The G-Class is one of the longest-standing SUVs in the auto industry, having been originally launched in 1979. To mark the 30th anniversary of its most expensive 4x4, Mercedes-Benz decided to give it minor cosmetic changes while updating its equipment and powertrain.
The vehicle is just as boxy as always. Only a keen eye will notice the three-fin grille (instead of seven) and the new-look 18-inch wheels.
The German automaker borrowed the 5.5L V8 from the S-Class sedan to add more ponies under the hood. With 388 horsepower and 391 pounds-feet of torque at the driver's disposal, sports car-like accelerations are just a quick dip of the throttle away: 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Despite the new displacement, the name of this model will remain G500.
The interior benefits from substantial upgrades, making the vehicle still very competitive. The G-Class gets the company's new telematics technology, Bluetooth connectivity as well as a new stereo with speed-sensing automatic audio volume control.
The hard drive-based COMAND APS interface with navigation (standard) offers an Off-Road menu and the extremely convenient LINGUATRONIC voice-activated system. Drivers only need to dictate a command and the vehicle will provide the desired information, dial a phone number or enter a destination into the navigation system.
Newly available is a rearview camera with display monitor and, for the ultimate sound experience, Mercedes-Benz still offers a 450-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon LOGIC7 premium audio system. Cooled front seats are also optional.
Backed by three decades of motoring success, the G-Class will again prove to be a highly-maneuverable, ultra-sophisticated SUV. A seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission enhances the driving experience, while safety and off-road prowess are improved thanks to multiple electronic systems like 4ETS, ESP and the legendary triple differential.
Of course, the 2009 G-Class lineup would not be complete without an AMG high-performance model. While the G55 does not get the same 6.2L V8 as other AMG cars, power from its supercharged 5.4L unit is up by 7 ponies (507) and torque jumps 125 pound-feet (to 516). Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are now completed in 5.5 seconds.
The G55 receives all the upgrades of the G500 while adding exclusive AMG details, like body-colored exterior trim and lateral twin tailpipes mounted ahead of the rear wheels.
The new G-Class will be available this Fall.
photo:Mercedes-Benz
The vehicle is just as boxy as always. Only a keen eye will notice the three-fin grille (instead of seven) and the new-look 18-inch wheels.
The German automaker borrowed the 5.5L V8 from the S-Class sedan to add more ponies under the hood. With 388 horsepower and 391 pounds-feet of torque at the driver's disposal, sports car-like accelerations are just a quick dip of the throttle away: 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Despite the new displacement, the name of this model will remain G500.
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| 2009 Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG |
The interior benefits from substantial upgrades, making the vehicle still very competitive. The G-Class gets the company's new telematics technology, Bluetooth connectivity as well as a new stereo with speed-sensing automatic audio volume control.
The hard drive-based COMAND APS interface with navigation (standard) offers an Off-Road menu and the extremely convenient LINGUATRONIC voice-activated system. Drivers only need to dictate a command and the vehicle will provide the desired information, dial a phone number or enter a destination into the navigation system.
Newly available is a rearview camera with display monitor and, for the ultimate sound experience, Mercedes-Benz still offers a 450-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon LOGIC7 premium audio system. Cooled front seats are also optional.
Backed by three decades of motoring success, the G-Class will again prove to be a highly-maneuverable, ultra-sophisticated SUV. A seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission enhances the driving experience, while safety and off-road prowess are improved thanks to multiple electronic systems like 4ETS, ESP and the legendary triple differential.
Of course, the 2009 G-Class lineup would not be complete without an AMG high-performance model. While the G55 does not get the same 6.2L V8 as other AMG cars, power from its supercharged 5.4L unit is up by 7 ponies (507) and torque jumps 125 pound-feet (to 516). Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are now completed in 5.5 seconds.
The G55 receives all the upgrades of the G500 while adding exclusive AMG details, like body-colored exterior trim and lateral twin tailpipes mounted ahead of the rear wheels.
The new G-Class will be available this Fall.
photo:Mercedes-Benz
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