(Keywords: inline 6-cylinder + 48V mild hybrid, adaptive suspension, three locks, low drag A-pillar)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been an iconic model in the car world, the first generation was born in the 70s of the last century, time has passed, its competitors are becoming more and more modern, and Mercedes-Benz G retains the square shape, the 2025 model has adjusted the styling design, retains strong off-road ability, and at the same time the whole system is hybrid, the entry model adopts 48V mild hybrid, so what are the changes in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz big G?
Body and suspension
Mercedes-Benz has accumulated 45 years of experience in the off-road field, the G-class retains the trapezoidal frame, the non-load-bearing body is the basic equipment of the tough guy, the suspension adopts the front double wishbone independent structure, the rear is a rigid bridge, high ground clearance and long-travel suspension guarantee the passing ability and the grip of the wheels.
The optional adaptive adjustable suspension of the older model is standard on the new G-Class, and when off-road, the system continuously adjusts the damping of the shock absorbers according to the driving situation, keeping the four tires close to the ground in potholes, and the system continuously adjusts the shock absorber damping according to the driving situation, automatically reducing body shake. The components of the adaptive shock absorbers can withstand extreme conditions, such as entering a creek, dealing with rough currents, and will not strike easily even when encountering mud and flying sand.
The new G-Class still uses electric power steering, which consumes less energy than the hydraulic system, while the steering feel can be adjusted to different driving modes and provides precise feedback off-road. The new G-Class also offers three off-road driving modes. "Trail" is suitable for dirt or gravel roads, "Rock" is designed for hard rock and uneven terrain, and the third is "Sand" mode, which includes power, suspension and ESP body stability adjustment at any time, which is more responsive to changing road conditions and suitable for sand washing.
Design changes for the 2025 model
The classic silhouette of the Big G has been retained, with the difference being in the details, such as the new grille with four horizontal shutters instead of the three in the old model, and a new rounded transition on the front bumper. The reversing camera position has been updated and is located in the center of the bumper above the license plate holder. The wiper fluid nozzle is mounted on the side of the reversing camera to prevent dirty.
In order to accommodate the newly developed all-electric version, the 2025 G-Class has optimized aerodynamics to reduce drag, the A-pillar and roof edges have been redesigned to allow air to flow through the body faster, and the new car comes standard with 18-inch five-spoke low-drag wheels, as well as a variety of new 18-20 inch wheels to choose from.
Interestingly, the updated G-Class offers personalized gear for off-road players, and customers can make the G-Class more "wild" with the PROFESSIONAL Line package. The package includes headlights, rock-proof grille, fenders, and 18-inch all-terrain tires.
The practicality of the 2025 Mercedes G-Class
First drive
The new G-Class is officially electrified, and the new G 500 is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine + 48V mild hybrid, driven by an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor, with 449 hp and 560 Nm of peak torque. The integrated electric motor of the 48V mild hybrid provides 20 hp and 200 Nm of torque for a short period of time, assisting the internal combustion engine during start and gear changes, making shifts feel more compact.
There are no changes to the tried-and-tested 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. In order to save fuel, the new G-Class has a new coasting mode, which automatically reduces the engine speed to idle when the accelerator is released when driving, and the vehicle can rely on inertia to coast. In terms of brakes, the new G-Class is equipped with 354mm front brake discs and 345mm rear brake discs.
Second, off-road
The G-Class is equipped with full-time all-wheel drive, with a transfer case that transmits 40% of torque to the front axle and 60% to the rear axle. When the gearbox is switched to N mode, the vehicle enters a low-speed off-road state, and the speed cannot exceed 40km/h, but at this time the torque is amplified, suitable for getting out of trouble, and the multi-plate clutch in the center has a differential lock, which can be locked 100%.
The front and rear differential locks are also 100% locked, allowing the driver to control the opening and closing of the three differential locks. The vehicle can climb a steep slope of 45 degrees, the ground clearance of the whole vehicle is 241mm, the wading depth is 700mm, and it can also drive horizontally on the slope of 35 degrees, and will not roll over, under the premise of no modification, the approach angle and departure angle are 31 degrees and 30 degrees respectively, and the passing angle is 26 degrees, so there is no problem with general off-road.
To make off-roading easier, the new G-Class also comes with a "transparent hood" feature that allows the display to show a virtual view under the front of the car, reducing blind spots.
Third ride
The interior of the new G-Class has not changed, but the entertainment system has been redesigned, and the 12.3-inch center display supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interconnection, and when off-road, it can display positioning, compass, height, front axle steering angle, torque, power, tire pressure and temperature, and the status of the differential lock, and the data is clear at a glance. The new G-Class also comes with a new language control that can be woken up with "Hey, Mercedes", in addition to temperature-controlled cup holders, a wireless charging system for mobile phones, and a rear-seat entertainment system (two 11.6-inch displays) are all standard.
For audiophiles, Mercedes has also introduced the Burmester 3D surround sound system, which offers an immersive Dolby Atmos experience, and an additional speaker can also be seen on the headliner, plus ambient lighting, transforming the cockpit into a concert hall.
Car selection detective point of view: Mercedes-Benz G-class retains the basic styling design and off-road ability at the same time, the power system, cockpit entertainment, appearance details and other fine-tuned at the same time, while reducing wind resistance, with the arrival of the electric big G, what do you think of the new G-class? Welcome to discuss.