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Automotive

Mercedes debuts 2013 G-Class

By C.C. Weiss
April 12, 2012
Mercedes debuts 2013 G-Class
The 2013 G-Class maintains traditional styling with a few subtle updates
The 2013 G-Class maintains traditional styling with a few subtle updates
View 21 Images
The 2013 G-Class maintains traditional styling with a few subtle updates
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The 2013 G-Class maintains traditional styling with a few subtle updates
The interior gets a revised center console and instrument cluster
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The interior gets a revised center console and instrument cluster
The G-Class comes standard with the updated COMAND infotainment system
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The G-Class comes standard with the updated COMAND infotainment system
The new instrument cluster has a color screen and two round dials
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The new instrument cluster has a color screen and two round dials
The 2013 G-Class keeps its comfortable, well-appointed interior
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The 2013 G-Class keeps its comfortable, well-appointed interior
The G-Class debuted in 1979 and has kept much the same shape and styling
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The G-Class debuted in 1979 and has kept much the same shape and styling
The G-Class has long served as Mercedes' answer to rugged, off-road expeditions
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The G-Class has long served as Mercedes' answer to rugged, off-road expeditions
The new G-Class arrives this June
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The new G-Class arrives this June
Mercedes added a new G63 AMG with biturbo V-8 engine for the 2013 model year
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Mercedes added a new G63 AMG with biturbo V-8 engine for the 2013 model year
It may look like a hardcore jeep on the outside, but it's all Mercedes inside
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It may look like a hardcore jeep on the outside, but it's all Mercedes inside
The updates may not make a splash, but the G-Class sure can
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The updates may not make a splash, but the G-Class sure can
Not just any Mercedes can power through this terrain
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Not just any Mercedes can power through this terrain
Not just any Mercedes can power through this terrain
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Not just any Mercedes can power through this terrain
New electronic equipment is available on the 2013 model
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New electronic equipment is available on the 2013 model
The 2013 G-Class maintains the traditional styling with a few subtle updates
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The 2013 G-Class maintains the traditional styling with a few subtle updates
The G-Class' three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame and rigid axle characteristics let it tackle rugged terrain
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The G-Class' three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame and rigid axle characteristics let it tackle rugged terrain
The 2013 G-Class has diesel V-6, gas V-8 and AMG engine options
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The 2013 G-Class has diesel V-6, gas V-8 and AMG engine options
The 2013 G-Class gets new daytime running LEDs
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The 2013 G-Class gets new daytime running LEDs
The 2013 G-Class maintains the traditional styling with a few subtle updates
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The 2013 G-Class maintains the traditional styling with a few subtle updates
New mirrors are one of the only exterior distinctions of the 2013 G-Class
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New mirrors are one of the only exterior distinctions of the 2013 G-Class
The 2013 G-Class maintains the traditional styling with a few subtle updates
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The 2013 G-Class maintains the traditional styling with a few subtle updates
View gallery - 21 images

Mercedes-Benz debuted its 2013 G-Class off-roader this week. The vehicle receives some updates for the 2013 model year, but keeps its tough, rugged look and drive. Hard-nosed off-roader outside, Mercedes inside.

Unlike Land Rover, which seems intent on throwing away everything that makes the Defender great, Mercedes keeps its most rugged and ready utility vehicle ... well, rugged and ready. The new G-Class maintains the same square lines and powerful body that have defined it since 1979. While the G-Class looks mostly the same on the outside, a few subtle changes include the addition of daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors. The high-performance G63 AMG and G65 AMG get AMG radiator grilles and new bumpers with enlarged air intakes. AMG models can also be equipped with red brake calipers and 20-inch wheels for the first time.

Mercedes focuses more attention on the interior - the part of the G-Class that separates it from other utility off-roaders - in updating it with a redesigned center console, an instrument cluster with a center TFT color display sandwiched by round dials, and a standard COMAND infotainment system with some off-road-specific navigation features.

The new G-Class comes in several configurations. The base G350 BlueTec uses a 3.0-liter diesel V-6 worth 211 horsepower mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The BlueTec nature of the engine helps to cut emissions, while the diesel nature gives drivers access to up to 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque. A 388-hp 5.5-liter V-8 petrol engine is the heart and soul of the G500 and G500 Cabriolet. That engine option uses the same seven-speed transmission as the diesel. The US-spec G550 also uses a 5.5-liter V-8.

