Return of a Legend - the iconic G-Class
Apr 12, 2011
The model family is offered in the estate body variant, which can be combined with either an economical V6 CDI engine developing 135 kW and 400 Nm; the G 300 CDI Professional, or an even more fuel efficient V6 BlueTEC diesel engine with 155 kW and 540 Nm of torque; the G 350 BlueTEC, or the flagship; the G 55 AMG with a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 373 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque.
“We are delighted to see the return of a legend. In line-with Mercedes-Benz’ motto “The Best or Nothing”, we believe that the G-Class brings to market the best in off-road capability, without compromising our heritage and lasting reliability,” says Eckart Mayer, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The G-Class range also sets the pace where handling safety and comfort are concerned. The Electronic Stability Program ESP® has a modified, highly efficient control unit. Its integrated lateral acceleration control allows the more precise recognition of extremely dynamic driving manoeuvres to optimise the stability of the vehicle. The G-Class is also equipped with Hill Start Assist. If its sensors detect that the vehicle is stopping on a gradient, the brake pressure is briefly maintained so that the G-Class cannot roll backwards. The driver has enough time to switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator. The advantage is that in most situations, this makes it unnecessary to engage the parking brake.
Seating comfort in the G 55 AMG and the G 350 BlueTEC is enhanced by the comfort package, including multi-contour seats and seat ventilation for the driver and front passenger. This comfort package is a standard feature in the G 55 AMG.
The G 350 BlueTEC and the G 55 AMG models have an improved, user-friendly generation of telematics features. A Bluetooth hands-free system for the mobile phone is integrated as standard. On request there is also a new Media Interface, which connects an external music source with the onboard electronics and control system of the off-roader. Music tracks are shown in the instrument cluster and the colour display in the centre console, and can be conveniently accessed using the keys on the multifunction steering wheel. The battery of the audio device is charged at the same time.
The G 350 BlueTEC model is equipped with the Audio 20 CD unit with an integrated 6-disc CD-changer as standard. This has a twin tuner for better radio reception, speed-dependent volume control and a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies. There is also a Bluetooth interface that wirelessly connects the mobile phone to the hands-free system.
The G 55 AMG comes standard with the infotainment system COMAND APS with an integrated 6-disc DVD-changer. The unit also includes HDD navigation with
track recording when leaving digitised areas, telephone operation and a special off-road menu. COMAND APS also features the new LINGUATRONIC with extended functions. This voice control system recognises strings of verbal commands, which can be given by any user without prior voice training. The system is activated using a control button on the right of the multifunction steering wheel. It enables a telephone connection to be made by speaking the telephone number, and can operate the audio system, access the global address book and control the navigation functions. A 4 GB Musik Register for storing audio files, as well as an SD memory card slot, are also included. COMAND APS can also be combined with a TV receiver and a reversing camera. As an option, the functions can be expanded with a universal media interface for an "iPod", USB stick or other external audio devices.
The COMAND APS infotainment system is available as an option on the G 350 BlueTEC variant. For convenience of parking, a reversing camera is also offered, as an optional with the COMAND APS system.
A perfect sound experience is ensured by the Harman Kardon® Logic7® surround- sound system with 12 high-performance loudspeakers and an output of 450 Watts.
Both the G 55 AMG and the G 350 BlueTEC variants have the rear passenger compartment entertainment system optionally available.
G 55 AMG: an off-roader with the heart of a sports car
The top model in the G-Class - the G 55 AMG - is equipped with a supercharged 5.5-litre V8-engine developing 373 kW and a maximum torque of 700 newton metres. These figures ensure a decidedly superior performance: the G 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, and has an (electronically limited) top speed of 210 km/h.
The G 55 AMG is distinguished by its design refinements. The most obvious feature at the front end is the radiator grille with its three prominent horizontal louvres painted in the vehicle colour with exclusive chrome inserts. When viewed from the side, the eye is drawn to the new, high-gloss titanium grey 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. With a width of 9.5 inches and size 275/55 R 19 tyres, they fill out the wheel arches to impressive effect. The standard AMG bodystyling continues to include bumpers painted in the vehicle colour and flared AMG wings. Beneath the stainless steel running board on each side, the two oval, chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system are an unmistakable indicator of the power potential residing in the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8.
