World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
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On the eve of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the Michigan Theatre in Detroit played host to not one but two legends. It was the venue chosen by Mercedes-Benz for its traditional New Year’s reception and for the unveiling of the new G-Class (fuel consumption combined: 1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 263 g/km). Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hollywood star and former governor of California, drove the vehicle onto the stage over a spectacular ramp built to look like the Schöckl – a landmark mountain near the Austrian city of Graz used by Mercedes-Benz for off-road test driving, conquered by every G-Class since 1979. In front of more than 500 guests, Mercedes-Benz presented the world premiere of the new, modern reinterpretation of the iconic G-Class design. The new “G” is as compelling as the previous model for its outstanding performance on any type of terrain, state-of-the-art assistance systems and unique handling characteristics. “We’ve completely modernised the interior, improved its on-road handling and further optimised the G-Class’ legendary off-road skills,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “At the same time, we preserved the unmistakable character of this icon.”
The G-Class is the top model among luxury all-terrain vehicles. Not only is it by far the longest-produced passenger vehicle in Mercedes-Benz history, it’s also the forefather of all SUVs bearing the three-pointed star – which is why all Mercedes off-roaders have the capital letter G in their name.
What began in 1972 with a cooperation agreement between the then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria, is now a story peppered with superlatives and milestones. Even the very first concept was different. The team designed a vehicle that not only demonstrates outstanding all-terrain capability, but also attracts buyers with its excellent attributes as a fully-fledged and supremely safe leisure vehicle. Features like all-wheel drive, low-range gearbox and three 100-percent differential locks are just as much part of the “G” as its robust ladder-type frame. |