Reworked Mercedes G-wagen to get wider, more efficient

Mercedes-Benz is set to make some extensive changes to its enduring military-grade G-class. So major is the overhaul, planned for 2017, that Mercedes-Benz insiders say it will, in effect, be an all-new vehicle.

The big push is to increase the width of the G-class for greater stability. But sources also say it will help to accommodate a new front suspension and to liberate greater interior space for new, broader seats both front and rear, while maintaining the tough visual character and iconic, military-style looks of the existing 35-year-old model.

Further changes are being aimed at the electric architecture of Mercedes-Benz's traditionalist SUV, which will be updated to provide a platform for a range of new driver-assistance, safety, infotainment and connectivity systems.

The codename for the heavily reworked G-class will remain W463, but the body structure is being extensively reworked. More aluminum and high strength steel is being added, and the truck is being made up to 4 inches wider, taking the width of the car to around 73.2 inches overall.

The change to the structure is also being made with a view to slashing the curb weight: A reduction of more than 440 pounds is being touted by insiders. The current G350 weighs in at a hefty 5,666 pounds.

The G-class's new front suspension will use a three- or four-link setup, while a more modern electromechanical steering system is also planned.

The exterior design will retain the right-angled looks of today's car with a near-vertical windscreen. Some inspiration could also be taken from the futuristic Ener-G-Force concept car from the 2012 Los Angeles auto show.

The interior overhaul will focus not only on increasing space but also comfort and quality, with interior fittings from the latest C-class set to make it into the venerable off-roader.

Tech levels will also be increased, with features such as stereo camera technology enabling the inclusion of many of the driver-assistance and safety systems seen on the latest S-class.

The engine range will include the new 3.0-liter, inline-six-cylinder gasoline (codenamed M256) and diesel (OM656) units currently under development ahead of their debut in the new E-class due out in 2016. For the G-class, a gasoline unit with more than 360 bhp and a diesel producing over 300 bhp are being touted.

The engines will be paired with Mercedes-Benz's new nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox as standard as part of efforts to provide the G-class with improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

Range-topping AMG variants, which account for over half of all G-class sales, are set to follow the launch of the standard models.

By Greg Kable