helinomad

So I am about to buy my first G Wagon. I've built now 3 overland style vehicles over the years, a 2004 Land Rover Discovery, a 1993 Land Rover Defender 110 NAS, and a 2014 Jeep AEV JK350 (for sale)



I've learned quite a bit through the builds of these three fun projects but all the while admiring the G Wagon. I've sidelined some of the issues with the G Wagon over the years but it seems that this last model is the best of the best.

What brings me to pull the trigger now is the fact that given the 2018 spy shots seems to indicate a styling departure from previous years. With this said my question is should I go ahead and purchase a G550 2016 model or place an order and wait for the 2017 model?

A couple concerns I have include CarPlay which seems to have no sign of being in either the 2016 or 2017 model. Also I would like to gauge the value of having a G model that is the "last" of the "good old design". Any thoughts are welcome on this.

What I am looking for is a Palladium Silver G550 with black interior.

Thanks

jimmyg

The 2017 G-Class has an updated COMAND system with a larger display (8" vs. 7" in the 2016) and supports both CarPlay and Android Auto. Here's a photo of the updated dash:



2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class interior.

The W464 (either a 2018 or 2019 model) has the most significant changes to the G-Class since the launch of the W463 in 1991, but I wouldn't characterize it as a major departure from the current generation. Still has three locking diffs, body on frame, similar styling, solid rear axle...just a little lighter and wider with independent front suspension and revised interior.

If you can't wait for the W464, then at least wait for the 2017 model with CarPlay as production will begin the first week of September.

helinomad

That is excellent information. Thank you! I'm order a 2017 and will likely replace it if the new version is not horrible in 2020. Now I just need to find the 18" rims from the 2015 G550. Should I just buy them from the dealer? If I do buy them from the dealer will they just bolt on or will I need offsets/spacers? My intention is have 265/60/R18 BFGoodrich ATs which should have the same overall diameter to avoid issues with the traction control system. Thanks for all your help.

jimmyg

Here's the ordering guide for the 2017 G-Class in the US:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9c...ew?usp=sharing

will175

Jimmy do you know if it is possible to update the 2016 with the 2017 screen and command system? I cant see there being a huge difference in actual hard parts and software update.

And OP, why not scoop up a 2016 now and wait for the updated W464 to buy? Thats what I just did. Im really excited for the 464.

helinomad

My concern is the rounded design of the front and rear. I worried that with the wider stance it might have lost some of it's heritage. Also I wouldn't be surprised that the V6 options drops the price point to a more "affordable" range chipping at it's exclusivity. If history repeats it-self, the sought after model won't be the reboot design...IE Land Rover Defender. Although in fairness, Mercedes seems to understand their core competency with the G Wagon a little better then Land Rover did. I'll place my bet on the 2017. Besides we pick up my wife's GLS tomorrow so I have something to play with until the G comes in Q4.

will175

Cant argue with that at all. The new GLS is nice! I do love my G63 but one thing it could use would be a little more room inside.

jimmyg

6-cylinder models have been part of the G-Class lineup (outside the US) since 1991. You can currently buy a G350 in many parts of the world where the G-Class is sold, and it's certainly not cheap. The W464 will definitely be more expensive than the outgoing W463, so I think there's nothing to worry about in terms of exclusivity.

jimmyg

I'm hoping to do that...the physical installation should not be difficult, but getting around the anti-theft and other coding issues without the support of a dealer (who is not allowed to do this kind of upgrade) will not be easy. There are some third parties who specialize in these type of upgrades, but it's not cheap. You can attempt a DIY project, but you have to buy some expensive programming tools that are hard to get.