G-wagen goes biturbo V8

Mercedes-Benz's newest twin-turbo V8 has found its way into the archaic G-Class.

The new G 500, set to arrive Down Under in February 2016, will be powered by the marque’s new biturbo 4.0-litre V8 – the same base engine that powers the new C 63 sports sedan and AMG GT sports car. It’s even built at Afalterbach!

In latest G-wagen form the petrol supercar engine is rated at 310kW and 610Nm. Compared to the previous 5.5-litre naturally-aspirated V8, the blown engine is 25kW and a solid 80Nm up, yet NEDC combined fuel consumption is pitched at 12.3L/100km -- a 17 per cent reduction. Not too bad considering the mass and frontal area of the big squared-rigged off-roader.

Development of Mercedes-Benz’s oldest vehicle (the overall design of the body-on-frame G-wagen has hardly altered since its introduction in 1979) began in 1972 and the vehicles are still built on a common production line Graz (Austria).

Although its on-road handling leaves much to be desired (even AMG versions) and packaging is poor, the G-Class continues to attract fans – many with deep pockets.

Last year was a record in terms of production and sales for the G-Class/G-wagen range. Almost 14,000 examples were built for a mix of civilian and military customers. The outrageous AMG-fettled G 63 and G 65 accounted for close to half of last year's production with military and Professional Series ‘workhorse’ Gs closer to 20 per cent.

In Australia last year just 50 civilian Gs were sold – more than two-thirds of them AMG-fettled G 63s. The new 4.0-litre twin-turbo 500 model is expected to attract more buyers, however, the numbers involved will still be miniscule.

Aside from the AMG-built V8 transplant, key developments in the latest G include upgraded stability control and braking systems and a new two-stage adaptive suspension. This is claimed to improve ride comfort in its softest setting, and better body control and upgraded dynamics in ‘Sport’ mode.

G aficionados will also notice the G500 gets revised front bumper with ducting to provide better cooling potential.

Other changes for the 2016 model year include an upgrade for the G 350d. Arguably the most ‘sensible’ G-Class, the V6 turbo-diesel is now rated at 180kW and 600Nm – more torque than the might G 400 V8 turbo diesel.

The 350d is also the most fuel-efficient G-wagen ever and the first to register a combined fuel economy in single figures – just. The official NEDC Combined cycle for the new G 350d is 9.9L/100km.

Very clearly pointing to fact that the purpose of most G-wagen purchases is getting noticed, however, this update sees Mercedes-Benz introduce a new five-shade Crazy Colour option for G 500 and other models including AMGs.

The palette includes a lurid green and Tonka-toy yellow, but the clear favourite at the pre-Frankfurt show G Experience this week was Sunsetbeam – an almost McLaren-style bright orange.

The Crazy Colour schemes all feature obsidian black roof and detailing (mirrors, front and rear bumpers, wheel-arch extensions, etc). Inside, seat, dash and other stitching is colour-matched to the paintwork.

Australian buyers will be able to option up their G with Crazy Colours, however, no firm pricing has yet been set for the option. By way of indication, the special matt paint schemes popular with G-AMG buyers Down Under are priced at around $10,000.

 “G-Class is an order-only model Down Under. If customers want an Alien Green or Sunsetbean G 500, they will be able to order one,” Mercedes-Benz Australia (MBAu) spokesperson David McCarthy told motoring.com.au.

McCarthy also confirmed Australian G buyers will be able to access the new EDITION 463 limited-edition AMG models also announced this week.

Available in G 63 and G 65 biturbo V12 variants, the EDITION 463 is mechanically identical to existing models but pimps up the off-road wagon’s interior to the very limit of acceptable taste.

The interior spec includes “a two-tone instrument panel, two-tone seats in high-quality designo leather with side bolsters in carbon-look leather and contrasting topstitching, seat and door centre panels in a diamond look, carbon-fibre trim and door pulls in nappa leather”, says the press kit almost breathlessly.

The 21-inch wheels on both models are unlikely to survive the rigours of much more than the chalet or back beach carpark, but that’s another story.

Arguably the most outrageous G-wagen launched this week at Frankfurt, however, is NOT coming Down Under. The high, wide and (OK, let’s say it) handsome G 500 4x42 [pronounced 4x4 squared] will, for the time being, only be built in left-hand drive.

Featuring a 260mm-plus track widening, 438mm of ground clearance and unmodified fording depth of 1000mm, the 4x42 is priced at more than double its G 500 donor vehicle — at Euro 226,000 (including 19 per cent sales tax in Germany).

Given the outgoing G 500 is currently priced at $167,510 locally, the 4x42 could be a near-$400,000 proposition Down Under.

With no firm decision made, head of G-Class for Mercedes-Benz, Dr Gunnar Guthenke, left the door open for a potential Aussie market entry for 4x42.

“There is no fixed date [on RHD production decision]. It will depend on customer feedback.

“Normally that [demand] is high -- the 6x6 was done in right-hand drive. I think that was one and half years later [than LHD production commenced]… Probably in a year’s time, we will take a look at it,” Guthenke told motoring.com.au.