2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Preview

SEE ALSO: G-Class 2002-2017 Complete, Prices, Specs and Comparisons

The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class presents itself in top form. Whether on or off the road and whatever the operating conditions, the off-road vehicle impresses with its performance, cutting-edge assistance systems, outstanding handling, and safety. At the same time, the new suspension, the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, the "G‑Mode" and the three 100‑percent differential locks enhance not only ride comfort but also agility – on any surface.

"The new G-Class is setting the bar higher still in all relevant areas – in terms of performance both on and off the road as well as with regard to comfort and telematics. Our 'longest-serving' model series is therefore ideally equipped to continue its success story. In short, the new 'G' is still a 'G', only better," stresses Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

Working on the development of the new G‑Class was extremely challenging for the team. "Further technical development of an icon such as the G-Class was both a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. Each part and every bolt came under close scrutiny," explains Dr Gunnar Güthenke, Head of the Off‑Road Product Group at Mercedes-Benz. "With the body, our main focus was on increasing the vehicle rigidity and the connections between the suspension and drivetrain with the ladder-type frame."

At the time of market launch in June, the G‑Class will be available at an entry-level price of €107,040.50 (price in Germany, incl. VAT) and thus remains at the level of the preceding version. The specification includes a host of new features such as the LED headlamps, the driving assistance systems, the high-quality interior with leather seats, and the new suspension. For demanding customers, options such as the Exclusive Interior Plus with leather on the interior door panels provides even more exclusivity.

The G-Class, reinterpreted for today

The G-Class, the luxury off-road vehicle from Mercedes-Benz, has long been considered a design icon. Its external appearance has not changed significantly since 1979. Iconic elements continue to serve very specific purposes, now as then, and to give the G-Class its unique appearance. All these are still found in the new G-Class: the distinctive door handle and the characteristic closing sound, the robust exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the prominent indicator lights. Extraordinary features like these in concert with the off-roader's angular lines define its special look.

The enhanced design of the G-Class follows the philosophy of Sensual Purity and at the same time remains true to the character of the original. As a result, the door hinges positioned on the outside and the surface-mounted bonnet are carried over to the new generation. With the latest update, the off-road icon - which has been continually enhanced technically over the decades but visually has hardly changed - is making the leap into a new era – both in terms of technology and form. The new G-Class is 53 mm longer and 64 mm wider, and now has even greater presence both on and off the road.

More than ever, the new G-Class appears to be cast from a single piece. All surfaces have a more taut design and are have more tension, while the surface quality has been taken to an even higher level. This results in narrower, more precise gaps and more harmonious transitions. In addition, the wheel arches and bumpers form a more integral part of the body and thus look less like add‑o n features.

Interior: authentic icon

While the exterior maintains the iconic classic look, the interior of the G-Class has undergone a fundamental modern redesign which reinterprets the genes of the classic vehicle to reflect the exterior. With its off-road character and top-class luxury appointments, the G-Class has always combined two extremes into a harmonious symbiosis. Unmistakable at first glance and from the first touch, only high-quality materials are used. Every detail is finished by hand with the utmost care.

Getting into the G-Class reveals that numerous design features from the exterior have been transposed into the interior. The shape of the round headlamps, for instance, which is reflected in the side air vents. Or the design of the iconic indicators, found again in the shape of the loudspeakers. Hallmarks of the G-Class include the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chrome-highlighted switches for the three differential locks. Both have been further improved and retained as characteristic features.

The very clearly arranged and completely redesigned instrument panel features timeless tube-look analogue round dials as standard. In other words, fans of classic round instruments will certainly not be disappointed in the new G-Class. As in the new E-Class and S-Class, an instrument cluster in the form of a large display showing virtual instruments in the driver's direct field of vision and a central display above the centre console is available as an option. In this case the two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a Widescreen Cockpit beneath a shared glass cover. Drivers can choose between three different styles for the displays – "Classic", "Sporty" and "Progressive" – and also select relevant information and views according to their individual needs.

Thanks to haptic impulses and audible feedback from the on-board speakers, drivers can use the touchpad with controller in the centre console without taking their eyes off the road. The input options are rounded off by shortcut keys in front of the controller for frequently used operating tasks, and by the optional control panel for the driving assistance systems above the rotary light switch. The driver sits up close to the windscreen and enjoys good all-round visibility from behind the wheel.

More space for all

The revised dimensions of the now larger G-Class benefit not only the driver and front passenger, but also the passengers in the second row.

