Mercedes-Benz is reportedly planning the next generation of the G-Class, with a focus on integrating future technologies while maintaining the vehicle's recognizable identity. The company aims to ensure the G-Class retains its core characteristics.
Mercedes-AMG CEO Stefan Weckbach, who also oversees the G-Class and Maybach businesses, stated that the challenge is to transition the G-Class into the future without losing its essence. He confirmed that work is underway on the next generation, with the goal of preserving its G-Class identity.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius acknowledged the importance of listening to existing customers, particularly regarding engine choices. He noted that the company may have underestimated the preference for V8 engines among some customers, referencing the reaction to the four-cylinder hybrid C63. Weckbach added that the V8-powered CLE63 is expected next year, indicating a return to V8 AMGs based on customer feedback. Källenius also suggested that options for V12 buyers could be explored.
Despite these considerations, AMG is not reportedly abandoning electrification. Weckbach described axial-flux motor technology as a potential equivalent to the AMG V8 in electric vehicles. The dedicated AMG.EA architecture is said to combine these motors with directly cooled battery cells, providing the performance division with its own hardware for future models.