Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly upgraded the G-Class sports utility vehicle (SUV), featuring an interior characterised by high-quality appointments and a complete redesign of the instrument cluster and centre console.

The driver's field of vision now encompasses a colour screen, between two new round dials. The car features as standard the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system, including a navigation system.

New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the exterior appearance of the luxury off-roader. The range of safety features can be optionally enhanced with the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid Parktronic and the adaptive cruise control system Distronic Plus.

New to the range are the G 63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO start/stop system as standard, and the G 65 AMG with twelve-cylinder biturbo engine.

Frank Bernthaler, director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Middle East & Levant, said: "Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years. In its latest evolutionary stage, it offers state-of-the-art, powerful engines, a further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety features, as well, of course, as its now legendary off-road capabilities.”

“At the same time the design remains true to its down-to-earth, unmistakable style."

The external modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors for all engine variants. The AMG versions also feature a new, characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvres, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels, available here for the first time, complement the emotive appeal of its exterior.

The G 500, with its powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine, has an output of 285 kW (388 hp) and offers torque of 530 Newton metres (Nm).

The G 500 features the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission as standard. This sixth generation of the stepped automatic transmission that has been developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz since 1960 has once again been thoroughly revised, and optimised with regard to both consumption and comfort.

New to the range is the G 63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine (400 kW/544 hp and 760 Nm of torque), which features the ECO start/stop system as standard.

The engine range has been extended by the addition of the G 65 AMG with V12 biturbo engine (450 kW/612 hp and 1000 Nm of torque), making this the most powerful series-produced cross-country vehicle in the world.

The new G-Class will be available across the Middle East in the third quarter of 2012. – TradeArabia News Service