New AMG Performance steering wheel
When going to test drive the new G-Class, take note of its new steering wheel. Models launched from the end of 2018 are equipped with a steering wheel that has a sportier design and a grippy shape with a heavily contoured rim and intuitive operation as standard. This steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather also as standard. The steering wheel also has galvanised shift paddles and a flattened lower section.
Touch control buttons have been integrated into the steering wheel with functions to the multimedia system on the left and instrument cluster functions on the right. These can all be intuitively controlled by horizontal and vertical swiping movements of a finger.
As in the S-Class, the settings for Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and cruise control are made in the left control panels. The control panels on the left are used to activate the voice control and telephone, and to regulate the sound volume, music selection and other functions of the multimedia system.
Related: Road test! We drive Merc’s new souped-up G-Wagon
Infotainment
Many times the infotainment system is overlooked when customers are shopping for a car. Owners then become frustrated with their new vehicles because some systems are just too complicated to use or aren’t user-friendly. So take some time to interact with the infotainment system when going to test drive the G-Class and see if it has a livable system for you.
The G-Class is equipped with the COMAND Online infotainment system with NTG 5.5 as standard. This begins with effortless integration of a smartphone into the onboard infotainment system. Phone calls can then be conveniently made via the Bluetooth hands-free system.
Apple's smartphone-based infotainment system CarPlay and Google's Android Auto can also be used with COMAND Online. If a corresponding smartphone is connected by USB, the customer can, if desired, switch to the CarPlay or Android Auto interface.
Audio playback is possible from various sources which include Bluetooth or via USB. COMAND Online also offers video playback and an integrated hotspot functionality for up to three mobile devices. It allows passengers in all seats to connect different WiFi-capable devices, such as laptop or tablet computers, to the internet.
Modern-style navigation
Take time to see if the navigation system is easy to use. COMAND Online offers fast 3D hard-drive navigation with topographical map display, 3D buildings and 3D map rotations. The system presents its content interactively and its features include an animated compass. COMAND Online uses the familiar traffic data service Live Traffic Information. This allows reception of up-to-date and precise traffic information in real-time for an exact estimate of the time of arrival.
Related: Shop through our listings to find your own Mercedes-AMG G-Class
Seats
Get comfy in the ergonomically designed seats in the G-Class which are equipped with numerous convenience functions to provide enhanced seating comfort and lateral support. Features include the Memory function for the driver's seat, seat heating front and rear, as well as luxury head restraints in the front.
Practicality is enhanced through the ability of the rear seats folding down in a ratio of 40, 60 or 100 percent.
Ride comfort in the G-Class can be boosted further with the Active Multicontour Seat package, optionally available. The special Multicontour seats include features like massage functions, climate-controlled seats, and fast seat heating. This variant also offers electrically adjustable lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger. The side sections of the seat cushions and backrests of the Active Multicontour seats include integrated air chambers that fill or empty continuously depending on the driving dynamics, thus providing better support for the seating positions of driver and front passenger and, for example, offering more lateral support during cornering.
Recommended next:
Going against the green grain at Frankfurt – a 662 kW Brabus-massaged G-Class