Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Feb 16, 2009

The current model range: A full range for fans of the "G"

The model family currently has three body variants (short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon, Convertible), which can be combined with either an economical V6 CDIengine developing 165 kW/224 hp and 540 newton metres, or a powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine with 285 kW/388 hp and 530 newton metres. The flagship G 55 AMG available only as a four-door, long-wheelbase Station Wagon is powered by a supercharged V8-engine developing 373 kW/507 hp.


The current model generation of the G-Class has 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 320 CDI models are 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.

COMAND APS as standard for the G 500

All G 500 versions have the infotainment system COMAND APS with an integrated 6-disc DVD-changer. The unit also includes HDDnavigation 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 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.

Further optional extras: 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. Seating comfort is enhanced by the optional climatised seats for the driver and front passenger.

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/507 hp 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 AMG version 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 55 AMG 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.

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. The optional climatised seats ensure even greater occupant comfort, especially in summer temperatures. Like the G 500, the G 55 AMG is equipped with the latest-generation COMAND APS Mercedes telematics.

G-Class EDITION30 and G-Class EDITION30.PUR: Spectacular special models to mark the anniversary

The fact that the G-Class was designed for operations in the most difficult terrain right from the start is made particularly clear by the special EDITION30. PUR model based on the G 280 CDIfrom the G 461 series. This long-wheelbase Station Wagon pays homage to the first-generation G-Model, has been optimised specifically for the toughest assignments off the beaten track and is therefore the future dream car for world travellers, expedition leaders, confirmed fans of the "G" and customers who are in search of an automotive rarity with uncompromising reliability and the ability to go anywhere. With the optional "Off-road package 1" or "Off-road package 2", the G EDITION30.PUR can e.g. be equipped for any eventuality with all-terrain tyres in size 265/75 R 16 on aluminium wheels, flexible wheel arch flaring, protective grilles for the headlamps and lights, a walk-on bonnet for easier access to the optional roofrack, a towing lug at the front and a two-section rear door. In the interior there are four individual seats upholstered in hard-wearing fabric or man-made leather, rubber floor coverings in the passenger compartment, spray-protected controls and drainage apertures in the footwells. A load compartment with a wooden floor, load lashing lugs and rails is standard, as are an auxiliary heater and manually operated air conditioning to cope with any climatic zone encountered.

With the special EDITION30 model based on the G 463 series, Mercedes-Benz
is once again demonstrating the possibilities of the G-Class with respect to comfort and prestige. Externally, this long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon is distinguished by a designo platinum black paint finish, specially designed light-alloy wheels and EDITION30 lettering on the wings. The interior of this G 500 impresses with designo leather in the colour "chablis" and designo trim in anthracite poplar wood.

Prepared for the worst: the Mercedes-Benz G-Guard

Another important model in the range is the G-Guard, which is based on the long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon. This fully-armoured special protection G-Class is certificated to protection class B6 or B7 against attacks with handguns, longarms and explosive charges of defined size.

The standard features of the highest-protection B7 G-Guard include an explosion-protected fuel tank, a special communication and alarm system, tyres with a pressure monitoring system and the "Rodgard" run-flat system, and an emergency starting system. The increased gross vehicle weight of 4300 kilograms is taken into account with a modified suspension, reinforced axles and an adapted braking system. In the comfortable interior, an Alcantara roof lining and individual rear seats with ventilated, heated and electrically adjustable multicontour seats are standard equipment.