Facelifts: Fresh Looks, Low Costs

The automotive facelift is a strategy used by many automakers. While the traditional life cycle lasts for about 6-8 years, the facelift keeps the car looking up to date until the next major redesign. Since the facelift is not a major overhaul, it is only a fraction of the cost of introducing a brand new model. Additionally, it also gives some existing customers an incentive to trade in their pre-facelift model for the latest version. 


Not surprisingly, facelifts vary between manufacturers and even models. There are a few popular things to update though. Most commonly are front and rear aprons. As this is purely cosmetic, it costs very little to change these trim pieces. Also popular are headlight and tailight revisions. Today, many automakers are adding LED accent lighting to give the more modern look. Engine upgrades are also not uncommon. If an automaker has a new engine ready, the facelift is the perfect opportunity to replace the old one and use the new one as a strong selling point. Most engines are used in multiple models, therefore keeping cost down. In some cases, an existing engine is just enhanced, providing small gains in power and fuel economy while also keeping development costs down. Likewise, transmissions with more gears or new calibration are also deployed for similar reasons as new engines. When there are multiple changes automakers like to use the term "all new". However, any facelifted car is not that, but rather just an enhancement.

The Mercedes G Class

For the 2013 model year, Mercedes has attempted to bring some new life back into their aging G Class. The luxurious off-roader has survived with small updates since its development in the 70's. The car is hand-built due to its extremely limited production. In fact, Bentley sells more Continental GT's then Mercedes sells G-Wagons. 

With its underpinnings and many components over 30 years old, the G is by no means a modern vehicle. However, Mercedes has put on a facade to make it fit in with the rest of their up-to-date lineup. Despite this, for the exterior, Mercedes hasn't done a very convincing job. They added the now ubiquitous LED accent lighting, new side mirrors, and rims. 

The interior gets a more significant facelift. In front of the driver's eyes lies a version of Mercedes' current instrument cluster. The vehicle also receives the current premium Mercedes switchgear.  Most significant though is the implementation of Mercedes' latest electronics suite. This includes the current COMMAND system as well as the wide array of the latest driver assistance aids. If there is any place somebody without a keen eye will take notice, it is the interior. 

If the base G550 (G500 in Europe) is not enough there are other options. After a short hiatus, Mercedes has brought back the AMG treatment to the car with not just one but TWO variants. The G63 which will be coming to the US features the latest AMG V8 engine which is a biturbo, direct-injected, 5.5 liter mated to the familiar Mercedes 7-speed transmission. In this application, the engine makes a staggering 536 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque. Available in some European markets only is the even crazier G65. This features Mercedes' venerable 6.0 liter biturbo V-12 making an outrageous 612 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. 

The entire concept of the G-Wagon is absurd. Similar to the idea of a Range Rover, it is a car designed to be a serious off-roader with a luxurious cabin. However, unlike a Range Rover, the G has not benefitted from new architecture and constant upkeep. What's worse is the attempt to make performance versions of a truck that is about as far from a performance car as possible. Instead of a physics defying SUV like the Cayenne Turbo or X5M, you are left with a status symbol. The price alone backs that claim up. The base car pricing comfortably above $100,000 is a sum that one has to be foolish to pay for what you are getting. Coming in close to $150,000 will be the G63, a very confused car. However the epitome of paying for a badge or a symbol is the G65 which would be about $200,000 more then the G63. What you get for that price is 0.1 seconds off the not impressive 0-60 time (relatively) and a few minor trim details.

The sheer concept and ridiculousness of the car will attract a few very wealthy owners. For the rest, the price, the lack of a clear identity, and the archaic underpinnings will be a turn off. Will this scant freshening keep the small customer base coming back for more?