LA Design Challenge 2012: Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025

[Wolfgang]

MB confirmed Ener-G-Force is sci-fi. G to continue to 2020+.


Mercedes-Benz unveiled a flight of fancy called Ener-G-Force, a view of what a rugged SUV could look like in 2025. "Pure science fiction," cautioned M-B spokesman Christian Bokich. That is, it's not a teaser of something in the pipeline, which many auto show "concept" cars are.

As a replacement for the big, blocky M-B Gländewagen (a.k.a. G-wagen or G-class), it would have to wait a long time. The G-wagen is in the plans at least through 2020.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2012/11/29/mercedes-suv-fancy-hydrogen-fuel-cell/1733411/
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/benz/innovation/future/model-Ener_G_Force_Concept

 

[Levi68]

Will the G be produced till the end of the world? Maybe only those in it will be survive. LOL

 

[SCOTT27]

A family of G-Klasses is actually a very good idea.
Introducing classic elements of the G-Klasse with modern interpretation. The rumours I heard relating to G-Force is that it portrays an S-Klasse SUV but under the G-Klasse designation. Mercedes can do tough and militaristic on the SUVs but not on the cars. The GLK is my favourite Mercedes SUV design because it interprets the Teutonic angular elements of the G-Klasse in a modern style.

 

[Wolfgang]

Suspect the GLG or City-G may precede eventual other G-Force variants. Here's an update from the MB Blog:


REPORT: The "baby G-Class" - one step closer to production

In August 2012, we were bringing to your attention the plans Mercedes-Benz has to offer a niche compact SUV resembling the G-Class (read more --> HERE). New information points that the so-called GLG is indeed set to hit streets in about two years from now.

It is worth saying the ENER-G-FORCE concept showcased in November last year at Los Angeles increased the birth chances of this special model. We hear the GLG's overall styling will be heavily influenced by the design study presented at the North American motor show.

Nonetheless, while talking about the ENER-G-FORCE in one of our articles, we speculated it could well spawn a brand new generation G-Class in the future, probably after 2016 (read more -->HERE). Even though this prediction was far from spot on, it was somehow relevant to the current rumors regarding the GLG.

The new "City-G" from Mercedes-Benz will arrive in spring 2015 and be developed on the MFA front-driven platform. Measuring a mere 4 meters, it shall likely be the company's smallest SUV in history, hence its other nickname - the "baby G-Class". The FWD configuration will be standard, with the front-biased 4MATIC (67:33 ratio) being offered as an option for the range-topping variants and solely in conjunction with the 7G-DCT automatic gearbox.

Expect some flamboyant styling similar to the design exercise on the Ener-G-Force 2025 Highway Patrol Vehicle, as well as progressive influence from the GLA-Class. Inside, the edged dashboard will remind the clients the GLG is the nephew of the mighty Geländewagen.

The engines are borrowed from the other premium compact models - ranging from 1.5 litres and 109 hp up to 2.1 litres and 211 hp. A high performance GLG 45 AMG with 360 hp and 450 Nm is a bit unlikely at the moment, but we do not fully rule it out of the scheme.

The active/passive safety level and the technological equipment for the GLG will include numerous assistance systems, like the complete set of airbags, Collision Prevention Assist, the PRE-SAFE, the DIRECT STEER parametric steering, the 360-degree stereo multi-purpose camera (SPMC) and the internet-based COMAND Online infotainment system.

Being a lifestyle crossover, appealing to younger masses of customers, means the GLG will offer unlimited personalization choices through dedicated programmes like designo, Mercedes-Benz Sport and Mercedes-Benz Original Accessories. If the new GLA-Class (X 156) should end up costing around 30,000 euros for the entry-level model, the purchase price for the future GLG could start at around 32,000-33,000 euros in Germany. The new Star-badged vehicle will be first introduced in Europe, but it will also be sold onto the American market towards 2016 following the official dealer launch in the summer of 2015.

http://mercedes-benz-blog.blogspot.com/2013/03/report-baby-g-class-one-step-closer-to.html

 

[Amat46]

Wow that's a proper modern rugged SUV. Wolf any further info? Also is that the new G class?

 

[Wolfgang]

Here's the article from hyyperlic.com/Lisa The Car Addict, translated.


Mercedes builds a G-Class Crossover / New GLB model arrives in 2019

In 2019 Mercedes brings the GLB to the market, a small lifestyle version of the traditional G-model, as AUTO BILD reported in the Thursday edition (issue 16). The smaller brother of the virtually, for 35 years, unchanged-road vehicle is based on the A-Class and is not intended to be much more expensive than the GLA, which costs 29,000 euros. The small G-Class will be offered in a single body option. The GLB is a seven-seater with an extended wheelbase and good access to the third row. In addition, it should be optionally available with on- or off-road package and with front- or all-wheel drive. The platform is variable, lighter and cost effective to produce - not least because in the first step, the capacity will be ramped up to 400,000 cars per year.

For propulsion, among others, a three-cylinder Renault engine is provided. The much more important engines for the GLB come from the Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder family. A 204-hp diesel, a two-liter gasoline engine with 272 hp and a 380 hp engine with increased performance in the GLB 45 AMG are provided for the crossover. From the beginning there will be the familiar seven-speed dual-clutch but in the long term nine gears are planned. A highlight is likely the hybrid version, which develops 82 hp of electric power and costs about an extra 3,500 euros.

Already in a few weeks, the brand with the star will introduce the new Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV at the Auto China car show in Beijng. The sporty coupe concept is to show the added value of an SUV and gives a realistic view of an expected production car next year with dynamic driving characteristics.