The rear seats can be folded down to 60, 40 or 100 percent. The seats in the G-Class are equipped as standard with numerous convenience functions and are ergonomically designed, thus providing enhanced seating comfort and lateral support. Features include the Memory function for the driver's seat, seat heating front and rear, as well as luxury head restraints in the front. This ride comfort can optionally be boosted still further with the Active Multicontour Seat package. In addition to the special multicontour seats, this encompasses such features as various massage functions, climate-controlled seats, and fast seat heating. This variant also offers electrically adjustable lumbar support for the driver and front passenger. The side sections of the seat cushions and backrests of the active multicontour seats include integrated air chambers that fill or empty continuously depending on the driving dynamics, thus providing better support for the seating positions of driver and front passenger and, for example, offering more lateral support during cornering. The front seats of the Active Multicontour Seat Package are recommended by experts from the German spinal health organisation "Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.".

Off-road: the legend surpasses itself

The primary goal of development was to redefine the quality of the handling both on and off the road. This goal has been achieved: the new G-Class performs even better off-road, while on the road it is significantly more agile, dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor. The G thus remains a true G – thanks to its standard ladder-type frame, the three 100-percent differential locks and LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction.

The new suspension is a result of cooperation between Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The result is an independent suspension with double-wishbone front axle in combination with a rigid rear axle. As part of their work, the engineers had the task of fighting for every millimetre, because off-road capability not least also means maximum ground clearance. The raising of the axles makes a decisive contribution in this respect, while requiring a strut tower brace in the engine compartment to achieve the ruggedness objectives.

The components of the double-wishbone front suspension are directly mounted to the ladder-type frame without a subframe. The lower wishbone's attachment points on the frame in Z-direction are positioned as high up as possible. This arrangement ensures good driveability beyond the asphalt. Specifically for the G-Class, the new front axle is designed in such a robust way that the off-road performance and off-road capabilities of its predecessor are maintained and partly even surpassed.

Equipped in this way and with a ground clearance of 270 mm to the front axle gear, the G-Class provides plenty of potential for maximum assertiveness and driving pleasure in off-road terrain.

The figures speak for themselves:

• Slope climbing ability of up to 100% on suitable surfaces
• Ground clearance between axles, plus 6 mm, now 24.1 cm
• Maximum fording depth now 70 cm when driving through water and mud, no less than an additional 10 cm
• Stable at tilt angles of 35°, plus 7°
• Angle of departure: 30°, angle of approach: 31°, plus 1°
• Break-over angle: 26°, plus 1°

Thanks to the independent suspension, it was possible to improve the rigidity of the body front end. A strut tower brace, known as a suspension bridge, now connects the front strut towers, which increases the torsional rigidity of the ladder-type frame.

At the rear, in contrast to the predecessor, the new rigid axle is controlled by four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod. This makes normal driving on the road even more comfortable. In off-road terrain, the rear spring jounce of 82 mm and rebound of 142 mm plus the ground clearance of 241 mm to the rear axle gear help to ensure a safe ride even in extreme situations.

À la carte: "Comfort", "Sport", "Individual" or "Eco"

DYNAMIC SELECT is now available with several driving modes for the G-Class. This allows adjusting the vehicle characteristics in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the characteristics of the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and assistance systems at the driver's behest. The driving modes "Comfort", "Sport", "Eco" and "Individual" can be set conveniently via the DYNAMIC SELECT rocker switch. In "ECO" mode, a particularly fuel-optimised driving style is possible, for example. In "Sport" mode, on the other hand, the shift points of the automatic transmission, the throttle response of the engine, and the parameters of the electric steering system and the exhaust flap are changed. "Individual" allows drivers to configure their own preferred vehicle settings.

DYNAMIC SELECT provides a host of options in combination with the new suspension with optional Adaptive Damping System. The driver is then also able to modify the vehicle's damping characteristics in Sport and Comfort modes using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch.

Put simply, the G-Class detects the particular condition of the road and sets the appropriate damping characteristics, so that the damping in off-road terrain is stiffer, for example. In contrast, in Sport mode the G-Class boasts a more agile response when driving on the road.

