They are killing the G wagon!

[TexGX]

I went by the MB dealer today to find out about the new G class. The sales lady did not have a clue. She started by telling me that the new M class would be better off-road than my GX. I proply corrected her. She then acted like she was talking about the RX. She knew nothing about the G class. After some surfing, this is what I found out. The new G class will share a platform with the M class and R class which is a crossover wagon. The new platform is not the body on frame of the old G class. They say it will have real off-road performace, but looking at the pictures, I don't know.

Thai,

Do you have any more information?

TexGX

 

[Bill42]

Is that really the G? Or did you photo chop a new M series?

I do like the look of the new M series. However, I loved the in your face no holds bar look of the "old" G wagon.

 

[Thai]

There are only rumors...but the rumors are all very consistent...so it's probably true. The above picture by TexGX is about the only thing that's floating around the internet.

1. The next G will be based on the ML platform...unibody + independent suspensions all around...think Range Rover. There is very little doubt about this. It will be a heavily modified ML platform (longer wheelbase) with off-roading gears (skidplates, HD transfer case, HD suspension parts, etc.). This is similar to what Nissan is doing with their truck/SUV line (all based on one platform).

2. It will likely have air suspension...again, like RR.

3. It will likely have at least 2 lockers (center and rear), and probably a front one too.

4. It will have the latest electronic off-roading things...like the 4runners/GX stuff (DAC, etc.).

5. It will have the top-of-the-line big displacement V8 engine.

6. The new name MAY be "GL-class," instead of G-class.
That's just one rumor however...i hope that it's true because that will keep the "G-class" original...one name, one design. I sure hope that it's true.

7. Oh yeah, it will be made in Alabama, USA...where the current ML is being made.

To be totally honest, IF you want a true well-built capable SUV in the future, there's only ONE manufacturer that i would buy from...TOYOTA or LEXUS. Toyota has a separate platforms for crossovers and true down-to-earth redneck-loving SUVs. There's no mixing of gene pool. The only possible hiccup is that Toyota is planning to eliminate the Land Cruiser/LX470 line in favor of Sequoia platform for it's future large SUV line. I hope that Toyota seriously rethink this.

 

[Thai]

There is one fact:

The current civilian model G-wagen will be gone by end of 2005...last year of production.

The military version of the current G-wagen will still be produced until at least year 2025.

So, after 2005, you cannot buy the original G-wagen anymore. It will be reserved for military duty.

 

[Thai]

Here are some more pics of the next G-class undergoing testing: (i am not sure if these pics match TexGX pic above.)

In comparison, here is a pic of the next ML:

And here is a link to the next ML:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7111

 

[olliebear]

Or perhaps the G-Wagon will be gray marketed once again.

The G-Wagon was gray marketed by Santa Fe International in the 1980-1990s. Santa Fe International, headquarted in Santa Fe, NM, shipped in G-Wagons and refitted them to US Specs. Back during the 1980-1990, the Galenderwagens used the 3.2 V6 and were called the G320. Being gray market, they were no warranteed to be serviced in regular MB dealers. Prices THEN were over $120,000, but sold well enough to well heeled folks in Santa Fe, Taos, and Beverly Hills.

The G market went belly up for Santa Fe International when MB decided to ship in their own G wagons and used bigger and more powerful engies, lower prices, and fully warranteed through MB dealers.

Howeve,r there will always be a market for expensive toys for the well to do, and the more exclusive, the better, the more expensive, the more cache it has. So after MB cancels the G wagon, firms like Santa Fe may start up again gray marketing them to the richie crowd.

 

[Bill42]

Did you hear that Thai? You are a part of the richie crowd - it's official!

 

[Thai]

Yup, i am the Asian version of Brad Pitt...without money, looks, and Jennifer.

In the past (before 2002), Europa imported civilian G-wagens for the richie rich. If the rumor is true, then after 2005, there will be no civilian G-wagens anywhere in the world. So, Europa would not be able to import any even if they wanted to. Only military G's will be made for armies.

 

[Hitman]

I've seen actual pics of the next G without any camouflage. It looks a lot like the new M-class bodystyle to my eye.

Sorry, but I can't post the pics because my brother would kill me if it got out on the internet.

 

[Thai]

Autospies article on the next G:

http://www.autospies.com/article/index.asp?articleId=4053