The suspension system in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class W465 plays a crucial role in ensuring both off-road capability and on-road comfort. Given the G-Class’s dual-purpose nature as a rugged off-road vehicle that can also handle urban and highway driving, the suspension needs to deliver a balance of durability, stability, and handling across varied terrains. Here’s an in-depth look at the suspension system in the G-Class W465:

1. Suspension Overview

The suspension system in the G-Class W465 is a fully independent setup, using coil springs and shock absorbers at all four corners. The suspension is designed to provide excellent off-road performance while also ensuring a smooth and stable ride on paved roads.

2. Front Suspension

The front suspension of the G-Class W465 consists of a double-wishbone design with coil springs and shock absorbers. This type of suspension allows for independent wheel movement, which is crucial for maintaining wheel contact with the ground in uneven terrain.

• Coil Springs: The coil spring setup offers a higher level of flexibility and comfort when driving over bumps and uneven surfaces. It helps absorb shocks from off-road obstacles like rocks or tree roots.
• Independent Suspension: Each wheel can move independently, allowing the G-Class to maintain better traction when one wheel encounters a bump, rock, or rut, and the other doesn’t.
• Shock Absorbers: The shock absorbers work with the coil springs to dampen the impact of rough surfaces, providing a smooth ride even in challenging environments.

3. Rear Suspension

The rear suspension of the W465 is also a solid axle setup, but it benefits from coil springs as well, similar to the front. This design provides durability and stability when carrying heavy loads, especially in off-road scenarios where the G-Class might need to tow or carry gear.

• Coil Springs: In the rear, the coil springs offer flexibility for off-roading, allowing the rear wheels to absorb impacts from rocks, ruts, or uneven surfaces.
• Live Axle: The solid rear axle allows the rear wheels to work together, providing better traction when off-roading. The rear axle is designed to withstand the rigorous demands of off-road driving and heavy-duty use.

4. Hydraulic Dampers and Shock Absorbers

The G-Class W465 features hydraulic dampers (shock absorbers) that control the movement of the suspension components. These dampers are key to controlling how the suspension reacts to various types of terrain and driving conditions, preventing excessive body roll and providing a controlled, stable ride.

• Adjustable Dampers: On higher trims or models equipped with the AMG package, the dampers may be electronically controlled for adjustable suspension stiffness. These systems adjust the damping force based on driving conditions to improve both ride comfort and handling.

5. Active Suspension System

On some versions of the G-Class W465, particularly in later models or AMG variants, the vehicle may be equipped with an active suspension system like the AIRMATIC system or Adaptive Damping System (ADS). These systems can adjust the ride height and damping force of the suspension, providing a more comfortable ride when cruising on highways and improving off-road capability when traversing rugged terrain.

• Adaptive Dampers: The suspension can automatically adjust the stiffness of the dampers, increasing stiffness when cornering for more precise handling and softening when going over rough surfaces.
• Ride Height Adjustment: The air suspension can raise or lower the vehicle, improving ground clearance for off-roading or lowering it for better aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.

6. Suspension for Off-Road Driving

The G-Class W465's suspension is particularly engineered for extreme off-road conditions. The vehicle is equipped with several features to enhance its off-road prowess:

• High Ground Clearance: The suspension provides high ground clearance, ensuring the G-Class can clear large obstacles like rocks and uneven terrain.
• Axle Articulation: The G-Class suspension allows for excellent axle articulation, meaning the wheels can travel up and down independently without losing contact with the ground. This feature is essential for off-roading, as it helps the G-Class maintain traction even when one or more wheels are elevated off the ground.
• Suspension Travel: The suspension has ample travel to allow for long wheel movements, essential for overcoming rough off-road terrain without bottoming out.

7. Roll Stabilization

The G-Class W465 comes equipped with Active Roll Stabilization, which helps improve the vehicle's handling and stability when driving on sloped or uneven surfaces. This system is crucial for maintaining balance and minimizing body roll during high-speed turns or off-camber driving.

• Electronic Roll Control: This system uses electronic actuators to adjust the sway bars and stabilize the body during cornering or off-road navigation.

8. Four-Wheel Drive and Suspension Integration

The G-Class W465 features a permanent all-wheel-drive (4WD) system, meaning all four wheels are powered at all times. This system is paired with the suspension to deliver exceptional off-road capability.

• Locking Differentials: The G-Class can engage locking differentials, which distribute power evenly across the wheels, ensuring that the vehicle remains in motion even when one or more wheels lose traction. This system works in tandem with the suspension to optimize traction and stability in off-road conditions.
• Low Range Transfer Case: The low-range transfer case further aids the vehicle in low-speed off-roading by providing increased torque to the wheels, ideal for crawling over rocks or navigating through deep sand or mud.

9. Suspension Control in Different Driving Modes

The G-Class W465 includes multiple driving modes through the Dynamic Select system (or the off-road-specific Terrain Select in some models). These modes adjust various vehicle settings, including the suspension.

• Comfort Mode: In this mode, the suspension is softened to provide a smooth and comfortable ride on paved roads.
• Sport Mode: The suspension stiffens, improving handling precision and reducing body roll, which is beneficial for driving on highways or curvy roads at higher speeds.
• Off-Road Mode: The suspension softens again, and the vehicle's ground clearance may increase, allowing for better comfort and performance on rough terrain.

10. Air Suspension Option

In higher-end variants or special packages, the G-Class W465 can be equipped with air suspension (such as the AIRMATIC system), which allows for variable ride heights. This feature is particularly useful for:

• Increased Ground Clearance: When off-roading, the system raises the vehicle for better clearance over obstacles.
• Lowered Ride Height: On highways, the vehicle can lower its height for improved aerodynamics, stability, and handling at higher speeds.
• Adjustable Ride Comfort: The system adapts the suspension firmness for a more comfortable ride on paved roads or firmer settings for off-road driving.

11. Suspension in AMG Models

For the AMG variants of the G-Class (e.g., G 63 AMG), the suspension system is specially tuned to provide sharper handling and increased performance on both roads and off-road environments. These models benefit from a sportier suspension setup with:

• Enhanced Dampers: These offer more precise control during aggressive cornering or high-speed runs.
• Lower Ride Height: AMG models typically have a lower ride height than the standard G-Class for better on-road dynamics.

12. Suspension Maintenance and Durability

The G-Class W465’s suspension is built to handle the stresses of off-road driving, including rocky trails, uneven surfaces, and heavy loads. Maintenance of the suspension involves:

• Regular Inspections: Suspension components should be regularly checked for wear, including coil springs, shock absorbers, and bushings.
• Lubrication: Suspension joints and components may require greasing or lubrication to maintain smooth operation and prevent corrosion, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions.

Conclusion

The suspension system in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class W465 is a sophisticated and rugged setup designed to handle the challenges of both off-road environments and highway driving. With a combination of coil springs, shock absorbers, active roll stabilization, and optional air suspension, the G-Class W465 provides a comfortable and capable ride across various driving conditions, ensuring both stability and control on rough terrains and smooth roads alike. Whether navigating through mud, sand, or urban streets, the suspension system enhances the G-Class’s versatility, making it one of the most capable and durable luxury SUVs on the market.