NEW SHAPE 2018 G WAGON
The (very similar 
) new shape 2018 G Wagon will be available in the UK from March, but only the G63 spec initially. To follow will be the 350 V6 turbo diesel and then possibly the G500 4.0 V8 petrol turbo. There is also going to be a 360kw electric model in 2019
The new body gives 53mm more rear leg room and is 121mm wider and also 170kg lighter due to the use of aluminum for the doors and bonnet.
I wonder if the new model will have any effect on the still very high second hand prices of the current model G63 and G350 ?
The auto express article is here...
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/g-class/102308/new-2018-mercedes-g...
The new body gives 53mm more rear leg room and is 121mm wider and also 170kg lighter due to the use of aluminum for the doors and bonnet.
I wonder if the new model will have any effect on the still very high second hand prices of the current model G63 and G350
I am sure it will. It may also reduce the urge to take 1980's W460's to 'upgrade' them top look like the latest G63.
I remember reading that the widening (and 12 cm is considerable) was driven by the US market. For me, that would literally be a no-go as there are places I currently go where the current model only just squeezes through. I wonder whether the chassis has also been widened? (Probably?).
It does, however - at least in these pictures - make the long-wheel base model look better proportioned, which is one reason that I always favoured the SWB.
Edit: Just read:
...:the big news is the development of a new platform, although it’s still a classic ladder-frame construction. Thanks to independent suspension, Mercedes says the car is more comfortable on the road and more capable off it. The ground clearance and fording depth, as well as the departure, approach and break-over angles, have all been increased, too.
that implies the costly live axles are gone !
If so, that will be the main differentiator. It may not be seen in some circles as a 'proper' G if it has adopted the Range-Rover style of independent suspension. That would leave you with a new vehicle, similar on the surface - same iconic looks maintained - but actually a completely different vehicle. On that basis, existing owners may rest a little easier. I have not been able to find any pictures of the suspension to verify.
Does this help?
Yes, that does. Thanks !
If correct, looks like the transfer case is now integrated into the main transmission. Also looks like a cost reduction exercise. More M-Class like.
Can't quite make it out from the picture, but looks like perhaps the solid rear axle is maintained (or possible a De-Dion type?), though the radius arms are not shown. The front, however, now looks to have wishbone arrangement more common on road cars.
Since its incarnation, MB has extolled the virtues of the solid axles for offloading. Now, suddenly, the new suspension offers better performance all round.
One issue in my mind is that for many, the G is now a fashion accessory, which probably never goes off road. So, if the new model offers more space, power and a more comfortable ride on the highway, then it will no doubt be a success in its intended new market. but that is a market that also demands the 'latest model' and in this respect, whether better or not, the perceived value of the outgoing model may drop.
The Auto Express article draws an iconic parallel between the G's shape and a CocaCola bottle. In that analogy, I think they have just come up with the Diet Coke version of the G.
Yes, overall a good job, tailored to remain competitive in its market segment.
One has to let those things sink in; my first impression: the exterior looks right and the interior wrong, a bit like a new-built Georgian House with all the gimmicks.
Glad to see they kept most of the straight lines and retained many of the classic G styling features. On the other hand I'd be concerned about the durability and longevity of the new electronic dashboard. I'll be interested to see the new model in the metal.
Honest John's take on it:- https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/new-cars/2018-01/mercedes-benz-launche...
The redesign is much more comprehensive than I realised. Apparently there are only 3 components unchanged from the previous model.
It looks very very similar to our current hero, alloys instead of steel to save weight, lets hope there are no electrolytic corrosion issues, would an alloy chassis been the way to go, perhaps but it might have been too costly.
Nice but I'll never be able to afford one, what will become of the military and professional versions of the G, will they stay the same and be produced in parallel?
Yes it looks like a g wagon still. Many people wont notice apart from the rounded door corners
The gearbox will save having 3 props. lets hope its strong
The front is now like all other 4x4 front ends and im sure after all this time they have tested it to extremes and are fully sure its the way forward
Me i like my axle axle set up. Strong and tough
I dont know if anyone has driven a g wagon with the front roll bar dis connected????
Massive massive difference. Hardly lifts a wheel and will go most places with just centre diff locked
I have made some pins that are easy to remove and anti roll bar moved back and clips out of way for serious off road
Back on road just clip it and pin it back together
Best of both worlds
4.0 bi turbo project next but first a 6.2 amg engine in my swb just for fun. Have another project but hope to d the g wagon for end of 2018 or early 2019. Should go well i recon but no good in floods
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The rear solid axle is still there but is secured with trailing arms and a Panhard rod. The front has been replaced by fully independent suspension.
I think Mercedes have done a good job in keeping the overall look of the G Wagon whilst updating the handling and comfort levels to enable it to compete with other luxury 4x4 manufacturers.
I think more wheel articulation at the front will help it off road as the current model does tend to spend quite a bit of time with one or two wheels off the ground on undulations, hence the need for three diff locks.
I was worried the new model was going to look like more GL than G Wagon so I don’t have any complaints although haven’t seen or driven one yet.