"With the Concept Coupé SUV we want to attract new customers by opening up new segments for Mercedes-Benz," says Dr. Dieter Zetsche as he gives a brief outlook on the coupe concept. "In the combination of coupe and SUV we see great potential for Mercedes-Benz. Officially, we present the Concept Coupé SUV in less than two weeks at the auto show in Beijing," said Dr. Zetsche.

http://hyyperlic.com/2014/04/mercedes-benz-glb-kommt-2019-als-kleine-mercedes-benz-g-klasse/8529

 

[Amat46]

Again thanks Wolf!!

 

[Wolfgang]

Also is that the new G class?

Suspect that's the rumored G facelift expected in 2016 for the 2017 model year?

From the Autobild cover

With a width of 1.76 m, the Mercedes G-Class is currently the narrowest in the program. This shows how wide cars have become in the modern era. Not necessarily an advantage in the city, but allows the width for a safe driving behavior.

In this major facelift the G-Class W463 is made fit for the future. The bodyshell is to be changed from steel to aluminum construction and will be significantly lighter. In this major revision, the G-class gains 10 cm in width (with then 1.86 m still narrower than an M-Class with 1.93 m). This then also allows a modern multi-link front axle to be fitted. It will clearly increase driving stability on the highway. Due to the greater width newer luxury seats fit inside.

Otherwise, the striking, angular design with steeply angled windscreen is retained. After Distronic Plus in the last facelift in 2012, a new electric power steering (EPS) is introduced to ensure that even the latest driver assistance systems are used in the G-Class (Distronic Plus with Steering Assist). The LED lights may also be new.

For the drivetrain the new 9G-Tronic automatic (NAG3) and the latest engines will be offered. The AMG variant probably follows a little later, as the 1000 Nm variant may not be ready yet. There is a comeback of the straight six-cylinder petrol engines as (M256 DE 30 LA engine with 367 hp) as well as diesel (OM656, 300 hp). For the 8 cylinders, AMG takes over the development authority for all Mercedes series, two derivatives of the 4.0 liter M177/M178 V8 will be offered. As G 500 with just under 500 hp and the G 63 AMG with 571 hp. The V12 is omitted. With these new engines consumption is reduced by up to 20%.

Google translated from jesmb.de

 

[Amat46]

Thanks Wolf informative as usual

 

[Wolfgang]

On Autobild TV now.

http://www.autobild.de/videos/video-kacher-zur-g-klasse-5077698.html

 

[Amat46]

Baby G looks like an absolute winner.

 

[Wolfgang]

BTW, Autoevolution doubts a major G facelift is in the pipeline. It may merely be a normal update?



http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2...ss-extensive-facelift-is-vaporware-80808.html

 

[Amat46]

I think autobild is more trustworthy than autoevolution

 

[Wolfgang]

^ And the Autocar article authored by Greg Kable is probably not too far off, either, as he is rumored to live near Stuttgart and may usually be well informed.


“We have to be careful with our heritage,” says Mercedes SUV boss, Andreas Zygan. “We offer something really special. Last year - the 34th - was the best ever for G-class sales. It’s amazing, and one of our idols.” [...] Some inspiration could also be taken from the futuristic Ener-G-Force concept car from the 2012 Los Angeles motor show. Insiders said it not only previewed the new GL but possibly also the next G-class.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mercedes-plans-new-g-class-2017-launch

Mercedes-Benz unveiled a flight of fancy called Ener-G-Force, a view of what a rugged SUV could look like in 2025. "Pure science fiction," cautioned M-B spokesman Christian Bokich. That is, it's not a teaser of something in the pipeline, which many auto show "concept" cars are. As a replacement for the big, blocky M-B Gländewagen (a.k.a. G-wagen or G-class), it would have to wait a long time. The G-wagen is in the plans at least through 2020..
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2012/11/29/mercedes-suv-fancy-hydrogen-fuel-cell/1733411/

 

[Kowalski]

An American police car has to have a long wheelbase because of the rear partition (This is where the Aussie Chevy Caprice has the edge over the Dodge Charger and the Ford Taurus, btw) so the ideal Mercedes police car would be a long wheelbase E63 AMG.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think scumbags should ride comfortably (In my opinion a good scumbag is a dead one), but the longer wheelbase makes it easy for cops to throw a big, fat, pissed-off scumbag in the back of the police car.

 

[Wolfgang]

^ This one seems to be more for Search, Assist and Rescue.

 

[Sniper]

AB render looks not very good comparison to concept

 

[Wolfgang]

2019 Mercedes GLB: a Baby G-Class with MPV Space and Few Off-road Ambitions

A baby G-Class with all the rugged looks, but underpinned by a normal platform – it sounds almost too good to be true. The Germans are reporting that it will come in 2019, but some of the details about the GLB aren't making that much sense.

We believe Mercedes-Benz are behind all the rumors surrounding the GLB-Class model. They may want us to believe it will be just as impressive as the G-Class, when in actuality, it's going to be a glorified minivan.

Auto Bild's latest reports suggest we are on the right track. According to them, the GLB will not have any actual SUV ambitions. Four-wheel-drive will be available, but at extra cost and even then it won't come near the level of sophistication the G-Class' three differentials offer.

This model will have a big boot, probably more headroom than the GLA and rear seats that slide forwards and backwards. This feature is typical to MPVs and tourers, suggesting that the GLB is a close cousin of the B-Class.

We've recently test driven the B and can tell you it sits even lower to the ground than it appears. While you can order all-wheel-drive, there's not enough clearance or body protection. So it's good that the GLB will enter production, no question about that.

As for the underpinnings, they will consist of the second generation front-wheel-drive platform, otherwise known as the MFA2. Its first application will be in 2018, a year earlier than the GLB. Rumor has it that it will be slightly lighter and a lot more modular. Mercedes have gotten so good at making these small cars that Infiniti even hired them to engineer the QX30.

Source: Autoevolution