Mercedes-Benz G-Class Production Will Cease In Early 2024

A new report out of Germany suggests production of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class will end in early 2024, as the company is preparing to launch an updated, more aerodynamic model.

Business Insider Germany reports that an internal letter dated September 14 states, "The production of the current G-Class will expire in Q1 2024." With a more streamlined and aerodynamic design, the facelifted model will reportedly borrow design cues from the all-electric EQG. This will increase range, improve efficiency on the battery-powered model, and reduce fuel consumption for the gasoline-powered V6 and V8 variants.

Dr. Emerich Schiller, head of the G-Class business unit, told Autocar that the changes made to the G-Class make a big difference. However, customers will struggle to differentiate between the pre-and post-facelift models.

"When you really go into the details of the car, we have changed things. Most customers won't see it, even if they stand in front of the car, but the change in some cases had a really dramatic improvement to the aerodynamics," said Schiller.

A more aerodynamic shape was very important when developing the all-electric G-Class. "With electric cars, aerodynamics are quite a big challenge," he added. "With the EQG, our first task was to keep the design of the car but to improve the aerodynamics as much as possible."

Schiller notes that designers have been able to improve aerodynamics without changing the iconic shape. "What we've learned with the electric version we will put to the combustion engine car. So when the facelift comes next year, the car will have most of the aerodynamic improvements as well, with a tremendous reduction in fuel consumption."

Aerodynamic improvements will result in a higher top speed and quicker acceleration, making the AMG-powered G63 all the more appealing.

When the facelifted model arrives next year, the EQG should steal all the headlines. The electric G-Class will reportedly use sophisticated silicon anode chemistry tech in the battery pack, which should provide a range boost of 20% to 40%.

Unlike the rest of the Mercedes-EQ brand, the EQG will be near-identical to the G-Class regarding style and execution. "It will be almost the same car. It comes with our philosophy: it's not an electric car, it's a G-Class, and you can have it with a petrol engine, a Diesel engine, or electric power," concluded Schiller.

Earlier this month, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius confirmed that a smaller G-Class is coming. It will reportedly use the GLG-Class nomenclature and arrive sometime in 2026.