Mercedes-Benz to Update G-Class for Paris Motor Show

Shelf Life of Age-Old Off-Roader Extended to 2010 by Technical Revamp

The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen (G-Wagen or G-Class for short)

The G-Class is set to get another update. Current model pictured. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

is considered by many to be one of the world's most capable off-road vehicles. For the past twenty-seven years, this figurative box on wheels has brought everyone from explorers, adventurers and even the Canadian army to the far corners of the world. Its go-anywhere capabilities, combined with its durability have allowed it to rank competitively alongside the likes of the original Hummer H1, the classic Range Rover and the more recent Land Rover Discovery and LR3.

The

An original G-Class fords a small stream. A new, 2005 model year G-Class trails. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

G-Class is the oldest Mercedes-Benz currently in production; believe it or not, the current truck still uses the same design and architecture as the original, although it's been under the knife several times for interior and mechanical updates. Still, despite having airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes - all of which weren't even invented when the G came on the scene, at least for automotive use - today's G-Class looks nearly identical to the original, right down to its exposed hinges, fender-top turn signal indicator lamps and the tailgate mounted spare tire.

Although the G-Class is sold in North America only in a five-door

Not a G-Class, but Benz's new GL-Class. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

hardtop 'wagon' bodystyle, in other markets, buyers have a couple of other options available to them, including a fun, two-door, short wheelbase, soft-top convertible model, as well as a long-wheelbase stretched hardtop wagon. Regardless of its outer skin, all G-Class models use a traditional, heavy-duty ladder frame chassis, enabling them to perform unthinkable feats off-road and impressive towing capabilities. Aside from the G-Class, Mercedes-Benz has converted to an integrated monocoque chassis on its latest breed of SUVs, the ML, the R-Class and its all-new GL-Class.

Like

Additional body styles of the G are available in other markets, including this fun two-door soft-top convertible. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

the Hummer or the Range Rover, the G-Wagen has an alternate personality, one that doesn't involve scaling any rocks or testing its axle articulation. One of the most important factors that has managed to keep this classic truck fresh and in style, is its urban culture. It is the G's boxy on wheels look, combined with its ultimate luxury philosophy that has made it an extremely attractive icon, pulling in a fairly large clientele from the wealthy and the famous.

Prior to its unexpected launch into stardom, Benz

Plenty of wood and leather, but it's about as modern as an antique grandfather clock. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

was considering replacing the G-Class outright with the GL-Class, as at that particular point in time it was decided that it simply wasn't worth the effort for them to continue production. However, this was far from the truth; the Magna Steyr plant that builds the G-Class in Graz, Austria assembled 5,045 vehicles last year, a figure large enough to not only justify the truck's continued production, but to extend its life until at least 2010. As a matter of fact, the official update will come at this year's Mondial De L'Automobile (Paris Motorshow), in September.