Mercedes-Benz has shared the first teaser image and a short video previewing the next entry in the gas-powered G-Class lineup. It looks like the plans to unveil an all-electric G-Wagen were put on hold, as the accompanying text clearly states it’s an ICE car. The hints are there that the four-liter V8 is gone for good, though.
The only photo available so far shows a radiator grille with the Mercedes badge. It’s basically identical to that of the current G-Class but has four horizontal bars instead of three. They also appear slightly curved towards the headlights.
The video lets us see the outlines of the new SUV and a few other details. It still hides most of the off-roader from view, so all we can say at this point is that it retains its iconic appearance with what seems like minimal design updates.
Both the image and the video are accompanied by fuel consumption and emission figures. The numbers are vastly improved from the current generation. Specifically, the new G-Class consumes 10.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers instead of 14.7, which translates into 21.5 miles per U.S. gallon instead of 16. The CO2 emissions have also dropped from 334 to 248 grams per kilometer.
The obvious implication is that the company ditched the current engine rated at 421 PS (415 hp / 310 kW) in favor of an inline-six engine assisted by an electric motor. A similar powertrain is used by the latest AMG E 53 saloon, where it churns out 612 PS (604 hp / 450 kW).
After Mercedes unveiled the G 500 Final Edition, believed to be the last G-Class in production to still have a V8 under the hood, many of us believed it was also the last ICE G-Class before the model went full-on electric. It’s now obvious that the company has reconsidered its electrification plans.