WITH bones that date all the way back to 1979, you’d forgive the G-Class for feeling a little bit old-fashioned. Because that’s exactly what it is: positively ancient.

But when Mercedes-Benz debuts the first all-new G-Class in nearly four decades at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the company’s rugged off-roader will be a far more inviting, accommodating and technologically sophisticated off-roader. How do we know? Because Dutch website autoweek.nl let slip clear images of the new G’s dashboard, and it looks anything but antiquated.

There are familiar G-Wagen traits like a passenger-side grab handle and a low dashpad height, but the double-binnacle that covers both the instrument cluster and (huge) infotainment screen is a feature borrowed from the S-Class and E-Class, as are the turbine-style air vent gimbals.

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The steering wheel, with its large buttons, flattened bottom and metallic trim, is also reminiscent of the S-Class’ tiller.

The centre stack is more upright than the sloping panels that typify Benz’s passenger cars from C-Class and up, but that’s in keeping with the G-Class’ utilitarian nature. Nevertheless, the switchgear for ventilation and infotainment shortcut buttons (not to mention the analogue clock) appear identical to what’s found in existing Mercedes-Benz models.

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The trio of large rocker switches between the centre air vents are unique however, and likely control various aspects of the new G’s 4×4 driveline. Interestingly, the demo dashboard is equipped with conventional analogue instruments rather than an all-electronic driver display like the S-Class or E-Class.

The new G-Class’ exterior is still yet to be spotted unclothed, but expect the existing car’s endearingly boxy flavour to flow through to its next-gen replacement. Dimensional growth is almost guaranteed, however, with the new car expected to be around 100mm wider. Meanwhile weight will be kept in check through aluminium-intensive construction methods.

Full details will be revealed in early January, when the next-generation G-Class makes its public debut at the Detroit Auto Show.

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