The interior gets a revised center console and instrument cluster
The interior gets a revised center console and instrument cluster

Two G-Class variants benefit from the tuning prowess of AMG. The all-new G63 becomes the first G-Class to use the 5.5-liter V-8 biturbo engine. That engine spits out 544 hp and 560 lb-ft (760 Nm) of torque. The G63 also has an ECO start/stop system standard. If that's not enough for you, the G65 gives you a 612 hp 6.0-liter V-12 biturbo to work with.

New equipment includes Blind Spot Assist and PARKTRONIC parking aid system with reverse camera. The ESP system has been updated and now includes Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.

The 2013 G350 BlueTec, G500 models, G63 and G65 will hit the German market in June. Pricing starts at €85,311. The 2013 G550 and G63 will roll into US showrooms in August.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

View gallery - 21 images

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AutomotiveMercedes-BenzMercedes Benz G-ClassOff-road4WD
14 comments
C.C. Weiss
C.C. Weiss
Chris joined the New Atlas team in 2011 and now serves as the automotive and campers editor, traveling extensively to gather the latest news on cars, outdoor sports gear and other innovations designed to help people experience and enjoy the greater world around them.

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14 comments
Mr Stiffy
Oh it's so FRIGHTFULLY FUGLY.
I grew up as a child being carted around in WWII era Land Rovers, that were seats in a box, on a chassis, with wheels under it - driven by an engine under the hood.
So this is FUGLY outside, and a FNIGHTMARE of TECHNO CRAP in the inside.
The entertainment was, if you had something to say, you conversed, and if you didn't you drove in silence admiring the scenery.
The mad old alcoholic uncles greatest innovation to it was to wire in a WWII electric fan heater out of some bomber, that could seriously overheat a cabin at 30,000 feet, by bolting it to the floor and cooking fresh road kill on it.
This thing by Mercedes - can of petrol, matches... end of problem.
jonoxn
One of the few good looking utility vehicles left. Good on Mercedes for not succumbing to the over-polished, over-complicated, non-purposeful body shape of every other vehicle out there.
Conny Söre
Oh my. That looks really innovative... I bet it has leafsprings like any upgraded horsecart from the beginning of the last centuty would have. Fugly is indeed the word.
jonoxn
I choose to believe that your are being sarcastic Conny. I just did some reading and I found nothing but excellent reviews for both on, and more importantly, off-road handling. And a couple of cutaway diagrams suggest that it has coil springs front and back and 4-wheel disc brakes. I have never owned one and probably never will but I am always disappointed when people think that just because something looks fashionable it must also have the best technology.
mommus
another mercedes that nicely illustrates the difference between wealth and taste
VoiceofReason
Functionality has a beauty all it's own. Want nice looking, get the M-series Benz. You want tough as nails, and you want to come home in one piece, get this.
We used these back on the West German Border with East Germany, when there was one. It looks the part of what it is, an off road vehicle, not some street queen that happens to have four wheel drive in case the road gets wet.
Both Toyota and Land Rover lost their mind and stopped (or will stop in Land Rover's case) making true off road vehicles. The last Defender will come out in 2014.
Plenty of good looking, halfway capable SUV's out there. This isn't one of them, it's the real deal. Nice job on keeping the faith Mercedes.
Mirmillion
A fuel-devouring monster driven by oil millionaires, trust fund kids and wall street hucksters. If one ever goes off-road call me, I'd like to take a picture.
Mike Hallett
I own one, albeit a 1992 model. I can assure the poster above that the G-Wagen or G-Series, as it is now dubbed, is equipped with coil springs all round. Mine is fairly mundane, but permanent four wheel drive, dual-range transmission, triple differential locks and superbly engineered fixtures and fittings, all by Magna-Steyr (formerly Steyr Daimler Puch) who build these vehicles for Mercedes, means that this is a very desirable machine. I only wish I could afford the ludicrous prices now charged for these cars. They are simply awesome.
The Hoff
Look the king has no clothes. IT'S FUGLY! These are so Fugly I cringe every time I see it and laugh at the fool that bought it. A school bus has better lines. FUGLY!
Slowburn
I like vehicles that were designed to work not look pretty.
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