In December this year, Mercedes-Benz will be introducing revised G-class models with a new interior design, a raft of technical innovations and even more extensive standard specification. The G-class models for the year 2001 will be making their world debut at the Paris Motor Show on 28 September this year.
The exclusive and robust G-class joined the Mercedes-Benz model range more than 20 years ago, since when more than 145,000 units have been built. One power source for the G-class in future will be the state-of-the-art V8 diesel from the S-class. Developing peak horsepower of 184 kW/250 hp and torque of 560 Newton metres upwards of 1700 rpm, this unit is the most powerful passenger car diesel engine in the world.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Both the design and engineering of the G-class interior have been upgraded, thus raising the exclusiveness of this modern-day off-road classic to new levels. The focus of the changes is on greater touring comfort and improved practicality. The updated G-class will have a modified door panel trim and a redesigned instrument panel with state-of-the-art switches, a clearly arranged instrument cluster and a practically designed centre console incorporating an armrest and a storage compartment between the front seats.
The instrument cluster includes a large central display which allows the driver to store his own preferred settings for a range of different functions. The display is operated by means of illuminated buttons on the multi-function steering wheel, which can also be used to control the car radio and telephone. The climate comfort on board the G-class will in future be enhanced by the new sensor-controlled automatic climate control system, with separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger, adjustable ventilation nozzles in the rear and a high-performance dust and pollen filter.
New front seats with power height adjustment and memory function
Further comfort is provided by the new-design front seats, which are power-adjustable in fore-and-aft direction and for height, and by the power-adjustable steering column. The standard memory function stores individually selected seat and steering wheel positions. When the electronic ignition key is removed, the steering wheel is automatically raised for a more convenient exit. The steering wheel remains in this position until the driver gets back into the car.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataSensors in the new G-class models for the year 2001 also control the screenwipers, the exterior lights and the rear-view mirror: the rain sensor, which controls the screenwipers as a function of rain intensity, the light sensor mounted on the front windscreen which automatically activates the headlamps and rear lights in dark conditions and the automatically dimming rear-view mirror are standard equipment.
Outwardly the updated G-class can be recognised amongst other things by white front and side indicator lenses, twin-coloured rear lights and decorative strips in the side rub rails. On the V8 models G500 and G400 CDI, silver-painted 18-inch alloy wheels with high-gloss trim covers, chrome-plated radiator cross ribs and body-coloured bumpers all accentuate the elegance of the styling.
Telephone and radio with optional voice control
The innovative COMAND operating/display system, which incorporates the controls for the radio, CD player, navigation system, TV receiver and other functions in a single unit, will become available for the G-class starting in December 2000. On the V8 models G400 CDI and G500, this system is standard specification. Drivers of the Mercedes-Benz G-class will also be able to use state-of-the-art telematics services like dynamic route guidance based on up-to-date traffic information, the automatic emergency call system TELEAID or the TELEDIAGNOSIS service. The innovative LINGUATRONIC voice control system will for the first time be optionally available for G-class models, provided that TELEAID is fitted. It can be used to operate the telephone and audio functions.
High-performance V8 diesel engine with twin turbocharger
The Mercedes G-class range comprises three models with three different engines: the G320 with 158 kW/215 hp V6 engine, the G500 with 218kW/296 hp V8 petrol engine and the new G400 CDI whose eight-cylinder diesel engine (184 kW/250 hp) features common rail direct injection, water-cooled intercooler and twin turbochargers. The CDI engine gives a top speed of 180 km/h, with NEDC combined fuel consumption of 12.8 litres/100 km.
New electro-hydraulic low-range engagement
The five-speed automatic transmission is standard specification on all G-class models. A new feature is the practical one-touch shifting, whereby the driver can engage the individual gear ranges in “D” position simply by gently nudging the selector lever either to the left or to the right. The transfer case has a fully synchronised low range which can be engaged to provide even more traction when operating off the road or with a trailer. The Mercedes engineers have now perfected this with a new electric system which allows the low range to be engaged simply by pressing a button on the centre console.
