WE LIKE Dedication to design, off-road capability
WE DON’T LIKE Heavy-handed software, too-ritzy interior
Despite its age, the G-Class was loved by consumers and critics alike. It’s what makes the redesigned second-generation G-Class such a big deal for Mercedes.
At first glance, Mercedes absolutely stays true to the original’s spirit. It looks much like a slightly scaled-up G-Wagen, right down to its boxy design and callbacks such as its (pedestrian-friendlier) fender-mounted turn signals and shunk-shunk mechanical door locks.
Hop inside, and there’s no mistaking that this G-Class is a product of 2018. The now-roomier cabin is jarring in its ode to modernity when compared to the old-school cool the sheetmetal was selling. Up front are massive twin digital displays operated by touchpads on the steering wheel, the left a digital instrument cluster, the right a fussy infotainment system. The rest of the cabin is filled with leathers, woods, and metals, which are welcome but feel more appropriate to an S-Class than this pricey off-roader.
Anchored by a choice of 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8s paired with a nine-speed automatic and four-wheel drive, the new G-Class is worlds better on-road. Although Frank Markus found the AMG version “totally awesome” on winding roads, the base G 550 predictably suffered from understeer when pushed too hard—easy to do with 416 hp on tap. But it keeps its traditional off-road skill set. Both the G 63 and G 550 laughed at our off-road course, especially with the AMG’s Sand mode.
But there are issues. Modern nannies were overbearing, even playing the pre-crash safety sound during routine maneuvers. There were also several gremlins, including an improperly adjusting driver-side mirror.
Although the old G-Class was never perfect, it was charming. The new edition may have lost some of that character in embracing the modern world.
2019 Mercedes-Benz G 550 4Matic | 2019 Mercedes-AMG G 63 4Matic | |
Base Price/As tested | $125,495/$145,265 (est) | $144,695/$167,145 (est) |
Power (SAE net) | 416 hp @ 5,250 rpm | 577 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque (SAE net) | 450 lb-ft @ 2,250 rpm | 627 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
Accel, 0-60 mph | 5.4 sec | 4.1 sec |
Quarter-mile | 14.1 sec @ 98.4 mph | 12.6 sec @ 108.9 mph |
Braking, 60-0 mph | 136 ft | 123 ft |
Lateral Acceleration | 0.61 g (avg) | 0.75 g (avg) |
MT Figure Eight | 30.7 sec @ 0.53 g (avg) | 28.2 sec @ 0.64 g (avg) |
EPA City/Hwy/Comb | Not yet rated | Not yet rated |
Vehicle Layout |
Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV | Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV |
Engine/Transmission | 4.0L twin-turbo DOHC 32-valve V-8 /9-speed automatic | 4.0L twin-turbo DOHC 32-valve V-8 /9-speed automatic |
Curb Weight (F/R Dist) | 5,665 lb (53/47%) | 5,821 lb (54/46%) |
Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 113.8 in |
Length x Width x Height | 189.7 x 76.0 x 77.2 in | 191.9 x 79.3 x 77.4 in |
Energy Cons, CITY/HWY | Not yet rated | Not yet rated |
CO2 Emissions, Comb | Not yet rated | Not yet rated |
The post Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 2019 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Contender appeared first on Motor Trend.
from Motor Trend https://ift.tt/2DgrRbh
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