New GL to feature Modern Interpretation of M-B 4WD The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen (G-Class) is to Germans what the Hummer H1 Alpha is to Americans or the Land Rover Defender
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| Mercedes-Benz has soldiered on with the G for over a quarter of a century and counting. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
is to the British: a military vehicle turned into an ultimate off-roader. Like Land Rover, and to some extent Hummer (although the brand just hasn't been around long enough to truly compare) Mercedes-Benz has soldiered on with the G for decades - the three pointed star has kept with the design for over a quarter of a century and counting, with the occasional component update and configuration modification every now and then to keep it up to date including long wheelbase, short wheelbase soft top and AMG versions. In recent
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| In recent years the G has welcomed a surprising number of new clients, one of which is Canada's Department of National Defense. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
years, a time period that included M-B finally bringing it to North America, the G-Class has won over a surprising number of new clients, hoisting it into the spotlight as an icon vehicle among the rich and famous, and garnering a surprising profit for Mercedes-Benz. Currently, amongst high-price SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade and Hummer H1 Alpha, it commands respect from movie stars, rappers, and well-off business people, 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) .