An updated version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is on the way and British publication Autocar recently got the opportunity to ride a pre-production model of the luxury SUV’s G63 version. According to Autocar’s first ride report, the refreshed G-Class will be offered with a semi-active suspension option in the high-performance G63 variant. The new kinetic suspension system would replace the traditional anti-roll bars with a continually variable electro-hydraulic system. The interconnected damping system with electro-hydraulic flow valves will be capable of adjusting rebound and compression on the fly. The adaptive system will continuously alter damping based on road speed, steering, angle, body movement, and the drive mode. As a result, the comfort, handling, and wheel articulation will see dramatic improvements. Additionally, the new suspension system is also lighter than mechanical anti-roll bars.
The new kinetic suspension for the upcoming 2024 G-Class is reportedly an evolutionary version of the suspension available for the latest AMG GT and SL-Class, which come with semi-active, hydraulic roll stabilization. “We saw the advantages it brought to our sports cars and immediately began thinking of what it could do for our offroad models,” Ralf Haug, head of suspension at Mercedes-AMG, told Autocar. “In the US, the MY24 G-Class is essentially a carryover from MY23 and receives only minor updates for MY24,” a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson in the US told Motor1.com. “The MY24 G-Class goes on sale in the US between the end of this year and early 2024. As for the new G-Class (MY25), market-specific details are subject to future announcements.”
In addition to the optional kinetic suspension, the updated G63 will borrow the hybrid powertrain from the GLE63, which uses an electrically assisted twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 capable of producing 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. That is an increase of 50hp over the existing G63 model. In terms of aesthetic updates, the refreshed G-Class will look more or less the same as the outgoing model, at least judging by the spy shots. However, the cabin will reportedly get major updates, including larger displays that are already available on newer Mercedes models. The updated G-Class will be revealed sometime next year along with the fully electric EQG.
