New-Gen Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG to launch on October 5
The SUV is larger and more powerful than before.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it plans to launch the new-gen G-Class in India on 5 October 2018. The latest version of the butch SUV made its International debut in January this year and went on sale in the international market in June 2018.
As far as the looks are concerned, the new SUV, with its boxy silhouette, looks unmistakably like a G-Class. However, it gets some modern elements to be identified as the new G-Class. There’re new LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, softer curves and tighter body panels that make the new SUV look a touch modern. Dimensionally, the new G-Class is 53mm longer and 121mm wider than its predecessor and that should ideally result in more space on the inside.
Mercedes-Benz has retained the iconic G-Wagon design features with this iteration as well. Like its predecessor it gets pull-type door handles, door hinges on the outside, exposed spare wheel on the rear door and separate indicators placed beside the bonnet.
However, on the inside, it gets a completely reworked cabin with a design that apes certain elements seen on the exterior. The circular AC vents are inspired by round LED headlamps while the dashboard-mounted speakers mimic the top-mounted turn indicators. It continues to get the passenger grab handle finished in leather and the iconic three differential lock buttons that find a place between the centre AC vents. The new G63 also gets the digital widescreen cockpit like other modern Mercedes cars.
The new G 63 AMG is powered by a 4.0-litre, V8 petrol engine that generates 585PS of power and 850Nm of torque, and is mated to a 9-speed gearbox tuned specifically for the G 63 to offer shorter shift times. Power is sent to all four corners of the SUV by a 4-MATIC all-wheel-drive system which is rear-biased with a power distribution ratio of 40 to 60 per cent. Mercedes claims the new G 63 AMG can go from 0-100kmph in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed limited to 220kmph.
Like its predecessor, the new G 63 AMG will also be imported as a CBU. So it is expected to be priced at par with the outgoing model, which is priced at Rs 2.18 crore (ex-showroom Delhi). The G 63 does not have any direct rivals in the Indian market, but its price tag puts the SUV in the ballpark of the Land Rover Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne, Toyota Land Cruiser and the Maserati Levante.
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Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.