Pics of the Day: March 15th 2019 – Mercedes Benz G wagon

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, sometimes called G-Wagen (short for Geländewagen, “cross country vehicle”), is a mid-size four-wheel drive luxury SUV manufactured by Magna Steyr (formerly Steyr-Daimler-Puch) in Austria and sold by Mercedes-Benz. In certain markets, it has been sold under the Puch name as Puch G.
The G-Wagen is characterised by its boxy styling and body-on-frame construction. It uses three fully locking differentials, one of the few vehicles to have such a feature.
Despite the introduction of an intended replacement, the unibody SUV Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in 2006, the G-Class is still in production and is one of the longest produced vehicles in Daimler’s history, with a span of 35 years. Only the Unimog surpasses it.
The 3rd generation G-Class (W463) was launched on January 14, 2018 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In contrast to its predecessor, the new G-Class has grown in width by 121 millimeters, and 53 millimeters in length, and now has 6 millimeters more ground clearance. Compared to its predecessor with the same engine, the weight savings are around 170 kilograms. Despite all this, the vehicle visually differs from the W463 very little and the previous model code (W463) was retained.
Due to the age of the basic concept of the previous model, the technical changes are significant. Among other things, the front axle now has independent suspension instead of a rigid axle; the rear axle remains solid. The low range gear ratio was shortened from 2.1: 1 to 2.9: 1. The new model now has the familiar digital cockpit from the S-class. At launch only the G500 (550 as US specs) will be offered.
The New G-Class features a updated interior with dual 12 inch LCD display for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Mercedes also added Apple Carplay and Android Auto as an option for the second generation G-Class as well. The G-class also received updated seats and upholstery with ambient lightning with up to 64 colors to choose from the infotainment system. The G-Class was also updated with a suite of safety features such as PRE-SAFE, ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, and more of Mercedes line of safety system pioneered from the W222 S-Class that has never been featured in a G-class before. Other Options includes 360 degree surround sound, Frameless auto dimming rear view mirror and a upgraded Burmester surround sound system from the Harman Kardon sound system found in the previous G-Class W463.