The Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets fresh interiors

Words: Ganesh Murthy

Mercedes-Benz has given a new lease of life to the granddaddy of all SUVs, the G-Class in the form of fresh interior packages. The changes include completely redesigned interiors, choice of multiple seat colour options and increased interior space that put the G-Class head to head with other luxury SUVs, ditching the dated interiors that the G-Class is synonymous for.

The main highlight of the cockpit is the 12.3-inch wide dual infotainment screen that displays a host of information along with a choice of three displays options, classic, sport and progressive. The screen above the centre console is optional. The squared AC vents are ditched for newly designed round AC vents and the differential switches come in chrome.  The AMG variants come with a flat bottomed steering wheel, which is a first in the G-Class. It also comes with the 16-speaker Burmester sound system with optional digital sound processing as an option, while the standard audio system is a 7-speaker unit.

The G-Class is now more spacious as well. Legroom in the front and rear has gone up by 38mm and 150mm, shoulder room in the front and rear is increased by 38mm and 27mm while elbow room in front and rear get an extra 68mm and 56mm from the standard model. A lot of passenger pampering options have also made their way in the G-Class, like heated seats for front and rear, colour options for seats, electrically adjustable lumbar supports for front and back and massage functions. Mercedes-Benz has also roped in some medical experts from a German spinal health organisation who has given their thumbs up to the front seats in the Active Multicontour Seat package. The rear seats can be folded fully or in 60/40 to increase boot space.

The interiors come with two package options, Exclusive Interior and Exclusive Interior Plus. The Exclusive Interior package comes with a choice of 7-color options including a combination of black Nappa leather with white, blue or red colors, air vents in silver, and designer roof liner. The Exclusive Interior Plus package features more leather in the centre console, doors, and seat design with diamond pattern quilting. The AMG variants get red stitching on the black seats and red seatbelts. The G-Class is also available in light coloured interiors.

The G-Class has a loyal fan following which reflects in its numbers. The 300,000^th G-wagen rolled out in summer this year and the new G-Class will make its debut at the 2018 Detroit auto show. In India it is sold as the G-63 AMG and it is one of the top selling models of Mercedes-AMG.