No, I really do not. Auto manufacturers are counting on and very much encouraging leasing and changing cars in the 2-5 year period. Cars are designed nowadays to be as good as they can be during the warranty period. There is not a single manufacturer, including Bentley and Rolls-Royce, that designs something with the explicit plan to make something last much past the warranty period. They want their customers to be very happy and loyal, but if the car lasts "forever", they have no real motivation to buy a new one!!

Mercedes was in pretty bad shape financially in the mid and late 90s. Their cars, while not perfect, would last decades. Their customers, tons of them, were still driving 70s and 80s diesel sedans and SL roadsters and the cars just went seemingly forever!

Brand Loyalty is warranty period. The new 2019 G will do EVERYTHING better than the 2018 and older, but the appeal of the G is that it is and always has been "raw" and unlike any other SUV. Now....it will be just an über luxury GLS or GLE with the look of the classic G. I am not saying it will not be amazing, but it is just now a Range Rover or more rugged GLS!

You can already see how this model is designed to get tweaks over time with a variety of facelifts to subtly make the prior versions look obsolete. The facelift on the G55-G63 was minor, and they continued to make minor adjustments but the platform didn't allow for much in the way of change. You can see how they will be adding LED lights, upgrading the infotainment to the current generation, and many other things; but I think its a stretch to say they are planning obsolescence versus just normal wear and tear on any car. Either way, wish they would get to our NA shores faster

So you're saying that people lease and upgrade cars frequently because they don't last as long as they used to? People get out of their three year old Mercedes because they're worried about the quality of their vehicle yet they run out and buy another Mercedes? Or, do you think people lease because they want (especially those who can afford a brand like Mercedes) the latest and the greatest every couple of years? I had a brand new 600SL in the late 80's. It was a nightmare and the dealer actually took it back.

I just struggle when people call a 2018 G63 "raw". And how can you compare the 2019 G with a GLS or a GLE? Totally different capabilities. Meet me in Moab with your GLS and I'll show you what I mean. I'll reserve judgement on the 2019 G until I have a chance to spend some time on the road, off-roading, and rock crawling. I applaud Mercedes for manufacturing a vehicle like the G and for modernizing a legend while maintaining it's core competency.

My G:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...911/6LAEhZ.png

My "uber luxury" Range Rover. You'd be amazed at how capable these are:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...924/fTrdtU.jpg

@G55K...Never did I ever question the capability of the 2019 G or the Range Rover. I have said over and over!!!! I firmly believe the 2019 G will do EVERYTHING better than the 2018 and older Gs. Also, I have had 3 Full Size Range Rovers and one Sport. They can do basically everything the G can do. They are amazing vehicles! I love my G, but LOVE the Range Rover.

I believe (a lot of) people do not keep vehicles long term because they of course want the newest and greatest models, and that newer vehicles are so tech laden, that they will not last. The few times in the last 10-15 years that we have bought and kept, instead of leasing....not a fun adventure paying for repairs, expensive need to be ordered parts and not having the security of warranty.

I will not meet you in MOAB with my GLS, since I do not have a GLS. It just comes down to that I really loved that Mercedes has updated the G over the years, but kept it kind of "rough" and yes raw compared to other Mercedes models and every other high end suv. Looking at the interior of the all new 2019 G, while comfortable as it will be....it has become just too luxurious and mainstream. If I wanted an S or E Class sedan, I'd buy one. If I wanted a super comfy suv, I would just get another Range Rover!

But then that changes the "character" of the G. Although old school by current standards, buyers are attracted to these vehicles because they are so unique in design and performance. I'm looking forward to the updated MY19 just because of the suspension changes. Every other change represents an upgrade without diluting the original character of the G.

g550
 

Really looking like Oct at best for 19 G wagons..

2019 g550 us price
 

not yet is blocked

Cool. Thank you for posting G550 MSRP. Them wheels though!! #cclass #familysedanwheels LOL

yup.. anyone need the updated DOG? for US markets btw....

It really is looking like OCT at earliest for the 19 G, not late summer...

It looks like October is the earliest we will see deliveries in the states. There are a bunch on the ground at the port but need to go through the bureaucratic regulatory process. At least that's what I have been told. I don't believe MBUSA is holding them back.