Functionality Meets Upper-Class Luxury in the All-New GL-Class
The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen (G-Class) is to the Germans, what
the Hummer H1 is to North Americans, or for that matter, what the Land Rover Defender is to the British. GL translates into "ultimate off-roader" and the pride of each country's military ground forces.
Like Hummer or Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz has stuck with the G for over a quarter of a century and counting, with only the occasional component upgrade every now and then to keep it up to date, including the addition of long-wheelbase, short-wheelbase, soft-top and AMG versions.
In recent years, since it was officially introduced into the North American market especially (gray market versions are everywhere), the G-Class has won over a surprising number of new clients, bringing it back into the spotlight as a rolling icon of wealth and status, and appropriately one of surprising profit for Mercedes-Benz. Currently, amongst high-price SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade or Hummer H1, the G commands total respect from movie stars, rappers, well-off investors, all while continuing to serve more utilitarian needs such as those of the Red Cross, and even the Canadian Army - sans leather, wood, DVD entertainment system and 20-inch wheels of course (see automotive news in this website for July 16, 2004: Department of National Defense Adds More Mercedes G Wagons to Canadian Armed Forces).
While the need for Mercedes-Benz to develop a rock-climber is debatable in the new millennium, there is no doubt that the three-pointed star sees continued opportunity with high-end luxury sport utility vehicles. The brand wants to cash in on this by creating a new top-of-the-line vehicle, not necessarily to replace the vastly hand-built G-Class, but at least something that is sleeker, more stylish, and ultimately a better representation of Benz in the 21st century than the current heavy-weight brick, that hasn't merely endured the winds of change but rather blasted right through them, which will continue to be sold alongside it.
The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen (G-Class) is to the Germans, what
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| The old G-Class was a tough, nearly unbreakable 'ute. Though North America only receives the four-door wagon, there's a two-door wagon and a short wheelbase soft-top as pictured here. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
Like Hummer or Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz has stuck with the G for over a quarter of a century and counting, with only the occasional component upgrade every now and then to keep it up to date, including the addition of long-wheelbase, short-wheelbase, soft-top and AMG versions.
In recent years, since it was officially introduced into the North American market especially (gray market versions are everywhere), the G-Class has won over a surprising number of new clients, bringing it back into the spotlight as a rolling icon of wealth and status, and appropriately one of surprising profit for Mercedes-Benz. Currently, amongst high-price SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade or Hummer H1, the G commands total respect from movie stars, rappers, well-off investors, all while continuing to serve more utilitarian needs such as those of the Red Cross, and even the Canadian Army - sans leather, wood, DVD entertainment system and 20-inch wheels of course (see automotive news in this website for July 16, 2004: Department of National Defense Adds More Mercedes G Wagons to Canadian Armed Forces).
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| A military-spec G-Class - this is what the G was originally built for, not riding on '22s and slammed to the ground. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |