Last week, spy photos of the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4×4² without any camouflage made their way online. Now, a beautiful pair of renderings of the lifted G-Wagon have made their way as well.

The current-generation G-Class doesn’t look dramatically different than the previous model and similarly, the flagship 4×4² won’t be all that different either. Which in reality is not a bad thing. As the saying goes, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it and the original G-Class 4×4², badged as the G500 in Europe and the G550 in the United States, is one of the most badass vehicles currently out there.

Mercedes G-Class 4×4

These renderings from Kolesa depict the new 4×4² with a black bull bar that could be offered as an option but wasn’t present on the prototype recently snapped. Like the previous-gen model, the vehicle will use advanced portal axles to give it a huge amount of ground clearance, not that most buyers will be brave enough to take it off-roading.

Spin around to the rear and the vehicle has been rendered with a spare wheel attached to the tailgate and a thick bull bar covering it. The small rear ladder of the recent prototype is not present in these renderings but we suspect it will be an option.

Details regarding the powertrain of the new 4×4² remain unclear. There is no doubt that it will feature a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 like most current AMG models but it remains to be seen if it will produce the same 416 hp and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque as the previous G500 / G550 4×4² models. Given how popular the off-roader proved to be when it went on sale, we wouldn’t be shocked to see the German firm slot in the more punchy 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 of the G63 that offers up 577 hp and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm).

A G-Class like never before: With the G 650 Landaulet*, Mercedes‑Maybach presents a new masterpiece of automotive engineering. After the Mercedes-Maybach S‑Class and the S 650 Cabriolet, the open-top G‑Class is the first off-roader from the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand. The exceptional G 650 Landaulet follows the equally spectacular variants AMG G 63 6×6 and G 500 4×42. With its superlative V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment, this very special all-terrain vehicle, which is limited to 99 units, meets the expectations of customers who demand the very highest standards of their vehicle. The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet is surely the most exclusive form of stylish open-top motoring.

The history of the G-Class is rich in superlatives and landmarks. With the new Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the off-road icon demonstrates that the definition of unique luxury can always be taken to a new level. Not only that: the cult vehicle among off-roaders is forever reinventing itself and providing yet more evidence of the potential that still resides in this classic all-terrain vehicle today, which has been in production since 1979.

“The name Maybach dates back to the beginnings of the automobile. It stands for supreme luxury with tradition, combined with high-tech. In 2015, we took the logical step of opening a new chapter in the luxury class with our Mercedes‑Maybach sub-brand. Since then, over 15,000 Mercedes-Maybachs have been produced. Hence, one in every ten vehicles sold in the S‑Class segment was a Mercedes-Maybach. With the Mercedes-Maybach G‑Class Landaulet, we are now extending the Mercedes-Maybach portfolio to include the world’s most iconic and prestigious off-roader.

*Fuel consumption (combined): 17.0 l/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 397 g/km

With the fifth model after the S‑Class Saloon, Pullman and Cabriolet as well as the Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 show car, we are underlining the importance of the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand for the Mercedes brand family,” says Dr Jens Thiemer, Head of Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars.

With a length of 5345 millimetres, a wheelbase of 3428 millimetres, a height of 2235 millimetres, almost half a metre of ground clearance and ample space and comfort for four passengers, the G 650 Landaulet surpasses all standards. This extrovert G‑Class thus represents a unique combination of luxurious chauffeur saloon and off-roader. While the driver and front passenger are accommodated under the closed roof, the rear passengers can revel in a maximum of comfort: at the press of a button, a large folding top opens electrically to offer a view of the blue sky. The rear passengers enjoy the majestic open-air experience from their single seats. On demand, an electrically operated glass partition separates the rear compartment from the driver’s section. In addition, the glass can be changed from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.

First-class rear seats with calf rest and fully reclined position

Thanks to the 578 millimetre longer wheelbase, the passengers in the Mercedes‑Maybach G 650 Landaulet benefit from extensive freedom of movement. The first-class rear seats from the S‑Class significantly enhance the seating comfort and spaciousness: the electrically multi-adjustable individual seats can be conveniently set to a fully reclined position. The active multicontour seats with ENERGIZING massage function have inflatable air chambers to provide high seating comfort and excellent lateral support. Massage programs make for enhanced well-being – according to the principle of a relaxing hot-stone massage, including with heat. The rear seating concept is augmented by a calf rest, which is freely adjustable in length and swivel range.

