Mercedes teases new G-Class exterior

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the exterior of its all-new G-Class off-roader for the first time ahead of its world debut at the Detroit motor show on January 15.

Revealed via another teaser video – this time showing the 2018 G-Wagen frozen within a huge ice cube – the exterior of the iconic five-door wagon continues the boxy tradition of its near-40-year-old predecessor.

No details were provided, but carryover design cues like external bonnet hinges and chunky protruding door-handles and indicators are joined by a new grille flanked by round headlights, thicker B-pillars and full-length side rub strips.

Mercedes revealed the far more upmarket and high-tech interior of the next G-Class – plus a host of technical details – on December 12, and in a Facebook video released on December 18.

Although the hard-core off-roader’s cabin is far more luxurious than before it remains heavily inspired by the original that had a model life that spanned from 1979 until this year.

The new interior features a large grab handle that remains ahead of the front passenger seat, but there’s plenty of new modern touches like a steering wheel lifted directly from the S-Class, a pair of high-definition 12.3-inch screens and stylish turbine-style air-vents from the E-Class Coupe.

The new G looks far more spacious thanks in part to the SUV growing by 20mm in width, liberating more shoulder room and elbow space. A 150mm wheelbase, meanwhile, has seen front legroom improve by 38mm.

Confirmed to weigh at least 160kg less than the SUV it replaces, the new G-Class makes extensive use of lightweight aluminium in its construction.

Spotted last year while testing, the new SUV’s square lines hide a ladder frame chassis that’s fitted with independent front suspension and a development of the old car’s coil-suspended live rear axle. Air suspension and adaptive dampers will also be available.

Under the bonnet, initially, there will be Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 and the car-maker’s latest 2.9-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel. Both will be combined with a nine-speed automatic.

All versions are expected to come with a low-range gearbox and three lockable differentials. The G 500 five-door that will be revealed at the Detroit motor show will weigh 2435kg and be capable of towing up to 3500kg.

While continued supplies of a stripped-out Australian Army-spec G-Class are assured, there are no initial plans for a replacement for the newly released Professional version.

However, a more basic entry-level version is expected in the medium-term (following the release of mainstream models in 2018), and there may even be a G-Class ute – eventually.