The new "G-Mode" paves the way where there is none

One of the prerequisites for the improved off-road handling characteristics is the new "G-Mode". The G-Class changes to "G-Mode" independently of the chosen driving mode as soon as one of the three differential locks has been activated or the LOW RANGE off-road reduction gear has been engaged. This off-road mode adapts the adjustable damping of the chassis and the steering as well as the accelerator characteristic, avoids unnecessary gear shifts and thus ensures optimum control and maximum off-road capability. A small "G" icon discreetly lights up in the instrument cluster. The "G" swallows rough ground so easily that the driver is able to enjoy inch-perfect manoeuvring even in the steepest terrain, and receive excellent steering feedback on the traction provided by the surface.

On-road: agile, comfortable, superior

The specification for the G-Class not only included solidness and superiority in off-road terrain, but also greater driving dynamics and comfort on paved roads. Thanks to the new front axle design, the on-road performance of the G-Class has therefore been enhanced at the same time. On the road, the "G" is as agile as it is comfortable and provides the driver with a better steering feel. The off-roader stays on track more solidly, and is agile and effortless when driving off-road.

Using a digital prototype, the developers simulated the service life of individual components and closed systems to find out in which places it would be possible to make use of lighter raw materials. The diet worked, as the G-Class has shed around 170 kg. The recipe for success: a new mix of materials comprising strong, high-strength, ultra-high-strength steels and aluminium, as well as improved production processes at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria. The rigid bodyshell is now made of a variety of steel grades, while the wings, bonnet and doors are made of aluminium.

To be able to retain the door hinges and handles typical of the G-Class, the developers modified these to suit the new aluminium design. The A and B-pillars are made of high-strength steel in view of their load-bearing function. However, less mass in no way translates into less stability – on the contrary, it was possible to increase the torsional rigidity of the frame, bodyshell and body mounts by around 55 percent, from 6537 to 10,162 Nm/deg. Alongside improvements to the natural driving dynamics and comfort, this also results in enhanced quality in terms of noise levels, among other things, with the positive effect of significantly less noise and vibrations being noticeable in the interior when driving.

Powerful and efficient

In the new G 500 (fuel consumption, combined: 12.1-11.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 276-263 g/km)¹ a high-performance 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine ensures powerful propulsion. The new biturbo produces an output of 310 kW (422 hp) and a maximum torque of 610 Nm at 2000 to 4750 rpm.

New automatic transmission on board

For the transfer of power, the 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter was specifically adapted to meet the needs of the off-road icon. The developers have managed to reduce the shift and response times of the 9-speed transmission by means of a dedicated software application. The wide transmission ratio not only makes driving quieter and more comfortable especially at low engine speeds, it simultaneously also contributes to reducing fuel consumption.

As direct as possible, as indirect as necessary

As standard the G-Class is now fitted with electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering, which now allows driving assistance systems such as Parking Assist to be implemented. In addition, the electromechanical steering uses less energy than a hydraulically assisted steering system. Depending on the driving mode, one of three sets of steering characteristic lines, namely Comfort, Sport and Off-road, comes into effect. This ensures a comfortable or sporty steering feel on the road, but also straightforward and precise feedback in unpaved and demanding terrain - always paired with sufficient steering power assistance. In a nutshell: as direct as possible, as indirect as necessary.

Stronger than time

The G-Class is the top model among luxury off-road vehicles. It is not only the passenger car model series with by far the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all SUVs bearing the three-pointed star – this is why all Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G in their name.

What began in 1972 with a collaboration agreement between then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz is now a story peppered with superlatives and significant milestones. The first concept to be developed was already different. The team designed a vehicle which impressed with superior off-road capability, while at the same time appealing to customers as a full-featured and safe vehicle suitable for recreational purposes. All-wheel drive and 100-percent differential locks have also been part of the "G" since that time, as has the robust ladder-type frame.

At the time of its market launch, in the spring of 1979, it was available with a choice of four engine variants covering a performance range from of 53 kW/72 hp to 115 kW/156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet with a short wheelbase or Station Wagon models with short or long wheelbase. In 1989 the vehicles of the model series 463 marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the off-roader that was not just about keeping pace with technical progress. It was an evolution that also brought a steadily expanding fan base and emphasised its character as an exclusive vehicle for any occasion. And, since 1993, a vehicle with an official name: the G-Class.

The G-Class models used for the "Popemobile" are famous around the world. The off-road Mercedes-Benz 230 G painted in mother of pearl with a transparent special body accompanied Pope John Paul II on numerous journeys from 1980.

The 25th anniversary of the G-Class was marked by the arrival of a very special model on the market, honed by Mercedes-AMG: the G 55 AMG Kompressor. Its eight-cylinder power unit (350 kW/476 hp, 700 Nm of torque) gave the robust off-roader an unprecedented level of performance and demonstrated the tremendous potential of the G-Class.

