Mercedes-Benz has revealed the second-generation G Wogan, a vehicle that remains instantly recognizable yet has been thoroughly modernized under its iconic exterior. Launched at the Detroit Motor Show, the new G Wogan retains the rugged charm that has defined this off-road legend for nearly four decades, while delivering notable improvements in comfort, technology, and driving dynamics.
Classic Design, Modern Upgrades
The G Wogan angular, utilitarian silhouette has only been subtly refreshed. Signature elements like the door handles, door-closing sound, exposed rear spare wheel, exterior protective strip, and prominent indicator lights remain, preserving the model’s instantly identifiable look.
Despite these visual similarities, Mercedes emphasizes that surface quality has been enhanced, with narrower, more precise gaps and wheel arches and bumpers integrated more seamlessly into the body. The new G-Class measures 4,715 mm in length and 1,881 mm in width — 53 mm longer and 121 mm wider than its predecessor — yet still remains more compact than a Range Rover.
A Focus on Comfort and Technology
Mercedes has concentrated its modernization efforts on the interior, aiming to blend utility with comfort and advanced technology. The cabin now features a multifunction steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, an electric handbrake, and a steering column-mounted gear selector, freeing up space on the center console for a touchpad, rotary infotainment controller, and extra storage.
Rear passenger comfort has been greatly improved thanks to a 40 mm longer wheelbase, increased rear legroom (+150 mm) and front legroom (+38 mm), as well as more elbow and shoulder space. Rear seats can recline across nine angles or fold flat to maximize boot space. Though the final luggage capacity is not yet announced, it is expected to exceed the outgoing model’s 699 liters.
Mercedes has also upgraded the rearview camera, now positioned below the spare wheel for better visibility, and fully waterproof to handle the harshest conditions.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics
The G-Class retains its ladder-frame chassis, though heavily revised and combined with a new aluminum body to reduce weight by 170 kg. Suspension has been redeveloped with AMG, featuring a double-wishbone front axle and a rigid rear axle, raising ground clearance to 241 mm. Body rigidity improvements, including strut tower braces and enhanced axle mounting, enhance on-road comfort.
Off-road capability is also improved, with a maximum fording depth of 70 cm (up 10 cm), a 30° departure angle, and a 31° approach angle. The four-wheel-drive system offers five driving modes — Comfort, Sport, Individual, Eco, and G-mode — the latter optimized for off-road conditions with three differential locks and low-range gearing.
A modern electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering system replaces the 1979-era recirculating ball setup, delivering more precise control and compatibility with advanced driver-assistance systems. The nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission replaces the previous seven-speed unit, offering faster, smoother shifts.
Engine Options and Pricing
The G-Class will arrive in the UK in August, with the Mercedes-AMG G63 as the most popular variant. Powered by a 4.0-liter V8 turbo petrol engine producing 603 bhp and 627 lb-ft of torque, it replaces the outgoing 5.5-liter V8. Pricing for the G63 is expected just under £140,000, with a First Edition launch variant around £156,000.
An entry-level 350d, powered by a 2.9-liter straight-six diesel engine delivering 282 bhp and 443 lb-ft, will arrive in 2019 with a starting price of £85,000, undercutting the current model. Mercedes is also exploring a lower-priced trim under £80,000. The G500 variant is confirmed for other markets and may also be introduced in the UK.
Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche hinted at future electrification of the G-Class, aligning with the company’s goal of fully electrifying its lineup by 2022.
Verdict
The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class combines its legendary off-road capability with modern comfort, improved interior space, advanced technology, and enhanced driving dynamics. As Mercedes puts it: “This is the safest, most efficient, most comfortable — and first and foremost — the most off-road capable G-Class ever built.”
Even as the new generation prepares to launch, the current G-Class continues to see strong demand, with UK sales up 30% in 2017. The G-Class remains a benchmark for luxury off-road SUVs, bridging tradition with modern innovation.
If you want, I can also create a more engaging, blog-friendly version with shorter paragraphs, subheadings, and punchy lines suitable for online readers — it would be reader-friendly and SEO-optimized.
Do you want me to do that next?
