WOLF DESIGN REVIEW. 2nd November 2024
A WOLF Architects interpretation of a truly Iconic Automobile.
While the technology and fashion of an era influence design, and are taken into consideration, great design ideas will transcend their eras to be timeless.
Interesting and factual information may be provided, but our review aims to deliver insight into the eyes and mind of WOLF designers.
If you build it, we will buy it!
Introduction
The G-Wagon is Mercedes statement vehicle when it comes to SUV cars. It was first launched in 1979 as a military vehicle and has continued production until present day. Technically the car was properly revised and relaunched as a second-generation car (W463) in 2018 but Mercedes retained its overall design such that the average person could not easily discern that it was completely built from scratch (re-using only a few parts from the previous model). While it was an opportunity to create an all new look, Mercedes recognised the importance of the original boxy design and made the brave decision to maintain this iconic form. The W463 was necessary considering the cars selling price and its competition. The original G-wagon had been in production with the same chassis for almost 40 years, the longest production run for Mercedes.
Respectful evaluation
At WOLF Architects we have always admired the Mercedes brand and believe in similar values such as having “Respect for Tradition” and “Nothing but the Best”. As innovators in Contemporary Architecture we appreciate the intention and passion required to create beautiful Mercedes cars. While the G-Wagon may not necessarily be considered a “Beautiful Car”, it is without doubt a design icon with strict straight lines and forms that architecturally might be considered as “Beautifully Brutal”. The second-generation G-wagon however did have cosmetic differences that in our opinion softened the overall look. We understand how these changes might have been conceived to reduce the overall bulk and drag of a big car that is even bigger than previous versions, but in doing so something seems to have been lost. Modernising is always important but with the G-wagon we feel this could still have been achieved without losing the edginess that the previous generation was so renown for.
Product description
The G-Wagon in this review is a special edition designed by our team at WOLF Architects. This WOLF Edition was inspired by the 2024 Grand Edition which we studied in depth to consider what we would have done differently. In particular we wanted to create a modern look that still maintained the edginess of the original G-wagon. This exercise was done out of the greatest respect for the G-wagon so our intention was not to create a new car or shape, but only to suggest simple but effective updates. Mercedes could hypothetically adopt our ideas and create new components that could adapt and fit to the current G63 AMG. This is not particularly different to how Lorinser or Brabus might make cosmetic changes, but in our case, we are not considering the cars mechanical performance or interior. The interior however should be assumed to have a WOLF treatment though in this review we have not provided any designs or images.
Price and Availability.
In Australia a new AMG G-wagon costs $400,000++, and at that price point a car must deliver beyond expectations. Without doubt the G-wagon is a lot of car for the dollar but emotionally such a car should also deliver joy at every level. The WOLF G-wagon offers a visual look that we believe completes the experience of an uncompromising SUV. We imagine the WOLF G-Wagon to be a special order or limited production run that could potentially command a further 15+%.
W463 Analysis
Our analysis of the current 2024 model is not a criticism of the cars look, but an artistic exploration of what is possible and how to evolve the G-wagon without losing the essence of what makes it so iconic. We also considered elements that Mercedes might have the most probability of changing were they to consider our ideas. We identified 14 different aspects on the car which as a whole would harmoniously create a unique update as a desirable special edition.
14 points of difference
1- Front Grill. The present G-wagon has a front grill that is a lot softer than that on the first-generation car. With more rounded corners and a top side that tapers inwards, the mouth of the car has what we would describe as a “Floppy look”. The WOLF edition would demand a more disciplined design that would resent curves.
2- Head Lamps. With a car that is so square and boxy it almost begs the question of “Why the head lights have always been round?”
3- Windscreen Wipers. This traditional arrangement is dated and must surely add to air resistance. Mercedes started concealing wipers under the bonnet in the 90s with their W124 and R129 cars. Surely the G-wagon could do the same?
4- Windscreen & A-Pillars. We like the flatness of the Windscreen but what if it could also wrap around the A-Pillars?
