The Mercedes-Benz G-Class (nee Gelandewagen) is without a doubt Germany’s own Hummer. Originally born from a request for a military vehicle for the Iranian army in the 1970s, the G-Wagen is now a lot more common on public roads than it is on the battlefield.
The G-Class celebrates 30 years in civvy street next year, and we’ve now got some information on what the ‘09 G-Class will feature. Externally it’s virtually unchanged, with the W463 bodystyle from the previous G carrying over - albeit with a new grille and wheels that reflect MB’s current design philosophy. Under the skin there’s a new 5.5-litre V8 for the G500, which produces a respectable 285kW and 530Nm of torque. The G55 AMG is the big-daddy of the bunch and boasts a stonking 373kW from its supercharged V8, while the rest of the range is powered by Benz’s 3-litre diesel.
Interior appointments have also been improved, with creature comforts now brought into line with the rest of the Mercedes range. Inside you’ll find the COMAND interface, TV tuner and Harman-Kardon surround-sound system. Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz don’t sell the G-Class in Australia - at least not to the public anyway. They did, however, recently win a contract to supply the Australian Defence Force with the G-Class, although we believe the ADF vehicles will be a little more… spartan than the G you see here.
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WHat theeeeeeeeeeeee ! Seriously would you be seen driving one of these ?? Not many places to safari in Germany i think
hahaha..so I take it you don’t like it.You have to ask WHY?
You’d be surprised how popular they are. They’re pretty big in the US amongst the cashed-up soccer mom set, while they’ve also got a bit of a following with Russian gangster types. Not only that, but the G is loved by many a European for its genuine off-roading capability. With this many niches covered, it’s no wonder Mercedes haven’t changed the design all that much in 30 years.
I hear what your saying Tony but Range Rover also havent changed much but its not that ugly. Still each to there own and I guess the Americans do like straight lines in their cars…….this will certainly provide them this.
WTF…..seems weird and slab sided. OMG the more some car makers try to rehash or change….the more they leave nice designs behind
Last year when I was in Moscow, I was surprised to see so many mercedes jeeps which lots of grunt, so as you’d expect, Russians love a cheesy ride with some power to bolt from the mafia!
Looks good……if it was 1970. But it aint!
It would look great if they got rid of all that vulgar shiny detailing and strip it back to basics.