For the last thirty years, Mercedes has manufactured the car we Americans know as the "G-Class" or "the Mercedes that looks like a brick shit house." The Geländewagen was originally built in the year the Shah of Iran skipped town (1979). Since then, Mercedes' truck has been regularly upgraded– provided you think giving an army truck a sedan interior represents an improvement. Someone does; the brand sells a fair number of these mucho macho SUVs into the U.S. luxury market. With this go-round, the G gets a new grille (to keep it consistent with the rest of the lineup) and a major engine upgrade. Out goes the G500's 290 horsepower V8. In comes Benz's ubiquitous 5.5-liter 388hp V8. Rappers and other off-road enthusiasts can also order some new toys, like a reverse camera and a Harmon Kardon stereo (perfect for soothing lions, gangstas and other savage beasts). Although some pundits had predicted that the urbane-in-comparison seven-seat Mercedes GL would replace the G-Wagon, the $90k+ style statement lives on. And yes, there is an AMG version.
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Still has flat glass all around? I showed my wife a photo of the G not too long ago, and she said “why?” as in what’s the point?
I wish that they’d offer this truck in America as they do elsewhere-as a utilitarian machine. It can follow a Jeep Rubicon most anywhere as it is the only other 4×4 available in the US with front and rear lockers. It would do great on the rocks if anybody who frequents said rocks could afford one. Hell, maybe they could sell it like they sell the Sprinter-through Dodge (or Sterling Trucks?)
I was reading the article on Edmonds about the “new” re-styling of the SL class. MB claimed they needed to make the SL appear more manly because folks were now calling it a “chick car”.
I think MB is missing the point and will continue to see the popularity of its products decline as long as they continue to “sell-out” all of the integrity of the brand.
MB is quickly becoming known for making silly irrevelent cars that cater to folks with more money than commonsense. I can think of no better way to chase off the “serious” folks that used to worship at the MB alter.
Today my mom and dad drive a Lexus, my main doctor drives a Tahoe, My dentist drives a 911, etc. On the other hand that 20something hip-hop dude that owns the local barbershop drives a CLS with giant 20″ rims on it.
What happened to MB? Their car at best can be described as tacky nowadys; silly body kits, cheap looking chrome exhaust tips, silly glued on chrome trim (on every possible surface). The lower-end models look about as expensive as any simple camcord.
It can follow a Jeep Rubicon most anywhere as it is the only other 4×4 available in the US with front and rear lockers.
Along with the Dodge Ram Power Wagon which also has an electronic disconnecting front sway bar like the Rubicon.
Vehicles like this are why economies need massive downturns from time to time to cull the herd.
I wish that they’d offer this truck in America as they do elsewhere-as a utilitarian machine.
The G-wagen has been available in the U.S. since 2002, unless you mean you want a stripped-down bare bones version.
@quasimondo: I think he meant a stripped down model with the tartan plaid seats. There are actually some older stripped grey market models that came in through a guy in Arizona, including 2 door cabrios.
This thing is one of the view nice Mercedes out there.
The fact that there’s an AMG version is just stupid though, and shows once more that AMG is not nearly a real competitor to BMW’s M division and as of late Audi’s RS models, but just a badge and a big engine that requires a too high premium.
In the Netherlands these were used a lot by the army, and sometimes you see old examples that are made to look like a new model. You can buy the old army ones for about 3 dollars, so add the new grills and a nice paintjob, some good wheels and you’re good to go.
Except for the army interior and less than 100HP normally aspirated diesel engine of course…
I am with N85523, the one with the little diesel is the one I want. Cheap to run, lasts forever. Same for the Land Cruiser. Wish we could get the utility versions. I might buy a new one, instead of always getting used.
I actually flinched when the picture loaded.
Hummer H3 and H3T are gonna have front and rear lockers for ’09 also. Plus the 33″ tires are pretty nice too.
Brad Pitt drives one. I hate Brad Pitt.
210delray : The flat glass is supposedly there in case the glass gets blown out when an IED goes off next to you, you can take panes of glass from a house and put it in the doors. Then again, my friend’s father, who has a G500, might have been making it up.
It’s strangely comfortable for being such a dated platform, and for the few who dare to do so, capable off-road.
I really like the G, especially the strippers and the AMG, it’s just completely mad and irrational to have an AMG version of this thing it’s absolutely great. The Finnish military also uses these.
This thing is almost as cool as the even more ancient Land Rover Defender, though it’s almost too easy to drive as it goes up pretty damn steep hills idling without the driver touching the trottle.
Don’t like no city 4×4
Don’t like no momma’s cayenne
Don’t like no SUV
Don’t like no trucks in the city
Don’t like no SAV
I don’t know what it is but I like the G. I like it a lot.
TexasAg03,
I stand corrected. For some reason, I thought that the Ram Power Wagon was no longer offered. Lockers are to 4×4’s as turbochargers are to performance 4-bangers. I can’t imagine why more models are not offered with them. I’m looking at you Xterra and F-series…