2017-12-12 23:01
Mercedes has begun drip-feeding details of its new G-Class SUV, which is due on sale in 2018. Following a selection of eye-opening spy pictures, this is our first official look at the car’s cabin ahead of its Detroit Motor Show unveil in January.
Existing largely unchanged since 1979, the G-Wagen has been brought into the 21st Century with a new platform and complete interior overhaul. Taking inspiration from the latest E-Class, Mercedes is offering the same dual-screen display, which replaces the old car’s analogue dials and dated infotainment system.
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Despite the fact that Merc is keeping the exterior design secret for now, we do know that the front end will be reflected in the new car’s dashboard design. The circular air vents mirror the headlights, while the in-built speakers echo the bonnet-mounted indicator lamps.
Elsewhere, Mercedes has installed the touch-sensitive controls from the S-Class to enable the driver to operate the infotainment system without taking their hands off the wheel. Using smartphone styling swiping movements, the buttons also offer haptic feedback. Small details like the passenger grab handle and the chrome diff-lock buttons remain.
Mercedes says the new car takes a step up in terms of quality and comfort, and taking a seat inside one at the firm’s 2017 TecDay in Stuttgart last month would suggest this is largely true. However, despite the inclusion of open-pore wood, high-end leather and carbon fibre trim, there are certain aspects that lift over almost unchanged from the existing model.
The doors and door handles, for example, are just like those in the current car and each one shuts with the same characteristic sound. G-Class director Dr Gunnar Guthenke told us: “We believe there are certain characteristics necessary for G-Class – and one of those is closing the door.
“The history of the military vehicle is clear to see, but here we lift it up,” he said. “Without compromising the versatility of the vehicle.”
Speaking of which, Mercedes claims practicality has improved with the next-generation G-Class. The windscreen has been moved by 30mm for more space up front, while rear legroom is boosted by a generous 150mm. There’s up to 38mm more shoulder room, and 68mm more elbow room, too. Merc says you can accommodate a one-litre water bottle in the rear door bins, while the seats recline, split and fold 60:40 for longer loads.
Specs will be announced later, along with exterior pictures of the car, although Mercedes has confirmed all cars will come with a seven-speaker stereo as standard. A 590w 16-speaker Burmester surround sound system is on the options list.
The front Active Multicontour Seat package will offer heated, cooled and massage functions, while also offering the air bolster side support system from the S-Class. Other options include the Exclusive Interior and Exclusive Interior Plus packages, which include extra leather trim and more colours.
Mercedes’ all-new G-Class SUV will be revealed in full early next year, before going on sale in the summer.
What do you think of the interior of the new Mercedes G-Class? Let us know below...
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