Mercedes-Benz G-Class Updated with a 48-Volt MHEV System

The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been updated, with all variants now featuring a new 48-volt mild hybrid system.

Mercedes-Benz has given its iconic G-Class SUV, also known as the G-Wagen, a very important update this year. Although this update doesn’t concern much of the G-Wagen’s styling, it brings a host of new features and improvements to keep this rugged luxury SUV fresh for years to come.

The biggest news for the updated G-Class is the introduction of semi-electrification to its powertrain setup, particularly the 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system. This new setup comes standard with the G-Class G550 and the souped-up AMG G63, which come in the form of an integrated starter generator (ISG) juiced by a small 48-volt battery pack.

The updated G-Class G550 no longer comes with a V8 engine under its hood.

Starting with the G550, this ‘entry-level’ G-Class swaps its predecessor’s V8 mill for a more pragmatic 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged engine, which is hooked up to the 20 HP-rated ISG MHEV system. With a total system output of 443 HP and 560 NM, the updated G550 MHEV gets an extra 27 HP over its predecessor but sacrifices 50 NM of torque in the same process.

To make do with this torque loss, Mercedes-Benz has tweaked the G550’s 9-speed automatic transmission setup for better low-end torque delivery.

Meanwhile, the AMG G63 retains the same V8 powertrain as its predecessor, now with an MHEV system.

As for the AMG G63, it gets the same ISG MHEV setup as the G550, which is still mated to the same 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 mill used on the previous model. While this new setup didn’t enhance the G63’s total system output of 577 HP and 850 NM, Mercedes-Benz claims that the ISG has helped to improve its low-end response, plus a much better fuel economy than the full ICE version.

Besides the new MHEV setup, the AMG G63 SUV also gets a new Active Ride control suspension setup. Set to improve handling on both rough and paved surfaces, this new active suspension system comes with hydraulic roll control hardware, which removes the need for traditional anti-roll bars.

On the design front, both the G550 and AMG G63 still feature the iconic boxy SUV design. Aside from the reworked front bumper and tons of other personalised styling options from the Manufaktur program, the updated G-Class retains the same design since its major overhaul back in 2018.

Special design touches on the AMG G63 include the AMG Panamericana front grille design, the AMG quad tailpipes, a slew of carbon fibre trims and accents around the car, and several wheel options, including off-road-biased ones shod in rugged General Grabber HTS tyres.

Bar the MHEV powertrain setup, the biggest update garnered on the new G-Class arguably happens inside its cabin, with both variants now getting the latest MBUX infotainment suite featuring a dual-screen layout with touchscreen functionality. Especially in the G550 model, the updated infotainment display now comes with the Offroad Cockpit digital control layout, plus the ‘transparent hood’ feature borrowed from the EQE SUV.

Other additional equipment featured here includes heated and ventilated cup holders, a wireless charging pad, a slew of upholstery choices for all the seats and interior trims, as well as the optional 11.6-inch touchscreens for the rear passengers.

The updated Mercedes-Benz G-Class is set to arrive in selected international markets later this year. The Three-Pointed Star marque, however, has yet to release the exact prices for both of these G-Wagens, but we can expect them to fetch more than the current ones, which retail for $150,000 (RM709,087) for the G550 or $190,000 (RM898,177) for the G63.

More importantly, the updated G-Class MHEV will serve as a precursor to its upcoming all-electric twin, the Mercedes-Benz EQG, which is touted to debut later in April this year at the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.