All-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class in the making; to debut at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show

The celebrated off-roader will grow in width and will shed some weight.

In German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz's portfolio of vehicles, the G-Class enjoys a separate status. The G-Class is the result of the manufacturer's most modern off-road technology and the 35-year-old model continues without major changes in its well-received design. When other Mercedes-Benz vehicles underwent major shifts in design, the manufacturer retained the boxy design for the G-Class. However, the famous off-roader is set for a major overhaul now.

The new G-Class is expected to make its debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Mercedes-Benz engineers and designers are well aware of the iconic status of the G-Class and hence the developments seek to maintain its pedigree. "We have to be careful with our heritage," Mercedes-Benz SUV boss Andreas Zygan was quoted as saying by Autocar.

The width of the new SUV will be increased by up to 100mm for greater stability. This will also help the employment of a new front suspension, and will free more interior space for broader seats at the front and rear rows.

Codenamed W463, the structure of the new G-class will be extensively reworked, with more aluminium. The change in structure from steel to aluminium is expected to aid the vehicle in shedding kerb weight by over 300kg. The new G-Class will also get new front suspension that uses three or four-link set-up, while a more modern electro-mechanical steering system is also being fitted.

Apart from the space inside, the interior will also boast improved comfort level and quality, with interior fittings from the C-class. More driver assistance and safety systems, along with a host of off-road friendly add-ons, can be expected. The new version will be powered by a new 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder petrol and diesel motors. The petrol motor is touted to produce over 360bhp while the diesel mill is expected to give more than 300bhp.

On the design front, the basic boxy design may take a slight deviation to a flowing theme. Some inspiration could also be taken from the futuristic Ener-G-Force concept car from the 2012 Los Angeles motor show.