Mercedes' G-Class makes the money for its e-cars

Munich

IN THE first revamp of the G-Class since the rugged sport utility vehicle's introduction nearly four decades ago, Mercedes-Benz took the approach that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

There's a special "G" mode for offroad driving and a large flat screen. But aside from such flourishes, the styling is still dominated by flat steel surfaces and a utilitarian interior. The car's still got a brawny gasoline engine, and it's still mainly hand-built in Graz, Austria.