Automotive Trends

One could be forgiven for thinking that the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is yet another update to the 40 year old off-road model. The G-Class debuted in 1979 as the G-Wagen which makes the 2018 model downright ancient in the auto world. Recognizing that messing with the G-Class formula is risky business, Mercedes decided to make the all new 2019 model look much like the outgoing model while lengthening the truck by 2.1 inches and widening it by 4.8 inches. This massive offroad beast manages to shed an impressive 375 pounds through the use of high-strength steel and aluminum. The 4.0L V8 is carried over, as is its 416 horses and 450 lb-ft of torque, except that power is now routed through a nine-speed automatic rather than the outgoing seven-speed transmission. One step inside the new vehicle and the interior no longer looks like modern tech stuffed into an old cabin. The instrument panel features Benz’s now signature double-wide screen that houses everything from the speedometer and tachometer to navigation displays, though conventional toggle switches for the locking differentials remain front and center. Pricing has not been announced, but the outgoing model starts at an eye watering $123,600. Expect to see the new G-Class near the end of 2018.