The G 500 4x4² of 2015 added not only a luxurious interior to the equation, but also a ground clearance of 45 centimetres and impressive on-road performance. Since 2015, the designo custom shop has been providing customers with the option to take a G-Class and make it their own individual "G" – with exclusive equipment variants that are perfectly coordinated with each other.

Thanks to the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the iconic G-Class reinvented itself once more in 2017. With its superlative V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive appointments in the rear compartment, this very special all-terrain vehicle, limited to 99 units, meets the expectations of customers who demand the very highest standards of their vehicle. Arguably the most exclusive form of open-air driving pleasure.

The summer of 2017 saw the 300,000th G-Class roll off the assembly line in Graz – a Mercedes-Benz G 500 in designo Mauritius blue metallic with black leather seats and contrasting white topstitching. Equipped with a range of off-road features including all-terrain tyres mounted on black 16-inch rims and a sturdy roof rack, the anniversary vehicle embarked on new adventures over the summer. G-Class fans around the world determined the vehicle specification by voting for their favourite equipment and appointments on the official G-Class Facebook page. The future road trips of the 300,000th G-Class can be followed on social networks.

TECHNICAL DATA

Mercedes-Benz G 500

Engine

Power transmission

Suspension

Dimensions and weights

Performance and fuel consumption

*acc. to VDA measuring method

¹ The stated figures were determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring method. These are the "NEDC CO₂ figures" according to Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated based on these figures.

Mercedes-AMG G 63

Engine

Power transmission

Suspension

Dimensions and weights

Performance and fuel consumption

*According to German Association of the Automotive Industry measuring method; **Kerb weight according to DIN without driver; ***Kerb weight according to EC including driver (75 kg); **** Electronically limited, optional increase in max. speed to 240 km/h (only in conjunction with the AMG Driver’s Package)

¹ The stated figures were determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring method. These are the "NEDC CO₂ figures" according to Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated based on these figures.

Design: An unmistakable character

The G-Class, the luxury off-road vehicle from Mercedes-Benz, has long been considered a design icon. Its external appearance has not changed significantly since 1979. Its unmistakable shape is its trademark, and together with its extraordinary off-road attributes this has made it the trendsetter in the off-road segment.

The aim behind the new G-Class is to make the elegance and high quality of the vehicle even more obvious, for an even more striking appearance. "The new G-Class is setting the bar higher still in all relevant areas – in terms of performance both on and off the road as well as with regard to comfort and telematics. Our 'longest-serving' model series is therefore ideally equipped to continue its success story. In short, the new 'G' is still a 'G', only better," stresses Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

The further evolved design of the G-Class follows the philosophy of Sensual Purity and at the same time remains true to the character of the original. The design once again confirms that this Mercedes-Benz off-roader is an icon, and that no other has the same, up-to-date on-road capabilities together with superior off-road capabilities. It is both hot and cool at the same time.

"The G-Class is the measure of all SUVs. We have given due deference to the character of this icon, and yet exercised puristic reduction to create the transition to modern luxury," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. The distinctive door handles and the characteristic closing sound, the robust exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the prominent indicator lights remain typical features. Other typical G-Class features include the plain, rectangular tail lights, which are now contoured and mounted to the body.

The door hinges positioned on the outside and the surface-mounted bonnet are also carried over to the new generation. With the latest update, the off-road icon - which has been continually enhanced technically over the decades but visually has hardly changed - is making the leap into a new era – both in terms of technology and form. The new G-Class is 53 mm longer and 64 mm wider, and now has even greater presence, both on and off the road.

Tauter surfaces, precise transitions, intelligently conceived details

More than ever, the new G-Class appears to be cast from a single piece. All surfaces have a more taut design and are have more tension, while the surface quality has been taken to an even higher level. This results in narrower, more precise gaps and more harmonious transitions. In addition, the wheel arches and bumpers form a more integral part of the body and thus look less like add‑o n features.

Off-road capabilities were already incorporated into the design during the development of the first G-Class. A principle that has proved successful to this day. The chamfered sides of the square headlamps help to ensure that the body and headlamps are less susceptible to damage when driving on rough terrain or through narrow stretches, for example. All lighting functions including the daytime running lamps are integrated into single headlamp units. Customers have a choice between LED headlamps and high-resolution MULTIBEAM LED headlamps.