The G 55 AMG also emphasises its exclusive interior character with a roof lining in anthracite Alcantara and a designo leather interior as standard, now featuring new, silver-coloured designo emblems on the front seat backrests. The colour scheme is matched by the designo wood trim and the wood/leather steering wheel and selector lever with G 55 lettering.
G 350 BlueTEC with state-of-the-art emission-control technology
The latest version of the classic Mercedes-Benz G-Class off-roader, now in its 32nd year, features state-of-the-art BlueTEC technology. BlueTEC is a Mercedes-Benz-developed technology designed to reduce diesel vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The BlueTEC version of the G-Class uses AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution which is injected into the exhaust-gas stream. This process releases ammonia, which converts up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water by a process of reduction in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. Since the G-Class is often used in remote areas of the world – one of its main purposes – the engineers have simplified matters by integrating the AdBlue® filler cap in the vehicle's outside tank recess. One full tank of AdBlue® is good for around 12 000 kilometres.
The V6 diesel engine in the G 350 BlueTEC develops 155 kW at 3 400 r/min and has a torque of 540 Nm between 1 600 and 2 400 r/min. This model therefore produces very low emissions, yet still delivers exemplary performance. CO2 emissions are an impressive 297 g/km.
The evergreen Mercedes-Benz off-roader continues to offer a superior synthesis
of high-performance drive and dynamic handling control systems.
The standard specification includes the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and three differential locks selectable at the push of a button, alongside the permanent all-wheel drive with off-road ratio and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.
G 300 CDI Professional
The G 300 CDI Professional has the same characteristics as the G 350 BlueTEC and the G 55 AMG, bold corners and edges typify its distinctive form, beneath which, beats the heart of a no-nonsense cross-country vehicle. First-class technology, robust design and impressive longevity are the traits that make the G 300 CDI Professional a true Mercedes-Benz, capable of meeting any challenge head-on.
The G 300 CDI Professional has proven itself as a multi-purpose vehicle well suited to persons with the requirement of a particular application. The specification levels and technical equipment are of a no-frills nature, and the interior with man-made leather or durable fabric, is precisely what is needed for deployment in forestry, municipal services or for long-distance expeditions.
Despite the vast array of possible vehicle applications, there is always one common denominator: the ability to deliver outstanding performance, anywhere and in any situation. Whether it is patrolling road traffic or responding to emergencies, not only the police force and fire brigade know they can count on the G-Class when it matters. Many armies place their trust in the G-Class for ensuring the mobility and safety of their staff all over the world.
As well as being an impressive performer, the high-torque diesel engine is highly economical. Seldom has a genuine off-roader provided such a compelling mix of power and efficiency. Direct fuel injection comes courtesy of an optimised common-rail injection system, which ensures low fuel consumption. The required injection pressure is always available in a central fuel line when the engine is running. It is stored in the line and supplied to individually controlled valves as and when required.
The G 300 CDI Professional’s V6 2 987 cc engine is quiet and extremely powerful, offering an impressive output of 135 kW at 3 800 r/min and a torque of 400 Nm at 1 600 – 2 600 r/min, even at low revs, slow speeds on rough terrain and on extreme uphill gradients.
The standard-fit fuel filter with a water separator provides highly effective protection against contaminated fuel for the engine. The standard 5-speed automatic transmission delivers outstanding performance; with an extremely fluid sequence of movement the gear changes are barely perceptible.
Impressive output is not enough to drive you forward, high levels of power need to be harnessed and intelligently controlled.
The standard specification driving systems in the G 350 BlueTEC and G 55 AMG, is fitted to the G 300 CDI Professional. Their legendary off-road expertise is largely down to two precisely located rigid axles with high torsional flexing, long spring travel, permanent all-wheel drive, the synchromesh transfer case and three 100% differential locks.
