Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets major interior overhaul
12-14-17 | 10:20 AM
#18
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 31
From: Canada
Real 4x4s always have been to a degree field serviceable. Look at Australia, home of the Land Cruiser and arguably the biggest 4x4 market in the world. Majority of that market is all either Toyota or Nissan with some oddball Land Rover and other brands mixed in.
The reason a Gwagen is not a true four wheeler is mainly cost, difficulty to service, parts wait-time and availability, impossible to repair anything in the field.
I have been around a fair share of Gwagens to know that it's not something you would ever consider to taking into any remote place. Pop the hood of a G63 and you'll know what I am talking about. Those things do not leave more than 100 mile radius of a MB dealership for a very good reason.
All the G's you see being used are all old school with basic small motors and drivetrains, proper sized wheels and tires, proper exhaust system that's tucked up high, so on and so forth.
The current model is a rich folks toy.
The reason a Gwagen is not a true four wheeler is mainly cost, difficulty to service, parts wait-time and availability, impossible to repair anything in the field.
I have been around a fair share of Gwagens to know that it's not something you would ever consider to taking into any remote place. Pop the hood of a G63 and you'll know what I am talking about. Those things do not leave more than 100 mile radius of a MB dealership for a very good reason.
All the G's you see being used are all old school with basic small motors and drivetrains, proper sized wheels and tires, proper exhaust system that's tucked up high, so on and so forth.
The current model is a rich folks toy.
Its buyers do not understand, nor care about the strong, 4WD platform that is able to crawl over rocks (although the buttons for 3 locking differentials look good). They just care that they are driving a similar vehicle to one used by the German Army and used in Afghanistan, that it can climb over the kerb at the shopping mall and drive up to the ski hill.
The North American buyers for the G-Wagen are the same type of people who bought the otherwise-useless Hummer H2 and H3.
12-14-17 | 03:32 PM
#21
Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 16
From: ON
12-14-17 | 05:57 PM
#22
Honestly the only thing I like about the new interior is the updated instrument cluster and Nav screen (size and placing). Everything else does not suit this vehicle or its boxy/rugged/military design.
It just looks like they slapped a MB sedan dash and center console and kept the same boxy door panels. Does not look like it belongs and I agree the AC vents look very odd and cheap. Those should never be the focal point in the interior of a car like this. It looks like something you'd see on a Kia Forte or some other cheap compact.
01-04-18 | 11:38 PM
#26
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,592
Likes: 28
From: TN
For what these things are actually used for(mall crawlers), I'm sure the vastly improved steering will be appreciated.
Still though I agree that it is a bit sad to see the solid front axle go, as you can make them drive a lot nicer than the crap setup on the current G-wagon. Stuff like the Wrangler, heavy duty Dodge pickups, 1993 Grand Cherokee, they all use solid front and rear axles and drive/steer/handle infinitely better than the current G-wagon.
Still though I agree that it is a bit sad to see the solid front axle go, as you can make them drive a lot nicer than the crap setup on the current G-wagon. Stuff like the Wrangler, heavy duty Dodge pickups, 1993 Grand Cherokee, they all use solid front and rear axles and drive/steer/handle infinitely better than the current G-wagon.
01-05-18 | 07:51 AM
#29
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,628
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
01-06-18 | 06:12 PM
#30
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 4
From: RightHere
I predict a lot of people are going to rip off that ridiculous plasticky metallic air vent and lower dash trim and do something else with it. Carbon fiber or wood coating. Makes it look like you're sitting in a bargain basement rental subcompact.