The biggest baddest Benz of them all gets a facelift… Stuttgart has just announced and released images of their new Mercedes-Benz G-Class family.
One of the CAR mag team’s favourite vehicles at our 2015 Performance Shootout (watch it out drag a Subaru WRX STi), the AMG models get some extra ponies with the G 63 now delivering 420 kW (20 kW) and 760 N.m, while the G 65 gets another 33 kW and now boasts 463 kW and a tractor-pulling-contest-winning 1000 N.m of torque.
The G500 gets the most significant engine upgrade with an all-new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine good for 310 kW and 610 N.m. This means, says Mercedes, a 0-100 km/h figure of 5.9 seconds. The other model to get a power hike is the G350d that goes from 155 kW to 180 kW, and sees a torque increase from 540 N.m 600 N.m.
Visual clues to the facelifted range are quite subtle. The G350d and G500 models get restyled bumpers and standard AMG flared wheel, and the G350d also comes as standard with 18-inch five-spoke alloys.
A new range-topping (excluding, of course, the limited-edition G63 AMG 6×6) AMG EDITION 463 special model, comes with a flash, bespoke interior the boasts a two-tone instrument panel, two-tone leather seats with side bolsters in carbon-look leather and contrasting topstitching, seat and door centre panels in a diamond design, carbon-fibre trim and door pulls in nappa leather.
A stainless steel underguard, AMG sport stripes along the sides, a protective-strip insert with black aluminum look and 21-inch alloys complete the look.
According to Mercedes-Benz South Africa, the face-lifted G-Class range will hit our shores in 2016 and comprise of the G300 BluTec, G500 and G63 models.