The other appointments of the G 650 Landaulet also leave nothing to be desired. To afford the rear passengers the optimum in comfort, there is a large business console with thermal cup holders between the individual seats. These allow beverages to be cooled or heated over a lengthy period of time. The controls for opening or closing the glass partition are integrated behind the cup holders. Similarly to an aircraft seat, the centre console comes with two tables, which can be easily folded in or out with one hand. The table tops have leather inserts to provide a comfortable writing surface or to allow the use of tablets and notebooks.

Individual Entertainment System with two monitors in the rear

Positioned in front of the cup holders is a control for the rear air conditioning. Further forward is a “G cockpit” in the style of the driver’s instrument panel. The centre console houses the three distinctive, centrally placed pushbutton switches. These switches are not used to operate the three differential locks, however: one switch is for the interior lighting, while the other two are used to open and close the soft top. The rear “G cockpit” also includes two glove compartments as well as grab handles typical of the G‑Class. The cross-member, which also holds the glass partition, accommodates two 25.4 cm (10‑inch) high-resolution media displays of the Individual Entertainment System.

Two-tone designo upholstery in four trim colours

The luxurious, exquisite character of the Landaulet is emphasised by the high-grade designo upholstery with diamond stitching, which is in all cases two-tone and available in four trim colours. Customers can choose between three different matching colours for the fabric top as well as four attractive designo paint finishes, including a matt finish. “V12 BITURBO” lettering on the front wings points to the ultimate in motive power, the 12‑c ylinder engine. The radiator grille features a chrome-plated double louvre and a chrome-plated screen.

Exclusive “LANDAULET” lettering is worked into the rim flanges of the ceramically polished, 55.9 cm (22‑inch) 5‑twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. Electrically extending entry aids make for easier access to the vehicle. Other exclusive exterior design features include front and rear underride guards, large wheel-arch flares in genuine carbon fibre as well as, mounted on the right at the rear, the spare wheel with integral holder for the third brake light.

Portal axles and 325/55 R 22 tyres

As is customary with the off-road icon, the “G” is forever breaking new ground: unlike previous Landaulets, which were based on prestigious saloons, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet also has what it takes to deliver an unforgettable off-road experience. Familiar from the AMG G 63 6×6 and G 500 4×42, the portal axles provide ample ground clearance of 450 millimetres, allowing the open-top all-terrain vehicle to overcome even extreme obstacles in masterly fashion. In contrast to a conventional rigid axle, the wheels are not at the height of the axle centre, but are instead situated much further down on the axle heads owing to the portal transmission.

Tyres of size 325/55 R 22 form the ideal basis for perfect handling both on- and off-road. Of course, the latest “G” also features the typical 100‑percent differential locks, which can be engaged while on the move, as well as the low off-road ratio of the transfer case. The combination of this 4WD technology, unique in the off-road segment, makes the G 650 Landaulet stand out from all other 4×4 vehicles.

High drive comfort comes courtesy of the most powerful available engine, the Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo, which delivers a maximum output of 463 kW (630 hp) with a peak torque of 1000 Newton-metres.

Over 100 years of famous Landaulets from Stuttgart

Landaulet vehicles have a long tradition at the Stuttgart-based car maker. This special class of vehicle included the Benz 25/45 PS of 1910. Other famous examples of this exclusive genre are the Mercedes-Benz 300 d Landaulet (from 1960), the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet (from 1964) and the Maybach Landaulet (from 2008).

Limited to 99 units, market premiere in autumn 2017

Like all other variants of the G-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, too, will be produced by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The open-top four-seater will celebrate its world premiere and sales release at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. The market launch of the special series, which will be limited to 99 units, will start in the autumn.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class first came unto the scene in 1979 and has changed very little since that time with a minor facelift planned for 2016. Before it gets a makeover however and just in time for its 35th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz is rolling out a G-Class 35 Edition.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class 35 Edition

This special gelandewagen model is dressed with black leather interior with Nappa seats and an AMG Performance steering wheel. The exterior has been upgraded with the Chrome and Sport packages, while the standard wheels have been replaced with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. The G-Class 35 Edition will be available in three different colors – black, white and gray metallic colors. The 35 Edition comes in two variants, a G350 BlueTEC and a G500 and will only be available until May of 2015. Prices in Germany start at 101,031 EUR (130,000 USD) and at 112,812 EUR (145,000 USD) respectively.

