W463, second generation (2018–2024)
The second generation G-Class (W463) was launched on 14 January 2018 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.[63]
Compared to its predecessor, the new G-Class has grown 121 millimeters in width, 53 millimeters in length, and the ground clearance has increased by 6 millimeters.[64] The increase in width is for more driving stability, sturdier side impact protection, and more seating comfort. The increased length, especially in the front end, is due to the new 2019 EU pedestrian impact safety regulations: the previous generation did not have enough open space between the car's front end and the rigid components beneath for the crumple zone as to mitigate the injury to a pedestrian's body.
A major change was with the steering system which was switched from a recirculating ball system to variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with adaptive electric power assistance. The new steering system allows safety and convenience equipment such as active lane-keeping assist, Pre-Safe collision avoidance systems and self-parking capability. The rack-and-pinion steering system does not work with solid front suspension so a change was made to use independent front suspension.
The extensive, ground-up redesign allowed engineers to incorporate more lightweight materials such as high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels and aluminums. In addition, the redesign led to an improved manufacturing process which increased structural rigidity. The gap between the doors and body shell is much narrower than the previous generation. Despite the increased dimensions, the weight has been reduced by about 170 kilograms.
The second generation W463 is similar visually to the first generation, and the chassis code, W463, is still retained rather than W464 as some media outlets erroneously reported. However, only three parts from the previous generation were carried over to the new generation: the headlamp washers, the push-button door handles and the spare wheel cover bolted to the rear tailgate.[65] The new G 500 (G 550 for select markets) is powered by the 4.0-liter M176 V8 twin-turbo engine, producing 416 hp and 450 lb⋅ft of torque. It is mated to a nine-speed automatic 9G-Tronic transmission with torque-converter.[66]
For the new diesel variant, the G 350 d was initially released for the 2019 model year, powered by the 2.9-liter OM656 inline-6 turbocharged diesel engine, producing 282 hp and 443 lb⋅ft of torque.[67] The G 400 d was later introduced for the 2020 model year onwards. The G 400 d features the same OM656 engine as the G 350 d, but output has been increased to 326 hp and 516 lb⋅ft of torque.[68] Both models are still produced by Mercedes-Benz, however certain markets only sell one of the two.[69]
The redesign also allowed newer safety and collision avoidance equipment from the W222 S-Class to be fitted to the G-Class for the first time. In addition, the updated interior has a new instrument cluster and infotainment system from other Mercedes-Benz models (A-Class (W177) and E-Class (W213)), air vents, steering column-mounted gear selector, multimedia system and control panel on the tunnel console, a higher level of luxury trimming and 64-color ambient lighting. A Burmester surround sound system and a larger dual 12-inch liquid-crystal display with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) were offered as optional equipment. One design element carried over to the new generation was the front passenger's grab bar on the dashboard.[70]
The new G 550 and AMG G 63 went on sale in the United States with a starting price of $149,900 and $188,050 respectively. The G-Class for the US market has the widest range of exterior colors available, totaling 24, of any Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle.[71]
In September 2020, the G 350 was introduced for the Chinese market to circumvent the heavy taxation on larger engine displacement.[72] It is powered by the 2-litre M264 turbocharged four-cylinder inline petrol engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lbft of torque. The G 350 is the first G-Class with a four-cylinder inline engine since the previous model, the G 230, was discontinued in 1995.
Alternative designation: W463A/W464
Mercedes-Benz has not explained the reason for retaining the same chassis designation, W463, for its heavily revised G-Class in production since 2018. Some media outlets have erroneously attributed the updated G-Class as W464,[73][74] which has been assigned to the W461 successor introduced in October 2022.
Some media outlets,[75][76] owner's forums,[77] tuners,[78] and aftermarket part manufacturers[79]
