2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: The Ultimate Luxury Off-Roader

Introduction to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Proper, true-blue off-roaders are not meant to speed along highways at breakneck speeds but are built with the sole purpose of traversing any terrain imaginable. One of the most iconic motoring landmarks to represent this mission statement is none other than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class or G-Wagon. The G-Wagon was built with just one mission in mind – to serve the armed forces of nations all over the globe.

History of the G-Class

When it was introduced back in 1979, the Gelandewagen was to be nothing more than a European revisit of the landmark American Jeep. However, as time went by, Mercedes-Benz realized the huge potential of the rugged and adaptable G-Wagon in the world’s SUV market.

Transformation into a Luxury SUV

Without further ado, the German carmaker quickly launched a slightly civilized version of the Gelandewagen for normal people to buy. It wasn’t long before this boxy 4X4 went from being a no-nonsense military vehicle to a full-fledged, boxy but luxurious passenger SUV.

Current Model Overview

Today, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most premier SUVs in the world, showcasing the three-pointed star’s off-road might and status symbol all rolled into one vehicle. In the United Arab Emirates, the least expensive variant of the new 2019 G-Class can be procured for around 600,000 dirhams, even before adding options.

Design and Features

The latest G builds on the reputation set by its forerunners, being one of the most capable and unchallenged off-roaders currently on the market. Mercedes-Benz has tried to smoothen some of the rough edges, yet its boxy silhouette, old-school grab-like door handles, almost flat windscreen, rear door-mounted spare wheel, and characteristic circular headlamps all hint at the new model’s tough upbringing.

Interior Upgrades

Mercedes has also uplifted the interior of the new G-Class by adding modern displays, a sophisticated dashboard and center console, and a fancy steering wheel lifted straight from the S-Class. Improved cabin volume and smarter packaging further enhance the experience.

Performance and Specifications

What’s far more noticeable is the lengths Mercedes-Benz has gone to in order to increase the on-road performance of this non-aerodynamic, heavy, body-on-frame SUV. Over the years, they have dropped in massively-powerful engines paired with automatic gearboxes.

2019 G500 Performance

The 2019 Mercedes G500 is the most basic G-Wagon available in the UAE. Even this base variant comes armed with a 4.0-liter, bi-turbo V8, alongside side-mounted exhausts. In its low-output state, this motor dishes out 422 hp and 610 Nm of torque, paired with a newly-developed 9-speed automatic transmission. This 2,400-kilogram behemoth can launch itself to 100 km/h in a mere 5.9 seconds.

Despite its despicable aerodynamics and immense mass, the 2019 G500 reaches a top speed of 210 km/h, only to be then controlled by onboard computers. It's important to note that this is just the ‘base’ variant of the G-Class.

Safety Features

To ensure maximum safety for its occupants, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the G-Class with a plethora of airbags and advanced electronic systems that might make the S-Class blush.