The G-Wagen has carried the off-road torch for Mercedes-Benz for the last 45 years. And the boxy SUV hasn't changed much in almost half a century. But for 2024, Mercedes is teasing its iconic off-roader with some excitement, ahead of the EQG EV arriving later this year.
The base G550 ditches the V-8 for a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance via an exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor. This means the base G-Class makes 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the integrated starter generator alone delivers 20 hp and 148 lb-ft. This means a total of 27 hp more than the previous model, but slightly less torque.
An updated nine-speed automatic transmission with torque converter provides wider gear ratios overall, while all-wheel drive with a 40-60 torque split comes standard. Even with its smaller displacement engine, the G550 still has excellent off-road ability. Three mechanical differential locks are paired with a transfer case that offers low-range off-road gearing. The same 9.5 inches of ground clearance remain, as do the truck's approach and departure angles of 30 and 31 degrees, respectively.
Mercedes has added an Off-Road Cockpit function to its MBUX infotainment system to aid off-road driving. The Off-Road Cockpit displays items such as vehicle position, altitude, steering angle and temperature on the 12.3-inch touchscreen and associated digital instrument cluster, allowing users to personalize the display as they see fit. The "Transparent Hood" function borrowed from the EQE and GLC also continues, allowing the driver to see "behind" the front end of the car using the 360-degree overhead camera.
There's plenty of other technology available in the G-Class, including a host of safety equipment that forms part of the standard Driver Assistance package. This includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition and more. The parking package also comes with a 360-degree overhead camera. Buyers can also add features such as adaptive steering support, active emergency stop and route-based speed support.
While the base G550 has downsized its engine, the performance-focused G63 remains unchanged. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 carries the same 48-volt mild-hybrid support as the base model, with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft. That's enough power to propel the G63 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
AMG Active Ride Control is a new option on the G63 and adds hydraulic roll stabilization and adjustable adaptive damping for better on and off-road performance. You can get this as part of the AMG Offroad Package Pro.
Both the base G550 and G63 receive subtle visual upgrades for 2025. The G63 comes with the new Manufaktur Hyper Blue Magno paint option, standard adaptive LED headlights and a renewed bumper design. You can also choose from six different wheel options ranging from 20 to 22 inches.
Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/713760/2025-mercedes-benz-g-class-horsepower-deta