants. As usual for the Affalterbach models, the G63 will feature more aggressive bumpers front and rear, additional air-intakes and more prominent exhaust pipes as well as a wider track with corresponding wheel arches.