SPY PICS: Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen reinvented

Despite one-time expectations of its expected demise, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class – commonly known as the G-Wagen – is on the cusp of revealing itself in significantly made-over form some time in 2018, following close to 40 years of manufacture.

Although the basic concept – even the cardboard cut-out styling – will remain unchanged from the Austrian-built vehicle that was first developed for military purposes before being launched in civilian form in 1979, the new G-Wagen will be more accommodating, and a lot lighter, than the current model.

Similarly to our last set of spy photos it is clear from the most recent snaps, shot in a picturesque snow-clad setting somewhere in the European alps, that the new G-Wagen will be a lot wider – reportedly by as much as 100mm in both body and track dimensions – and will benefit from a far-reaching weight-reduction programme said to drop the total mass by as much as 200kg.

Word is that the next G-Wagen will get an independent front suspension system, but that the back end will remain with a live, coil-suspended axle. Looking at the spy photos, it's clear the G-Wagen will retain a lofty, terrain-defying ride height.

Although speculation of a hybrid version is being batted around by industry commentators, it seems certain that the general powertrain configurations will comprise a mix of current eco-friendly Benz V6 engines – with a twin-turbo AMG V8 version possibly making it into the mix.

And it seems only reasonable to expect that the power delivery will come through a development of the current go-anywhere, fully-lockable all wheel drive system, with a mix of seven and nine-speed auto transmissions to be applied, dependent on the chosen engine.