Mercedes G-Class Revamped for 2009

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.