Mercedes-Benz Updates G-Class... Again!

After flexing its design muscles with the Ocean Drive concept back in Detroit,and having its finest engineers develop the impressive looking new C-Class, Mercedes-Benz felt that it couldn't just let the oldest vehicle in its product lineup sit untouched for too long. Therefore, the three-pointed star has gone back to the old G-Class and given it another update just in time for this year's Geneva Auto Show.

The exterior is more or less the same as it was when the SUV was launched back in 1979, with the exception of a couple of parking sensors and turn signal indicators that migrated to the door mirrors. Other than that, however, the changes over the years have been very minor. The 2008 update sees the G-Class gaining "LED-style" taillights. We're not sure if that means it actually gets LED taillights, or the housings just look like they have LEDs. If it's the latter, M-B really should stop being so cheap and just update them. Other changes include the option of a performance exhaust system on the G500 model, whichis essentially the same exhaust system that's used on the G55 AMG model. There's also a reverse camera for times when the parking sensors just aren't enough, as well as a tire pressure monitoring system to warn drivers when they're a little low on psi.

But as usual with this model, it's the interior that gets the brunt of the changes. The gauges are fresh and modern with full circular instruments. There's a new steering wheel, which is the same as that featured on the SL-Class roadster; on gasoline-powered vehicles it's wrapped in leather and wood, while with the base diesel, unavailable in North America, it's just leather wrapped. And of course, there's the center console which has been updatedto include the latest version of Mercedes' stereo and navigation system, as well as climate control (once again, borrowed from the SL-Class). The base model gets a standard radio, while the G500 and G55 AMG get navigation systems as standard. One other change that Mercedes is proud to offer is the new Cognac leather package, which offers a tri-toned interior for enhanced ambience.

Mercedes-Benz is taking orders for the new 2008 G-Class, with first deliveries taking place in mid-April. Internationally, the models available include the G320 CDI, G500 and G55 AMG; while we know for sure that the G500 will be sold here, and can say with great certainty that the G55 will also be available in North America, we'd like to see Benz bring over the diesel as well. It would give buyers the chance to indulge in this mega-capable, mega-luxurious off-roader without sucking back too much gasoline, and it's simply the best choice off-road.