At a world premiere, Mercedes-Benz presented the new generation of the G-Class for use by the armed forces and security forces to potential customers and the press at the G-Class Experience Center in Graz. The off-road vehicles are based on the 464 series, which went into series production two years ago for civilian applications.
The new vehicles are factory-fitted with military applications that increase mobility and reliability and enable easy operation by military and security forces. The variants presented were equipped with a 163 kW in-line diesel engine (Euro 3), developing a torque of 600 Nm. Despite the increase in output, the combined consumption drops to less than nine liters per 100 km. Mercedes-Benz specifies a top speed of 120 km/h. Thanks to the automatic transmission, selectable differential locks (longitudinal and transverse) and electronic assistants, the new G model is easy to handle even under difficult environmental conditions.
The participants in the world premiere were able to see this for themselves on board the G-Class. The driving program included steep stretches with up to 100 percent incline or decline on unpaved, paved and concrete slopes, in mud and deep water as well as driving maneuvers with extreme cornering on the road.
The increased demand for electrical energy is taken into account by a 24-volt network that is set up in parallel with the 12-volt network for the vehicle technology. Two generators provide the energy, with the 24 V generator alone delivering 3.8 kW. The electrical consumers are protected against electromagnetic radiation in accordance with the applicable standards.
During operation, the units are kept within the permissible operating range by monitoring software in order to avoid failures due to damage (e.g. due to overheating or lack of lubricant). In order to interrupt operational restrictions in emergencies - such as escaping a dangerous situation - the monitoring can be switched off with an emergency override switch (EOS) and the journey can be continued, albeit with the risk of serious machine damage.
Thanks to new design and production methods, the freely available payload could be significantly increased - an important customer requirement from previous user conferences. The Station Wagon (construction BA 06) with a closed cabin and four seats - primarily for performing management and liaison tasks - offers a payload of 1.1 tons with a permissible total weight of 3.5 tons. The chassis with a two-seater driver's cab (BA 09) is equipped with a three-point bearing to accommodate superstructures from system companies and is designed for a payload of 2.4 tons with a permissible total weight of 4.8 tons.
As a third variant, a protected G-Class (BA 06) was presented, which is equipped with an armored cab and four anti-mine seats from Plasan. The feasibility study has reinforced axles and has a total weight of over six tons. The design and equipment of the protected vehicle correspond to well-known military requirements.
Tailored to customer requirements, the new G-Classes are to be produced in the three main versions presented. In terms of unit numbers, the station wagon (BA 06) comes first. The next smaller production volume is expected for the chassis with two-seater cab (BA09). In third place is the protected version, which probably has the lowest quantities.
There are no production orders for the new vehicles yet. A double-digit number of prototypes have been manufactured. Series production could start in 2022. Armed forces in northern and southern Europe as well as in North America have a concrete interest, as revealed in discussions with Daimler sales people. The Station Wagon in particular also meets the requirements of the German Armed Forces, which, following a recent large-scale procurement of so-called G-Class Greenliners, intends to further expand stocks in this vehicle class.
The new generation of the G-Class offers significant leaps in performance in all categories. The performance often reaches physical limits. In order to be able to use the potential, especially in borderline or dangerous situations, drivers must undergo thorough training, which Mercedes-Benz offers as an option.
Gerhard Heiming
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