NEW YORK -- The Mercedes-Benz G-class SUV is undergoing a thorough redesign, confirms Gorden Wagener, Daimler AG's chief design officer.
"We did everything new," Wagener told Automotive News at the New York auto show.
With the exception of one part -- a small plastic lip on the C-pillar -- all visible parts are new, both on the exterior and interior, Wagener said.
He didn't confirm when the redesigned G class will be unveiled other than to point toward the "not too distant future."
Mercedes' Gorden Wagener: "Still has to be edgy:"
The Frankfurt auto show in September is a likely candidate for the debut. The vehicle is expected to get wider and much lighter with modernized steering and suspension systems.
The challenge in redesigning the G class, which dates to 1979 and is revered by many customers, is to be respectful of its iconic shape, Wagener said.
"You have to keep it boxy," he said. "You have to treat it very responsible, otherwise it wouldn't be a G. So it still has to be edgy."
That said, designers worked to improve the proportions and make them "a bit more grown up," he said. They also tackled "little edges and busy stuff."
Said Wagener: "You have to clean it up."
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