We can hardly tell the difference, and the camouflage is not to blame.
When it comes to instantly recognizable designs, a few immediately spring to mind. The retro-themed Mini Cooper is one of the best examples, and so is the Porsche 911. Over the decades, the shape of Stuttgart's finest precision driving instrument has stayed broadly the same, making the 911 almost a brand of itself, but this isn't the only expensive German that refuses to change its appearance.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has also retained its unique shape for ages, so bear with us as we try to discern what changes are coming for the 2023 model. Our spy photographers in Sweden have captured the luxury SUV (as well as a number of other updated Mercs) undergoing cold-weather testing in extensive camouflage, but even without it, we might struggle to see the difference over the last generation.
Late last year, we caught a similarly disguised G-Class undergoing the same sort of testing, but that was the AMG version. As such, the images you see here are the first we have of the so-called regular model. Based on where the camouflage has been applied, it's safe to assume that the basic design will not be changing very much and that only the front and rear bumpers are likely to get serious restyling.
The graphics of the LED headlights and taillights may be lightly refreshed too, but that's about it for the exterior. Our theory that the G-Class won't be getting any major exterior styling upgrades is bolstered by the recent September 2021 reveal of the Concept EQG, an electric G-Class for the future that looks almost identical to the Gelandewagen we know and love.
We are expecting updates inside though. The current 2022 G-Class is still lumbered with a now-ancient and irritatingly unergonomic COMAND infotainment system, so the upgrade to the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system is long overdue and all but guaranteed for the 2023 refresh. We'd be absolutely flabbergasted if the old-school SUV arrived with an infotainment system that Moses could have used while navigating the wilderness, so look forward to a pair of screens connected as one, and with these, a redesigned center console and cabin.
As for when the G-Class will enter the market, we're expecting a late 2022 reveal, but don't be surprised if supplier shortages and other challenges push its launch to early 2023.
Keyword: Mercedes-Benz Spied Preparing G-Class For A Facelift