What are its faults? I didn't like the way the power window switches drop down automatically but won't do the same on the way
 |
| For the high sticker price, the big Mercedes SUV is missing some of the expected bells and whistles in the SUV class. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
up, and its audio/nav controls are a pain to figure out, especially finding and then setting the radio presets. And where's the DVD player and drop-down monitor for $110K? It should have twin 17-inch plasma screens for that price. What else? The window ledge is too narrow to comfortably rest the elbow on, but the power window switches on the same ledge, at the broader, angular front section, add a retro touch that is coming back in fashion - check out the Nissan Armada for an updated version of this.
Totally annoying was a message that read "Tele Aid Emerg. Call Not Activated," with a larger "SOS" just below, complimented by a telephone pictograph in the
 |
| Thanks to the G500's high profile there is plenty of room for tall passengers. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
orange LED display at mid-gauge package. There's a "CHECK ENGINE" light next to a triangular orange light featuring an exclamation point, which kept telling me something was still wrong just before startup. Fortunately almost all disappear once the SUV is running. ALMOST all disappear? Yes, a red telephone pictograph and SOS light hovers down from the overhead console as a constant reminder to service the vehicle. Once I turned off the ignition, again a reminder lit up in the info screen saying "1 Malfunction," just in case I'd forgotten. I, of course, kept forgetting anyway. On the positive the HVAC system is easy to use, if not a bit too far down the dash to see all the smallish controls clearly, and the 2-way heated seats were a comfort. Mercedes supplies 3-position memory controls next to door mounted power seat switches, allowing optimal comfort in the multi-adjustable leather clad chairs. Rear seat room is extremely accommodating too.
