2019's Mercedes-Benz G-Class a Lot Like Old G-Class, Now Bigger

[-Sn!PeR-]

The all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class will make its official debut a little over a week from now, but today, we're already getting a good look at the truck. That's thanks to "spy photos" and info released by Mercedes-Benz itself, and a leak from Dutch site Auto Week. It might be all new, but it sounds like the G-Wagen we've come to know and love.

As we've previously reported, the new G-Class is bigger than its predecessor, sitting on a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase than before. It's also 2.5 inches wider, according to Car and Driver. This means the new G will have a lot more interior space than the rather-cramped original, but despite that, it looks almost identical from the outside. Why change an icon?

Mercedes has also confirmed that the G will retain its ladder-frame chassis and solid rear axle, but for the first time, it's getting double wishbones up front. Interestingly, AMG played a role in developing the new G's suspension, and it's been designed for even better off-road performance than before. The front wishbones are bolted directly to the frame, which helps improve ground clearance. Mercedes also released some neat off-road specs for all you 4x4 geeks out there:

• Slope climbing ability of up to 100 percent on suitable surfaces
• Ground clearance between the axles: 9.5 inches
• Maximum fording depth: 27.6 inches in water and mud passages (+7.5 inches)
• Driving stability at angles of 35° (+7°)
• Angle of departure: 30°, angle of approach: 31° (+1°)
• Breakover angle: 26° (+1°)
• Suspension travel: Front axle: Spring/rebound travel of 3.3/3.0 inches; rear axle: Spring/rebound travel of 3.2/5.6 inches

Lock one of the G's three differentials or engage the low-range gearbox, and the truck automatically enters what Mercedes calls "G-Mode." This puts the adaptive dampers, steering, and transmission into their off-road settings for "effortless maneuverability," according to Mercedes.

The 2019 G also gets Mercedes' new 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, but with a new transfer case mounted directly to the gearbox casing. As before, the G-Wagen offers full-time four-wheel drive, with 40 percent of its torque going to the front axle, and 60 percent going to the rear. The transfer case also lets you switch to low-range at speeds of up to 25 mph, and you can switch back to high range at speeds of up to 43 mph.

Mercedes will also offer a new 360-degree camera setup for the G, which is specially set up for off-roading. That should help you take advantage of the G's increased approach and departure angles.

We'll learn a lot more about the new G later this month, but it already sounds a big improvement on what we loved about the old one. And in the meantime, check out our in-depth look at its new, more luxurious interior. 

Regards @-Sn!PeR-.