5- Wing Mirrors. We didn’t approve of the curvy wing mirrors on the R129s 1998 facelift, because that SL was more straight than curved. Likewise, these rounded wings are not the right match in our opinion.
6- Front Bumper Bar. Mercedes are always updating their bumpers but the G-wagon should always symbolise strength. In our opinion the present design is not as strong as their 2017 design.
7- Wheel Center. We don’t mind the current alloy wheels but the Mercedes emblem at the center seems dis-proportionately small against such a large wheel and car.
8- Exhaust Pipes. Exhaust pipes on the side are unique to the G-wagon but those ovals ones look to us like they were borrowed from a sports car.
9- Paint. Paint is the easiest way to create a new look, and such a big car would seem leaner with two tone paint options.
10- Wheel Arch Detail. The G-wagon has a small indentation at the ends of each wheel arch and we would remove all of them, but the ones at the rear in particular look like dints to our WOLF eyes.
11- Roof Trim Detail. The present G-wagon has a room trim that bends upwards at the rear which we understand to be based on function but it would look neater if it didn’t have to bend.
12- Spare Tire container emblem. Again, we feel the small Mercedes logo could be scaled up for such a large car. Perhaps the container might also be available in a squarish form?
13- Rear Bumper Trim. Not sure about these trim pieces and feel that they either have to go or be more substantial.
14- Tail Lamps. Last but not least, those little tail lamps have always been far too small in our opinion.
WOLF G-Wagon Review
1- Squared Front Grill. Our G-wagon has a virtually flat front grill with tight corners that turn 90 degrees. One vertical slat behind the AMG badge is chrome plated for a subtle hint of exclusiveness.
2- Square Head Lamps. Obvious and simple with eyelids that may even blink.
3- Concealed Windscreen Wipers. Hidden in a recess at the end of the bonnet where it meets the front windscreen
4- Windscreen & A-Pillars. Our Windscreen will wrap around the A-Pillars for a sleek futuristic look.
5- Wing Mirrors. Back to Boxy, and maybe even two-toned
6- Front Bumper Bar. We’ve straightened up the lines and extended the vertical silver trim longer. This now looks more aggressive like a WOLF Fang!
7- Wheel Center. Just a slightly larger Mercedes Star in the center please.
8- Exhaust Pipes. Rectangular ones that angle down to the road make more sense to us.
9- Paint. A warm matt silver top side over a blue-black lower section looks smart, sophisticated and luxurious at the same time.
10- Wheel Arch detail. That curious indentation at the rear of the rear wheel arches had to go!
11- Roof trim detail. It may not be functional to be straight but this looks neater in our opinion.
12- Spare Tire container emblem. A larger logo here feels proud and appropriate for a car of this stature.
13- Rear bumper trim. We decided to double them up for a more substantial look.
15- Tail Lamps. It’s time for a bolder statement.
More options
The rear lamps could subtly suggest the letter “G”, and perhaps a squarish spare wheel container is appropriate?
Exterior mood lighting
Please build it!
WORD OF THE WOLF
With such a long and incredible history, it’s not surprising that the G-wagon exists in so many variants. It must surely be the Mercedes model with the most editions, and this tradition is likely to continue for many more years with passion for the G- Wagon still as strong as ever. The WOLF or “W” Edition is both a step back in time as well as forwards into the future with what we feel to be true G-Wagon spirit.
Alternative Wolf Concepts
WOLF DESIGN EXCELLENCE SCORE = 8.3
Not many of our reviews score over 8, the WOLF G-wagon is up there and destined in our opinion to be a true classic……. If only it were real!
Disclaimer
The information in this review is intended for informational or educational purposes to provide readers an understanding of how something may be seen from a certain design perspective. In this case it is from the view point of WOLF DESIGNS. As design is subjective this review should only be considered as an independent opinion. Information further to being of an opinion is provided to the best of our knowledge based on our own research at the time of doing the review. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or inconsistencies and reserve the right to change or update any content as appropriate.
The final responsibility of the design resides with the original manufacturer.
