The G 500 is replaced with a V6 engine, and the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class is released, with a slight increase in power

For the past 45 years, the G-Class has held high the banner of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. For nearly half a century, the boxy SUV hasn’t changed much. By 2024, the model finally got a facelift, along with an electrified makeover.

The basic model G 550 (the domestic model is G 500) abandoned the V8 engine and replaced it with a new 3.0T inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is combined with the motor to form a mild hybrid system. The maximum power of the G550 is 443 horsepower and the maximum torque is 560 Nm; the maximum power of the domestic G500 model is 402 horsepower, and the maximum torque is 560 Nm in line with the overseas model. The motor in the system can provide 20 horsepower and 201 Nm of torque. Compared with the previous model, the power has increased, but the torque has decreased slightly.

The latest nine-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter provides a wider gear ratio, while an all-wheel drive system with 60 torque distribution in the front 40 comes standard. Even with a small engine, the G550 still has excellent off-road capabilities. Three mechanical differential locks work in conjunction with the transfer case to provide excellent off-road performance. The new car still has 241.3mm ground clearance, an approach angle of 30 degrees, and a departure angle of 31 degrees.

Both the new G 550 and G 63 get subtle upgrades, especially the G 63. The new car comes with new paint options, adaptive as standard, and a new bumper design. At the same time, owners can choose from six different wheels from 20 to 22 inches.

Mercedes has added an off-road cockpit function to the MBUX infotainment system to assist in completing the off-road. The off-road cockpit can display information such as vehicle positioning, altitude, steering angle and temperature on a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and corresponding digital dashboard, while users can personalize the display according to their needs. The "clear hood" function borrowed from the EQE and GLC is also used, allowing drivers to see the environment directly below the front of the car through a 360-degree overhead camera. The new G-Class also features a host of other new technologies, including a driver assistance system.

The base G550 is scaled back, while the high-performance G 63 remains unchanged. The 4.0T twin-turbo V8 engine continues to be used, with a maximum power of 577 horsepower and a maximum torque of 850 Nm. It is equipped with the same 48V light hybrid system as the base model. This power is enough to allow the G 63 to achieve 0-96km/h acceleration in 4.2 seconds.