Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly upgraded the luxury cross-country G-Class.

The interior is characterised by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials. The instrument cluster and centre console have been completely redesigned. The driver's field of vision now encompasses a colour screen, between two new round dials. The car features as standard the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system, including a navigation system and internet access.

New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the appearance of the luxury off-roader. The standard range of safety equipment includes Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid, Parktronic. These features can be optionally enhanced with the reversing camera and the adaptive cruise control system Distronic Plus.

New to the range is the G 63 AMG with an eight-cylinder bi-turbo engine and the ECO start/stop system as standard. A further addition is the G 500 variant with its powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine.

"Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years and in its latest evolutionary stage, offers state-of-the-art, powerful engines, and further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety features. With its now legendary off-road capabilities, the design of the G-Class remains true to its routes and unmistakable styling," says Selvin Govender, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The G 63 AMG variant features a new, characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvres, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels, available here for the first time, complement the emotive appeal of its exterior.

The range of engines in the G-Class includes the G 350 BlueTEC and the G 500, plus the G 63 AMG, all in a long-wheelbase five-door version.

The basic version of the long-wheelbase five-door model is the G 350 BlueTEC with V6 diesel engine and a displacement of 2987cc. The four-valve engine has an output of 155kW at 3400rpm and has available torque of 540Nm across an engine speed range of 1600 to 2400rpm. The G 350 BlueTEC is more fuel efficient thanks to the addition of AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution that is injected into the flow of exhaust gases. Refilling with AdBlue® is conveniently done from the outside of the vehicle.

One alternative to the diesel engine is the G 500, with its powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine. This engine has an output of 285kW and offers excellent torque of 530Nm, with generous reserves of power to deal with any situation.

Both the G 350 and the G 500 feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic  transmission as standard. Now in its sixth generation, the multi-ratio automatic transmission was developed by Mercedes-Benz and has been in production since 1960. The new version has been thoroughly revised to optimise consumption and comfort compared with its predecessor.

The G 63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine delivering 400kW and 760Nm features the ECO start/stop system as standard.

"With the evolution of the G-Class over the years, the spirit of this off-roader has remained true to its form with the many technical, comfort and safety enhancements encompassing its rich heritage. This is evident by the G-Class being voted off-roader of the year time and time again, awarded once again this year," said Govender.

Pricing:

G 350 BlueTEC: R1 335 000
G 500: R1 494 000
G 63 AMG: R2 047 000
G 300 CDI Professional: R786 900