Distinctive grille meets an iconic spare wheel

The front section is characterised by the striking radiator grille in a three-louvre design with painted inlays and a large, central Mercedes star, steep A-pillars and a flat windscreen. The louvre carriers and inlays are individually styled depending on the equipment line, and e.g. painted in obsidian black. As optional equipment the inlays are available in high-gloss chrome. In this case the louvre carrier is in matt iridium silver.

Clear lines and large surfaces characterise the side view. The classic, short overhangs emphasise the balanced proportions of the off-roader. The side skirts, beltline and drainage strip take a parallel course. The side rub strip, which is semi-integrated like the tail lights, is just as functional and horizontal at the height of the door handles. On request this is available with pinstripes or in a striated or brushed aluminium look. Depending on the choice of optional equipment, running boards make access and egress easier.

Thanks to its wide track, a slightly trapezoidal rear window and prominent wheel arch linings, the G-Class appears very four-square when viewed from the rear. The rear fog lamp is integrated into the LED tail light. A large door hinged on the left carries the spare wheel and gives access to the luggage or cargo area. As a distinctive feature, the designers retained the external hinges on the rear door and all other doors.

The reversing camera is now positioned below the spare wheel, so that the driver has a clear view to the rear and can manoeuvre with millimetric precision. Unusual detail: for maximum reliability, the camera is waterproofed and therefore also protected against soiling; owing to the 100-millimetre increase in the fording depth of the new G-Class to 700 mm, it may be below the waterline in extreme cases.

The new, optional electric glass sliding roof not only gives pleasant ventilation to the interior, but also a view to the outside thanks to tinted glass. And should it start to rain, the roof automatically moves to the tilted position. In the event of an accident, the PRE-SAFE^® system closes the glass roof if a rollover threatens.

Customers have a choice of eleven new exterior paint finishes, e.g. brilliant blue or designo mystic white bright. 24 paint colours are available, of which nine are metallic and 13 are designo manufaktur colours.

Interior: as luxurious as it is authentic

While the exterior maintains the iconic, classic look, the interior of the G-Class has undergone a fundamental modern redesign which reinterprets the genes of the classic vehicle to reflect the exterior. With its off-road character and top-class luxury appointments, the G-Class has always combined two extremes into a harmonious symbiosis. Unmistakable at first glance and from the first touch, only high-quality materials are used. Every detail is finished by hand with the utmost care.

Getting into the G-Class reveals that numerous design features from the exterior have been transposed into the interior. The shape of the round headlamps, for instance, which is reflected in the side air vents. Or the design of the iconic indicators, found again in the shape of the loudspeakers. The driver, co-driver and passengers in the second row benefit from the increase in width, and therefore the more spacious interior of the off-roader. Hallmarks of the G-Class include the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chrome-highlighted switches for the three differential locks. Both have been further improved and retained as characteristic features. In an accident the front passenger airbag deploys above the grab handle.

The centre console benefits from the design freedom and has been completely newly configured to meet the functional requirements. The touch-sensitive Touch Controls on the steering wheel respond to swiping motions in the same way as the surface of a smartphone. They enable the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.

The very clearly arranged and completely redesigned instrument panel features timeless tube-look analogue dials as standard. In other words, fans of classic round instruments will certainly not be disappointed in the new G-Class. As in the new E-Class and S-Class, an instrument cluster in the form of a large display showing virtual instruments in the driver's direct field of vision and a central display above the centre console is available as an option. In this case the two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a Widescreen Cockpit beneath a shared glass cover. Drivers can choose between three different styles for the displays – "Classic", "Sporty" and "Progressive" – and also select relevant information and views according to their individual needs.

Thanks to haptic impulses and audible feedback from the on-board speakers, drivers can use the touchpad with controller in the centre console without taking their eyes off the road. The input options are rounded off by shortcut keys in front of the controller for frequently used operating tasks, and by the optional control panel for the driving assistance systems above the rotary light switch. The driver sits up close to the windscreen and enjoys good all-round visibility from behind the wheel.

Tasteful: high-quality materials

With its unmistakable character and high-quality appointments, the G-Class has always managed to combine off-road capability and luxury in a particularly harmonious way. Even in its standard specification, the G-Class's timeless and authentic open-pore wood trim gives it an air of classical elegance. Its stylish details include the generous use of high-quality metal or carbon fibre trim, and its leather seats. The doors are very solid, clear evidence of that hallmark "G" functionality. A well-conceived stowage space concept with numerous stowage compartments e.g. in the armrest or in the rear doors ensures that everything has its place. There is now an illuminated compartment under the armrest for items such as a penknife or sunglasses. The adjustable backrest of the rear bench seat is free-standing for maximum variability. Ten adjustment stages from Comfort to Cargo allow maximum flexibility.

