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| © Motor Trend Staff 2019-Mercedes-Benz-G-Class-front-01-1.jpg |
From Motor Trend
It's hard to reinvent a vehicle as iconic as the G-Wagen. But after nearly four decades, Mercedes tried to do exactly that. The result? An SUV that's more comfortable, drives better, and is at least as capable an off-roader as its predecessor. With that in mind, how does the G-Wagen's new look compare to the outgoing model?
Up front, the boxy fascia is still there, as are the circular headlights and top-mounted turn signals. Look a little closer, though, and the differences between the new and old front ends become a little clearer. The shapes aren't nearly as sharp or squared-off, and the headlights are surrounded by halo-like running lights. To our American eyes, the redesigned G-Wagen also needs a bull bar to look right.
It's hard to reinvent a vehicle as iconic as the G-Wagen. But after nearly four decades, Mercedes tried to do exactly that. The result? An SUV that's more comfortable, drives better, and is at least as capable an off-roader as its predecessor. With that in mind, how does the G-Wagen's new look compare to the outgoing model?
Up front, the boxy fascia is still there, as are the circular headlights and top-mounted turn signals. Look a little closer, though, and the differences between the new and old front ends become a little clearer. The shapes aren't nearly as sharp or squared-off, and the headlights are surrounded by halo-like running lights. To our American eyes, the redesigned G-Wagen also needs a bull bar to look right.
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| © Motor Trend Staff |
In profile, it's a similar story. The new design is immediately identifiable as a G-Wagen and nothing else. Park both cars next to each other, however, and they don't look nearly as similar as they do at first glance. Thankfully, the door handles carry over, as do the AMG version's side pipes. Out back, Mercedes kept the rear-mounted spare tire cover and the tailgate's exposed hinges.
The changes most people will notice are inside the cabin. Not only is it much more spacious and comfortable than before, it finally feels like it has a modern interior. Mercedes kept the passenger grab handle and the center-mounted switches for the locking differentials, but that's about it. Everything else looks and feels like it was pulled out of a Mercedes luxury sedan. Even the infamous basketball hoop cupholder has disappeared.
Official pricing for the U.S. hasn't been announced, but that should be revealed before the 2019 G-Class goes on sale later this year. For now, expect the G 550 to cost about $125,000, with the G 63 coming in at about $140,000.
The changes most people will notice are inside the cabin. Not only is it much more spacious and comfortable than before, it finally feels like it has a modern interior. Mercedes kept the passenger grab handle and the center-mounted switches for the locking differentials, but that's about it. Everything else looks and feels like it was pulled out of a Mercedes luxury sedan. Even the infamous basketball hoop cupholder has disappeared.
Official pricing for the U.S. hasn't been announced, but that should be revealed before the 2019 G-Class goes on sale later this year. For now, expect the G 550 to cost about $125,000, with the G 63 coming in at about $140,000.
