最近谍照记者首次拍到了下一代奔驰G级车照片，这款车进行了重度伪装，车身外观看起来与现行版一样。不过，这些伪装并不能掩盖其进一步增加的车身尺寸，据传新车长度比老款车增加了10厘米。有趣的是，测试车并没有后保险杠，这给我们机会看到该车四驱系统的一些部件。很显然，新车相对于老款车有很多升级，坊间传言，该车采用了电子机械式转向和多连杆前悬。者将使新车有可能配备现行版没有的辅助驾驶系统。至于新车设计，预计仍将采用方正造型，但在车身气动布局细节上将有所改进以降低风阻。另外，该车还将大幅瘦身，由于采用更多轻质材料，车重将降低200公斤。至于动力系统，新车将搭载六缸汽油和柴油引擎，其中柴油引擎功率提升至300马力，汽油引擎360马力，与之搭配的是九速自动变速器。新车将于2017年底发布。奔驰未来还将推出G级高性能版本，预计将搭载类似改款G500的4.0升V8双涡轮引擎。
Next-gen Mercedes G-Class spied for the first time
Believe it or not, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been on the market for nearly 38 years now with a virtually unmodified boxy body. We are slowly approaching the debut of the next generation G-Wagen, as the German automaker has started work on the all new model.
We have the first batch of spy photos that show a highly camouflaged prototype, wearing a body from the current model. Still, the disguise can’t hide the wider footstep of the car – rumored to grow around four inches (10 centimeters).
Interestingly, the photographed test mule lacks its rear bumper, which gives us a chance to take a look at some components of the car’s four-wheel-drive system. Apparently, some improvements are planned here, as word on the street says Mercedes will adopt an electro-mechanical steering and multi-link front suspension. This will allow the engineers to install modern assistance systems that are currently unavailable for the G-Class.
In terms of design, expect to see the same boxy shape with new aerodynamic details that should reduce the frontal drag coefficient of the SUV. The model will go through a massive diet, which will shave around 440 pounds (200 kilograms), thanks to massive use of lightweight materials.
A variety of six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be available when the new G-Class launches in the end of 2017 with power up to 300 horsepower for diesel and 360 hp for gasoline motors. These will most likely be available with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
High-performance models will follow in the coming years and we expect to see an improved 4.0-liter V8 biturbo under the hood, similar to the one in the facelifted G500.