For years, it seemed like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class could never die. But throughout the decades, the most notable thing about the G-Class has been how little it seemed to change. There was a major chassis update in 1990, and powertrain technology and interior luxury advanced dramatically over the years. But today, in 2018, you can walk into a Mercedes dealership and buy a brand-new G-Class that shares its dimensions, layout, suspension design and most of its bodywork with that first model that debuted 39 years ago. For 2019, that all changes drastically. After nearly four decades, Mercedes-Benz is completely revamping the G-Class. To lovers of the stalwart, charmingly ancient machine, it almost seems foolhardy: The upright off-roader sells in droves precisely because of how timeless (some might say archaic) it is. Why mess with a good thing? At the media launch of the all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 and Mercedes-AMG G63, I posed this question to Ian Hadley James, the Mercedes marketing executive responsible for the G-Class range. The planning for the new model began in 2012. "Our idea was not to have a completely new vehicle, only a facelift," Kurt Tomberger, Strategic Project Manager for the G-Class, told me.

For years, it seemed like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class could never die. But throughout the decades, the most notable thing about the G-Class has been how little it seemed to change. There was a major chassis update in 1990, and powertrain technology and interior luxury advanced dramatically over the years. But today, in 2018, you can walk into a Mercedes dealership and buy a brand-new G-Class that shares its dimensions, layout, suspension design and most of its bodywork with that first model that debuted 39 years ago. For 2019, that all changes drastically. After nearly four decades, Mercedes-Benz is completely revamping the G-Class. To lovers of the stalwart, charmingly ancient machine, it almost seems foolhardy: The upright off-roader sells in droves precisely because of how timeless (some might say archaic) it is. Why mess with a good thing? At the media launch of the all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 and Mercedes-AMG G63, I posed this question to Ian Hadley James, the Mercedes marketing executive responsible for the G-Class range. The planning for the new model began in 2012. "Our idea was not to have a completely new vehicle, only a facelift," Kurt Tomberger, Strategic Project Manager for the G-Class, told me.

The goal, he said, was to improve the on-road comfort of the G-Class without negatively impacting its off-road prowess. Tomberger's team started with the steering. If you've ever twirled the tiller on a G-Class, you know the steering system comes from deep in the last century. The recirculating-ball setup was firm to the point of taxing your forearms and reluctant to center itself, with a dead spot in the middle that made every lane change a gamble. So Mercedes decided to switch to a modern, variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering system with adaptive electric power assist. That one upgrade required a seismic change to the G-Class chassis. Rack-and-pinion steering can't be adapted to work with a solid front axle, the suspension design that gave the G-Class its legendary off-road performance and durability. Mercedes would have to upgrade the G to independent front suspension. Designing an independent suspension robust and flexible enough to maintain the G-Class's off-road performance required big changes elsewhere. The end result: An all-new ladder frame and completely redesigned body, both optimized to be lighter and stiffer than the outgoing model. Then there were the safety updates. When the G-Class design was first penned, crash testing was in its infancy. Today, it's the main driving force in automobile design. New European regulations for the 2019 model year demand major improvements in pedestrian impact safety. The new rules require significant open space between a car's grille and hood and the rigid components (radiator, intake, engine cover) beneath, to create a crumple zone to mitigate injury to legs and heads. In an old G-Class, such space simply doesn't exist, and moving the powertrain around wasn't a viable option. That, plus ever-tightening front- and side-impact crash testing in Mercedes' markets worldwide, led to the most visually noticeable update to the G-Class: A body that is now 2.1 inches longer and three inches wider, sitting on a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase. It was a necessary thing to do," he added. "It was just the right timing.

The engine鈥檚 CamTronic system saves fuel by deactivating half the cylinders when not needed for power. A two-speed transfer case offers one of the industry鈥檚 widest gear spans, and Dynamic Select driving modes allow fine-tuning of the G-Wagen鈥檚 performance. A brake hold function keeps the brakes applied without the driver鈥檚 foot on the pedal, helping to relieve fatigue, especially during long stops on an incline. Although the G-Wagen has received continuous technical enhancements through the years, the exterior has hardly changed. The LED Daytime Intelligent Light System headlights adapt to darkness, curves, and vehicles ahead. LED Running Lights circle each unit, for an eye-catching effect and better visibility to approaching vehicles. Fender-mounted front turn signals and large rectangular taillights also have all LEDs. Heated side mirrors get rid of mist and fog quickly and are programmable to fold in when the vehicle is locked remotely. The shape is aerodynamic to reduce wind noise and divert road spray away from the side windows.

The windshield is also electrically heated to clear frost and fog when the vehicle is started. With a more-taut surface design and narrower, more precise gaps, the G-Class presents a solid appearance. The prominent wheel arches and bulky bumpers form an elemental part of the body. Stainless steel running boards with non-slip rubber inlays add a rugged detail. 5,370) brought lots of features for the exterior and interior, starting with Gloss Black exterior accents. The dark elements on the headlights, front turn signals and taillights were eye-catching against the silver exterior. Bumper accents, fender flares, side mirrors, and spare tire ring were all finished in Obsidian Black metallic paint. The brush guard and AMG body-side protective strips are also finished in black. Turbine-style 20-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels had contrasting black inlays with all-season tires, including the rear-mounted spare. The overall effect was very striking. AMG styling included wider fender flares, a Sport steering wheel with aluminum-clad spokes, flat bottom, and dual shift paddles, AMG-embroidered velour carpeted floor mats with Nappa leather trim, racing-inspired red seatbelts, and red seat stitching.