The three differential locks can be individually selected in a logical preset sequence during the journey for optimum off-road performance. If one of the wheels loses traction, the force is distributed to the wheels that offer the best grip. Even the grip from a single wheel can provide enough traction for your G-Class Professional. In addition, by activating the low-range gearbox, eg “low range” mode, you can ensure optimum traction even at low speeds.
The combination of a ground clearance of 213 mm, a fording depth of 600 mm, approach and departure angles of 36° / 31° respectively, and a ramp angle of 23°, the G-Class can climb, clamber and tackle steep ascents with ease. This is a strong combination that no other vehicle can offer.
Standard equipment on the G 300 CDI Professional includes all-terrain tyres with extremely deep tread. The load compartment is accessible via the single-wing tailgate. Any liquid and dirt inevitably taken on board in extreme applications can be drained out of the interior quickly and easily. The G 300 CDI Professional knows practically no bounds, even in difficult terrain and under tough conditions.
Value proposition:
The G 55 AMG and the G 350 BlueTEC models come standard with the Mercedes-Benz MobiloDrive maintenance contract and a 2- year/ unlimited vehicle warranty.
To allow customers more flexibility with the commercial applications offered on the G 300 CDI Professional, an optional service plan is offered. In addition, the customer has the opportunity to buy a service contract for 5 years or 120 000 km, with the proviso that the decision must be made before 15 000 km is reached.
No further top-ups into a maintenance contract are available. The purchase price for this service contract is R 23750.00 (incl Vat). The service contract covers all services up to 120 000 km as prescribed on the service sheet.
“The longevity of the G-Class model speaks to its reliability and the loyalty of its customers over the last 32 years,” concludes Mayer.
The G-Class range retails at:
G 300 CDI Professional R 773 990.00
G 350 BlueTEC R1 227 140.00
G 55 AMG R1 875 100.00
including CO2 emissions tax and VAT.
Awards and accolades: A series of awards: the G-Class in readers' polls
The stalwart of the off-road scene continues to enjoy success after success, as underlined by the latest readers' polls.
Only last month, around 120 000 readers of Europe’s largest-circulation 4x4 magazine “Auto Bild Allrad”, participated in a poll for the most reliable Off-road and SUVs over EU60 000. Taking top position with 37 percent of readers voted in favour of the G-Class and 26 percent voted in favour of the GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz emerged as the most successful brand.
Double victory for the G-Class
The reader survey conducted by specialist publication "Off Road" to find the "2011 Off-Road Vehicle of the Year" has resulted in a double victory for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The off-road legend not only secured first place in the "Luxury off-road vehicle" category, but also emerged in first place in the "Classic" category. In the "Special vehicles" category, meanwhile, the multi-talented Unimog succeeded in making its way to the top of the winner's podium. This reader vote of confidence serves to highlight the exceptional position enjoyed by premium brand Mercedes-Benz in the all-wheel vehicle sector.
The longest-serving Mercedes-Benz model series has enjoyed superstar status for some time now: this year marks the eighth time that the G-Class, which has been in production for almost 32 years, has emerged victorious in the important reader survey conducted by specialist publication "Off Road". As a result it has once again proved worthy of the title "off-road vehicle of the year".
In the readers' poll for "Off-roader of the Year 2010" held by the motoring magazine "Off Road", the legendary G-Class notched up a double success: it won first place in the "Luxury off-roader" category.
These latest public awards make the G-Class one of the most popular and highly acclaimed models in the world of off-road vehicles, as a look at the other major awards received in recent years reveals. For the seventh time, the readers of "Off Road" have awarded the title of "Off-roader of the Year" to the G-Class, following its successes in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. In its 2007 and 2009 readers' polls, the off-road magazine "4Wheel Fun" declared the "G" to be a "Superstar". Following its successes in 2003 and 2007, the readers of "Motor Klassik" once again voted the Mercedes-Benz G-Class the "Classic of the Future" last year. And no less than 14 times, readers of the motoring magazine "auto motor und sport" have chosen the G-Class as the world's best off-road vehicle.