Here’s your rewritten blog post with “G-Class” replaced by “G-Wogan” throughout:
All-New Mercedes-Benz G-Wogan Unveiled
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the second-generation G-Wogan, a vehicle that remains instantly recognizable yet has been thoroughly modernized under its iconic exterior. Launched at the Detroit Motor Show, the new G-Wogan retains the rugged charm that has defined this off-road legend for nearly four decades, while delivering notable improvements in comfort, technology, and driving dynamics.
Classic Design, Modern Upgrades
The G Wogan angular, utilitarian silhouette has only been subtly refreshed. Signature elements like the door handles, door-closing sound, exposed rear spare wheel, exterior protective strip, and prominent indicator lights remain, preserving the model’s instantly identifiable look.
Despite these visual similarities, Mercedes emphasizes that surface quality has been enhanced, with narrower, more precise gaps and wheel arches and bumpers integrated more seamlessly into the body. The new G Wogan measures 4,715 mm in length and 1,881 mm in width — 53 mm longer and 121 mm wider than its predecessor — yet still remains more compact than a Range Rover.
A Focus on Comfort and Technology
Mercedes has concentrated its modernization efforts on the interior, aiming to blend utility with comfort and advanced technology. The cabin now features a multifunction steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, an electric handbrake, and a steering column-mounted gear selector, freeing up space on the center console for a touchpad, rotary infotainment controller, and extra storage.
Rear passenger comfort has been greatly improved thanks to a 40 mm longer wheelbase, increased rear legroom (+150 mm) and front legroom (+38 mm), as well as more elbow and shoulder space. Rear seats can recline across nine angles or fold flat to maximize boot space. Though the final luggage capacity is not yet announced, it is expected to exceed the outgoing model’s 699 liters.
Mercedes has also upgraded the rearview camera, now positioned below the spare wheel for better visibility, and fully waterproof to handle the harshest conditions.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics
The G Wogan retains its ladder-frame chassis, though heavily revised and combined with a new aluminum body to reduce weight by 170 kg. Suspension has been redeveloped with AMG, featuring a double-wishbone front axle and a rigid rear axle, raising ground clearance to 241 mm. Body rigidity improvements, including strut tower braces and enhanced axle mounting, enhance on-road comfort.
Off-road capability is also improved, with a maximum fording depth of 70 cm (up 10 cm), a 30° departure angle, and a 31° approach angle. The four-wheel-drive system offers five driving modes — Comfort, Sport, Individual, Eco, and G Wogan — the latter optimized for off-road conditions with three differential locks and low-range gearing.
A modern electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering system replaces the 1979-era recirculating ball setup, delivering more precise control and compatibility with advanced driver-assistance systems. The nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission replaces the previous seven-speed unit, offering faster, smoother shifts.
Engine Options and Pricing
The G Wogan will arrive in the UK in August, with the Mercedes-AMG G63 as the most popular variant. Powered by a 4.0-liter V8 turbo petrol engine producing 603 bhp and 627 lb-ft of torque, it replaces the outgoing 5.5-liter V8. Pricing for the G63 is expected just under £140,000, with a First Edition launch variant around £156,000.
An entry-level 350d, powered by a 2.9-liter straight-six diesel engine delivering 282 bhp and 443 lb-ft, will arrive in 2019 with a starting price of £85,000, undercutting the current model. Mercedes is also exploring a lower-priced trim under £80,000. The G500 variant is confirmed for other markets and may also be introduced in the UK.
Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche hinted at future electrification of the G Wogan, aligning with the company’s goal of fully electrifying its lineup by 2022.
Verdict
The new Mercedes-Benz G Wogan combines its legendary off-road capability with modern comfort, improved interior space, advanced technology, and enhanced driving dynamics. As Mercedes puts it: “This is the safest, most efficient, most comfortable — and first and foremost — the most off-road capable G Wogan ever built.”
Even as the new generation prepares to launch, the current G-Wogan continues to see strong demand, with UK sales up 30% in 2017. The G-Wogan remains a benchmark for luxury off-road SUVs, bridging tradition with modern innovation.