The All New-Not New Mercedes G Class Is The New British Bulldog

The Land Rover Defender was the definitive off-roader and it was British, those ordinary, weather beaten looks hid a formidable work of engineering. But the Defender, as we know it, is retired albeit awaiting a sanitised ressurection probably in the form as a 21st Century frappacino, a dumbed down version for upper middle classes whose answer to slumbing it is wearing £200 designer wellingtons that will only ever beat a path down Sloan Street.

This is where the Mercedes G Class comes into play and the genius of Mercedes is there for all to see. The genius? it's simple, don't mess with what already works.

The G-Class has not changed significantly since 1979. Iconic elements continue to serve very specific purposes and to give the G‑Class its unique appearance.

All these are still found in the new G‑Class: the distinctive door handle and the characteristic closing sound, the robust exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the prominent indicator lights.

The new G-Class is 53 mm longer and 121 mm wider. While the exterior maintains the iconic classic look, the interior of the G-Class has undergone a fundamental modern more luxurious redesign.

The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class is now fit to tacle the 21st Century with cutting-edge assistance systems, improved handling, and safety.

The new suspension, the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, the “G-Mode” and the three 100‑percent differential locks enhance not only ride comfort but also agility – on any surface.

At launch the new G-Class will be powered by a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine ensures powerful propulsion. The new biturbo produces an output of 310 kW (422 hp) and a maximum torque of 610 Nm at 2000 to 4750 rpm.

UK specification and pricing is still to be confirmed, with first customer deliveries arriving in the summer.