The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is without doubt one of the few automobiles within the trade whose design has remained largely related and seemingly unchanged for many years. It’s the identical recipe that the Porsche 911 has caught to, however that is a narrative for an additional day. The present technology of the G-Class first got here out in 2018, and the technology earlier than that was produced from 1990 to 2018. To say that the G-Class has one of many strongest identities within the automotive trade is an understatement, which is why, even with this facelift, the brand new 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has barely modified.

But, that is most likely factor since you solely want just a few refinements to enhance what’s already a profitable system. Where a lot of the information lies is what’s beneath that boxy and angular sheet metallic. That’s as a result of for the 2025 mannequin 12 months of this Mercedes off-roader, the engine vary is a bit totally different, and the 2 engine decisions come as normal with electrification.

Electrification Through A Mild Hybrid System

However, for those who had been anticipating a full hybrid or perhaps a plug-in hybrid, you then will not be impressed to listen to that the G-Class is being supplied with a alternative of two engines with a 48-volt gentle hybrid system. Yes, two engines are arriving within the United States, within the type of the G550 and the AMG G63, however the mannequin that has acquired probably the most drastic change is the G550, regardless of having the identical variant nomenclature.

G550 Downsizes To An Inline-Six

That’s as a result of the G550 has downsized to an inline-six or a straight-six, a 3.0-liter turbocharged unit with a 48-volt mild hybrid system at that. However, because of that 48-volt system, which provides 20 horsepower and 148 pound-feet to that inline-six, the downsized however electrified drivetrain produces 27 extra horses than the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 it replaces, now at 443 horsepower. Torque, nevertheless, is down by 37 pound-feet, now at 413 pound-feet, however with the re-tuned nine-speed computerized, it ought to assist type issues out for the G550 when it comes to energy supply and gas economy–not {that a} G-Class purchaser cares about gas financial system within the first place.

As with each G-Class, the brand new 2025 fashions additionally include three locking differentials that allow them to traverse any terrain. Finally, a low-range gearbox ought to make straightforward work of having the ability to modulate your throttle throughout low grip, steep angle conditions.

The AMG G63 Also Comes With Mild Hybrid Assistance, But…

Finally, we now get to the AMG G63, whose 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 produces 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. But wait a minute, would not the 48-volt mild-hybrid system produce 20 further horses and 148 pound-feet of added torque? Why, sure, sure it does, however it contributes nothing to the on-paper whole system figures of the AMG G63.

While it would not add something to the facility equation, Mercedes-Benz says it improves the low-end energy supply of the V-8, which ought to assist in gas financial system. Again, not {that a} G-Class buyer–let alone somebody splurging for the obscenely highly effective AMG G63 is anxious about gas financial system, proper? Then once more, that is all in pursuit of decreasing the model’s total common CO2 emissions in whichever markets the model operates, so it is nonetheless all good nonetheless.

Everything Else That’s New In The G-Class

Because it is a mid-cycle facelift, do not count on something radically totally different from the G-Class in 2025. However, it does include significant upgrades that enhance its drivability and value, particularly when going off-road.

No Anti-Roll Bars, No Problem

If you step as much as the AMG G63, the anti-roll bars are ditched in favor of a brand new AMG Active Ride Control suspension, which is an optionally available additional that is a part of the AMG Offroad Package Pro. Instead, what you get is hydraulic roll stabilization and adaptive adjustable damping, which improves dealing with and enhances experience consolation. As a part of an ongoing pattern with adaptive suspension, the adaptive shock absorbers are outfitted with two hydraulic connections–one for compression and the opposite for rebound. The damper chambers on all 4 wheels are linked through hydraulic strains and the management valves of the adaptive dampers.

While the adaptive shock absorbers on every wheel can work independently, the interconnection of the 4 suspension struts and strain regulation of the pump and management valves permits for a large breadth of capabilities. The system can work to scale back physique roll, whereas throughout off-road driving, improved wheel articulation permits all 4 wheels to keep up contact with the uneven terrain, thereby maximizing traction.

A Hood That Disappears From View, Sort Of

Continuing on the theme of enhancing drivability and value, the brand new Mercedes-Benz G-Class might be outfitted with the optionally available Offroad Cockpit, which is one other layer within the MBUX infotainment system that shows off-roading data at a look. This additionally introduces the Transparent Hood operate, whereby a digicam underneath the automobile gives a transparent, unobstructed view of what is underneath the vehicle–as if the hood wasn’t there.

Since we’re nonetheless on the subject of drivability, the brand new G-Class now comes with three new superior driver-assistance techniques (ADAS). The first one is Active Steering Assist, which is Mercedes-Benz’s enhanced model of lane centering. Next is the Route-Based Speed Adaptation, which is principally full-speed adaptive cruise management that works at the side of the navigation system to gradual the automobile prematurely if it is coming to a bend or a roundabout, after which accelerates when the system deems acceptable. Lastly, the Active Emergency Stop Assist brings the automobile to a cease in its personal lane if the automobile thinks that the motive force is now not attentive to the driving scenario.

Arriving At Dealers In The Second Half Of 2024

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is arriving in sellers within the second half of 2024, which suggests there’s nonetheless loads of time to attend and cherry-pick optionally available extras to fit your wants. Actually, that is one thing value speaking about as a result of the brand new G-Class is extra customizable than ever, because of the model widening the scope of the Manufaktur personalization program of the G-Class.

Without Manufaktur, The G-Class Doesn’t Look Any Different

Perhaps the explanation for Mercedes-Benz extending the personalization scope of Manufaktur within the G-Class is as a result of the outside modifications are so refined, that you will most likely have a tough time recognizing the variations between this G-Class and the pre-facelift mannequin. These are restricted to a brand new grille with 4 bars within the G550, a redesigned entrance bumper on each the G550 and an AMG-specific one for the G63, in addition to refined measures to assist aerodynamics. Notice the brand new black trim on the A-pillar and the spoiler lip on the roof edge, which each reduce wind noise in addition to enhance the aerodynamics of what’s primarily a field with wheels.

As you progress inside, a lot of the updates are likewise targeting the prolonged customization scope of Manufaktur. MBUX finally comes to the G-Class range (albeit the first-generation system), as a result of the G-Class was one of many final Mercedes-Benz fashions to nonetheless use the rotary dial-based COMAND infotainment.

As ordinary, this comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, whereas a number of the new inside options embody wi-fi charging, climate-controlled cupholders, and an optionally available MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System. This consists of two 11.6-inch contact shows, which allow rear seat passengers to observe films, browse the web, entry journey data, and extra.

Wait A Bit Longer For The Fully Electric EQG

What the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class additionally previews is the upcoming totally electrical EQG. While the EQG is anticipated to look way more totally different with its enclosed grille and square-shaped spare tire cowl, a lot of the minor aesthetic updates you see right here truly got here from lessons learned when developing the EQG. The EQG might be fitted with massive batteries, however Mercedes-Benz has additionally revealed that the EQG would be the first mannequin within the model’s secure to feature a silicon anode battery chemistry. This permits for a rise in vitality density by round 20-40 p.c in comparison with utilizing graphite.

Expect the EQG to additionally include quad-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), which can have the power to simulate having three locking differentials just like the gentle hybrid G-Class fashions that simply debuted. What we will additionally count on is a excessive price ticket. While Mercedes-Benz has not but revealed costs for the 2025 G550 and AMG G63, the current models cost $143,000 or $179,000, respectively.