Schöckl proved

"Every G-Class must be put to the test on the Schöckl." And this was the motto that headed the list of requirement specifications when it came to redesigning this classic among off-roaders. The Schöckl is the mountain just outside Graz in the Austrian state of Styria which Mercedes-Benz uses for test drives, and which every off-roader since the early development days of the "G" in the early 1970s has had to overcome. Which is why every "G" bears a certification mark in the form of a "Schöckl" on both sides at the base of its B-pillar.

The driver, co-driver and passengers benefit from the larger dimensions of the new G-Class. Legroom for the rear passengers has increased by 15 centimetres, and by 3.8 centimetres for the driver and co-driver.

Key data at a glance:

The rear seats can be folded down to 60, 40 or 100 percent. The seats in the G-Class are equipped as standard with numerous convenience functions and are ergonomically designed, thus providing enhanced seating comfort and lateral support. Other features are e.g. the memory function for the front seats, front and rear seat heating and luxury head restraints in the front. This ride comfort can optionally be boosted still further with the Active Multicontour Seat package. In addition to the special multicontour seats, this encompasses such features as various massage functions, climate-controlled seats, and fast seat heating. This variant also offers electrically adjustable lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger. The side sections of the seat cushions and backrests of the active multicontour seats include integrated air chambers that fill or empty continuously depending on the driving dynamics, thus providing better support for the seating positions of driver and front passenger and, for example, offering more lateral support during cornering. The front seats of the Active Multicontour Seat Package are recommended by experts from the German spinal health organisation "Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.".

Connectivity and digitisation using the latest technology is provided by the infotainment system COMAND Online included as standard. This begins with effortless integration of a smartphone into the onboard infotainment system. Phone calls can then be conveniently made via the Bluetooth^® hands-free system.

Apple's smartphone-based infotainment system CarPlay^® and Google's Android Auto™ can also be used with COMAND Online. If a corresponding smartphone is connected by USB, the customer can, if desired, switch to the CarPlay^® or Android Auto^TM interface.

Modern-style navigation

COMAND Online offers fast 3D hard-drive navigation with topographical map display, 3D buildings and 3D map rotations. The system presents its content interactively and its features include an animated compass. COMAND Online uses the familiar traffic data service Live Traffic Information. This allows reception of up-to-date and precise traffic information in real time for an exact estimate of the time of arrival.

Audio playback is possible from various sources. For example via Bluetooth^® or USB stick. COMAND Online also offers video playback and an integrated hotspot functionality for up to three mobile devices. It allows passengers in all seats to connect different WiFi-capable devices, such as laptop or tablet computers, to the internet.

Exquisite listening experience

The standard audio system features seven loudspeakers. The Burmester^® surround sound system with 15 speakers and a 590 watt amplifier with Digital Sound Processing is available as optional equipment. The listening experience is particularly remarkable in the low bass range, which has especially good sound resolution.

Mercedes me connect: a direct connection to the vehicle

Under the name "Mercedes me connect", Mercedes-Benz offers an extensive package of free standard services and Remote Online services via an on-board communication module. The range of services is being expanded continuously. The free basic services include Mercedes-Benz emergency call (eCall), Accident Recovery, Breakdown Management and Remote vehicle diagnostics.

The optional Remote Online services allow drivers to connect to their vehicle from anywhere and at any time e.g. by smartphone, to access vehicle information and to remotely activate a variety of functions. The range of functions includes remote door locking/unlocking and programming of the auxiliary heating. This works both with the Mercedes me app (available for iOS and Android) and via the Mercedes me portal (www.mercedes.me).

A further comfort highlight is the Concierge Service, which is now also available for the G-Class in conjunction with Mercedes me connect. Subscribed customers can take advantage of a number of individual services: from making a restaurant reservation to obtaining tips about tourist routes, information on cultural and sporting events and bookings through to sending navigation destinations directly to the vehicle.

Access is straightforward: registered Mercedes me connect users can call up the Concierge Service in 20 countries across Europe, either via the iCall button in the vehicle or using the Mercedes me app. The personal concierge takes care of everything else.