 Mercedes-Benz is once again going its separate way
with the G-Class. Instead of modernising the visual appeal of the striking
design icon and relaunching it with a new design, those in charge have left
its indestructible, hallmark traits untouched since 1979. At the same time,
the consistent effort which Mercedes-Benz has put into the evolution of the
"G" has helped safeguard its leading position. In the most recent case, the
"G" specialists have focused their attention on the interior and developed
new seats. The ergonomically optimised front seats improve both comfort and
lateral support, helping further bolster driver-fitness safety. The new design
has also modernised the rear seat bench, with modifications that echo the
styling of the driver's and front passenger's seat. "G" customers can choose
between black or grey fabric upholstery and leather appointments either in
black, grey or chestnut. Further added comfort comes courtesy of the new
optional climatised multicontour seats. The line-up now also includes the
exquisite designo leather upholstery in classic red or black as well as designo
wood trim in black piano lacquer. Another highlight that will be available
in early 2010 comes in the shape of the designo stone trim in Labrador blue
pearl. The standard specification now includes an Aux-in socket in the glove
compartment and the familiar designer ignition key. As an option, indirect
ambient interior lighting, a leather-trimmed dashboard, an extensive Chrome
package as well as a media interface to connect an iPod, USB or Aux devices
add to the feel-good factor on board. New paintwork options are also available:
"palladium silver metallic" or the "designo platinum magno" matt finish,
which show off the striking body design of the "G" to particularly good effect,
supplement the line-up for 2009. At the rear, the new models make a distinctive
statement with a modified spare wheel cover with a three-dimensional Mercedes
star.
Current model range: three body variants, three
engines
The model family currently includes three body variants (short Station Wagon,
long Station Wagon and Cabriolet), which can be combined either as the G
350 CDI (replaces the previous G 320 CDI with a new nomenclature) with the
frugal V6 diesel engine or as the G 500 with a powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol
engine. The top-of-the-line G 55 AMG – available solely as a four-door
long Station Wagon – offers muscular performance, which, together with
the incomparable vocals, underpins the character of this decidedly sporty
version. The G-Guard based on the G 500 long Station Wagon remains an important
component in the model range. The fully armoured G-Class certified to bullet
resistance level FB6 or FB7 provides protection against pistols/revolvers
and long-barrelled weapons as well as against explosive charges of a defined
size. The evergreen Mercedes-Benz off-roader provides a superior synthesis
of high-performance drive and dynamic handling control systems. The standard
specification includes the electronic traction system 4ETS, the Electronic
Stability Program ESP® and three differential locks selectable
at the push of a button, alongside the permanent all-wheel drive with off-road
ratio.
Key technical data* and prices at a glance:
|
Model |
G 350 CDI** |
G 500** |
G 55 AMG*** |
|
Rated output (kW [hp] at rpm) |
165 [224]/3800 |
285 [388]/6000 |
373 [507]/6100 |
|
Rated torque (Nm at rpm) |
540/1600–2400 |
530/2800–4800 |
700/2750–4000 |
|
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) |
8.8 |
5.9 |
5.5 |
|
Maximum speed (km/h) |
177 |
210 |
210**** |
|
Tank capacity/incl. reserve |
96/20 |
|
Fuel consumption combined (l/100 km) |
11.0 |
14.7 |
15.9 |
|
CO2 emissions (g/km) combined |
291 |
351 |
378 |
|
Emissions class |
EU4 |
|
Tyres/wheels front/rear |
265/70 R 16 |
265/60 R 18 |
275/55 R 19 |
|
Kerb weight |
2275 |
2245 |
2550 |
|
Payload (kg) |
575 |
605 |
650 |
|
Permissible gross vehicle weight (kg) |
2850 |
2850 |
3200 |
|
Perm. trailer load (kg) unbraked/braked |
750/2850 |
750/3500 |
|
Prices EUR***** |
|
Short Station Wagon |
59,590- |
75,250- |
- |
|
Long Station Wagon |
64,450- |
79,750- |
107,650- |
|
Cabriolet |
65,250- |
80,550- |
- |
* Figures may vary depending on the equipment line, ** Figures apply to short
Station Wagon,
*** Figures apply to long Station Wagon, **** electronically limited, *****
excludes statutory VAT
On its 30th
birthday: readers' poll awards mount up
Readers of the "4Wheel Fun" off-road magazine named the "G" "2009 superstar"
in its readers' poll. The indefatigable off-roader came out on top in the
same poll in 2007. Following on from the success in 2003 and 2007, readers
of "Motor Klassik" once again chose the Mercedes-Benz G-Class as "classic
of the future" in 2009. For an incredible sixth time – after 2001, 2003,
2006, 2007 and 2008 – readers of "Off Road" have bestowed the title
"off-roader of the year 2009" on this automotive icon. The G-Class boasts
a long tradition of awards and accolades, reflected in the packed trophy
cabinet. Readers of specialist magazine "auto motor und sport" have
voted the G-Class the world's best off-roader no less than 14 times. In 1983,
the Australian automotive magazine "bushdriver" named the "G" the best 4x4
off-roader of the year, undoubtedly rekindling memories of the Paris-Dakar
victory that very same year. In 1993, readers of the French "Magazine
4x4" voted the G 350 TURBODIESEL the off-roader of the year. And in 1995,
the readers of the specialist water-sports magazine "Boote" came to
the conclusion that the G-Class is the best towing vehicle. |
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