Source: WCF

In 1979, Mercedes-Benz and its partner Steyr-Daimler-Puch launched the now indestructible, go anywhere Geländewagen, better known as the G-Wagen.  The SUV that was originally seen only off-road in camo colors quickly became a car of choice for the rich for on and off-road expeditions.  Because of its iconic status, Mercedes has committed to continuing production of the G-Class for at least the next decade.  And while the G-Wagen will maintain its boxy stature throughout this time, it is set for a makeover in 2016.

2016 Mercedes G-Class Makeover Details

New passive safety legislations and stricter emission norms keep calling for increasingly frequent engineering updates, but by 2016 when even tighter rules will be enforced, only a thorough makeover can save the golden oldie. Although this update entails a substantial investment worth several hundred million euros, Daimler will comply – after all, the G-Wagen is in its 35th year and they’re not about to give up on it now.

While the 461-series aimed at military clients will soldier on almost unchanged, the 463-series aimed at private individuals is to undergo a number of significant changes. For a start, the body will be widened by 100mm from 1760 to 1860mm which is admittedly still slim when compared to the 1980mm Range Rover.

The slab-sided flanks are bound to survive, but the roof can come down a bit to comply with standard-size garages, and although the trademark front-end graphics must be carried over, minor drag-cutting modifications are perfectly okay.

Details that give away the revised model include the Distronic Plus radar eye hidden behind the three-pointed star, the adaptive extra-cost LED headlamps, a set of selectively blocked-off air intakes and the miniature cameras which feed the latest generation assistance systems.

It is at this point not quite clear whether the short-wheelbase G-wagen convertible will also be granted a new lease of life.

Engines in the new 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-class

The new G-class may lose the optional V12 engine, but it will gain two new in-line six-cylinder engines and show-off types can pick a V8, naturally:

3.0-litre petrol straight six 367bhp and 354lb ft
2.9-litre diesel straight six 313bhp and 354lb ft
4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 462bhp and 442lb ft
5.5-litre V8 G63 AMG 571bhp and 590lb ft

The 463-series Mercedes G-wagen: the interior

The greater width of the next G-wagen requires a new dashboard. Instead of simply adding a piece of plastic here and three, Mercedes will redesign the entire instrument panel which is to incorporates such classic touches as a high-mounted passenger grab handle, the prominent diff lock push-buttons and two large round dials.

Contemporary modifications are said to include the latest-generation Comand system complete with touchpad, a larger in-dash monitor complemented by a head-up display, rearranged centre stack ergonomics and a new steering wheel. Think classic G-wagen looks mixed with modern creature comforts.

The handbrake is again of the lever-operated kind, the joystick retains its place on the transmission tunnel, the more comfortable seats are still mounted relatively close to the doors. The frame to which the body is attached will in future be made of aluminium, not steel. This saves a whopping 375 kilos over the 461 series, and there are even more calories to be shed by replacing the front live axle with a brand-new independent suspension.

Apparently you can still lock all three diffs: the one up front via brake actuation, the other two via a hydraulic clutch mechanism. Also new is the electrically assisted power steering, a must in combination with all those lane keeping, parking aid and accident avoidance wizardries.

Via: Car Magazine

We are used to seeing Prior Design working on an E-Class, a SL most recently even a Mercedes CL, so we were pleasantly surprised when Prior-Design announced plans to offer a new styling package for the Mercedes G-Class.

Starting with the exterior, the G-Class has been equipped with a new front bumper, a ventilated hood, a roof-mounted air intake and a rear diffuser.  All sitting on 23-inch alloy wheels.

Prior-Design has yet to release interior pictures, but we’ve been informed that customers can order a carbon fiber package that adds the lightweight material throughout the cabin.

Interested in what else Prior Design has done, click here for a look at their past Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

“The more you have traveled, the more you realize how little you have seen.” Gunther Holtorf and his late wife Christine, are truly an adventurer’s inspiration.  Having been traveling in a Mercedes Benz G-Wagon, which he named Otto, for the past 23 years, Gunther has covered an approximate 500,000 miles (800,000km), the equivalent of 20 times around the world.

It began back in 1989, as the Berlin Wall fell, Gunther and Christine set out on what was meant to be an 18-month tour of Africa in their Mercedes-Benz G Wagon.  The German former airline executive has travelled the world in Otto, never having a serious breakdown.  The engine always started for him and he was able to fix nearly every problem on his own immediately, a testament to Mercedes’ engines.

His G-Wagon has taken him to several amazing places around the world, his story is inspiring.  Watch the video below or visit to photo gallery to see some of the amazing places he’s managed to take his beloved gelandewagen, Otto.