Cape Town - The facelifted Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been launched in South Africa, offering up to 16% more power and up to 17% lower fuel consumption.
The range includes the G 350d (improved from 155kW to 180kW), and the Mercedes-AMG G 63 (improved 400kW to 420kW).
Image gallery: 2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The new SUV sports improved suspension and ESP. The range also includes the limited AMG Edition 463.
More power, lower fuel consumption
The G 350d benefits from a hike in output to 180kW/600Nm enabling the large SUV to reach 100km/h in 8.8 seconds (down from 9.1). Fuel consumption drops from 11.2 litres/100km to 9.9 l/100km.
The AMG G 63 is capable of 400kW/760Nm. Both the G 350d and the AMG G63 are equipped with start/stop systems.
The G-Class retains its permanent all-wheel drive, low-range gearbox and three differential locks that can be engaged/disengaged while on the move.
Optimised ESP
According to Mercedes-Benz SA: "The standard suspension setup has been revised with optimised shock absorbers for improved control of body movements and even greater on-road ride comfort."
Improvements to its ASR and ABS result in, Mercedes claims, improved traction while shortening the stopping distance when braking. The front-axle load capacity has been raised by 100kg to 1550kg.
Mercedes-Benz says: "As already familiar from the AMG variant, the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic in the G 350 d model now also features a manual transmission mode."
Enhanced inside and out
The new G 350d gains restyled bumpers, body-coloured flared wheel arches . The G 350d now also comes as standard with 45.7cm five-spoke, light-alloy wheels.
On the inside, the G 350d has 11.4cm multi-function display and redesigned pointers and dials. The Mercedes-AMG 63 also has a redesigned instrument cluster.
New AMG Edition 463
The new Edition 463 builds on the AMG specification and adds two-tone instrument panel, two-tone seats, "carbon-look" leather, contrast top-stitching, carbon-fibred trim and door releases in nappa leather.
Exterior tweaks include stainless steel underguard, AMG sport stripes and a protective-strip in black aluminium at the front. The G63 is fitted with exclusive 21" five-twin spoke light-alloy wheels in matt black and 295/40 R 21 wide-base tyres.
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