Mercedes G-Class Updated

The Mercedes G-Class is not exactly one of Mercedes’ front-line models. But it is iconic and has been with us since the ’70s. Which means the G-Class is now 30 years old, and to celebrate Mercedes has decided to add a few nips and tucks to the venerable 4×4.

Don’t get too excited, though. These are not exactly extensive, but then the G-Class has always been about slow development, not huge change. So trim levels stay the same, and you still have the choice of the G350 CDi, the G50 and the G55 AMG. And if you haven’t worked it out, that’s the diesel, the V8 and the bonkers AMG version (which I suppose we could have expected to become the G63 – maybe in another 30 years!).

The tweaks include a new set of front seats offering more side support (so you don’t get thrown out of your seat as much on the rough stuff), and a redesign to the rear bench to make it fit with the new, ergonomic front seats.

The new interior gets a choice of cloth or leather, and you can even specify designo if you so choose, along with Piano Black wood. A few more modern bits find their way in, with an aux socket fitted and iPod and USB options. And Mercedes’ latest favourite colour – Palladium Silver – is now added to the list of paint choices, as is the designo version – Palladium Silver Matt (also a new choice of colour on the Mercedes CLS Grand Edition) – which will suit the big G-Class down to the ground.

Nothing here that would make a G-Class owner jump out of bed shouting “Quick, I must get down to the Mercedes Dealers and chop in my old G-Class for a new one”, but nice to see Mercedes still tweaking the G-Class after 30 years.

Would have been nice to see a Mercedes G63 AMG launched, though.