Model Update

The luxo Defender! No it’s not a Landie, but it is every bit as capable.

Recent changes to the Mercedes Benz G-Class has seen it take on 18-inch, five twin-spoke alloy wheels for the G 350 BlueTEC and 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels for the G 55 AMG, 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, ASSYST service interval indicator, Ambient Lighting, an Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Bi–Xenon headlights with automatic range adjustment, a bottoming guard for the radiator and engine, Brake Assist (BAS), a COMAND APS HDD navigation with six disc CD/DVD player, cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter, differential locks (transfer case, front and rear axle), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Traction System (4ETS), an engine immobiliser, front memory package featuring electrically adjustable front seats, steering column and exterior mirrors with memory, a Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, Headlamp Assist (automatic headlamp activation), heated front seats, leather upholstery, media interface including cables for iPod, USB and 3.5mm AUX-IN connectivity, a multi-function steering wheel in leather, NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger, a Reversing camera and THERMATIC automatic climate control. These are all standard features on a new Mercedes Benz G-Class.

Go on; spoil yourself!

Smoothing out a rough path is not always an easy task. Making it a little smoother is best left to vehicles like the new Mercedes Benz G Class. A 4×4 that will provide some very capable go-forward in the toughest off-road conditions, the new Mercedes Benz G Class is like a real good All Black forward pack! It’ll blow the opposition off the park, given half a chance – save, perhaps, the Land Rover Defender.

Glancing over the Mercedes Benz G350 BlueTEC and G 55 AMG, and it is very obvious first up that the G Class is as serious as they come for off-roading work. It looks the part in a rugged yet refined way. In AMG guise, the G Class is ‘way cool’ thanks to the AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels finished in titanium grey, 275/55 R19 tyres, body-coloured flared wheel arches, an AMG exhaust system with twin side-exiting tailpipes, a radiator grille with chrome highlights and trim strips in brushed aluminium with the AMG logo present.

When you buy the latest Mercedes Benz G Class, power comes from two options: a V6 diesel and a massively powerful 5.5 litre V8 petrol unit developed by AMG. BlueTEC is the name which embraces the latest technology employed by Mercedes for their powerful diesel units. Developing 155 kW, and boasting a top torque of 540 Nm between 1600 rpm and 2400 rpm you can see why this was specially developed for the serious off-road brigade. The beauty of the high power output can be accessed over rough terrain through the smoothness of the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. And having done some off-roading myself, there is nothing quite like an automatic for doing the business right, when the going gets really tough. Slick selection of gear, and smooth transmission of engine power – to what is a brilliant 4WD system – ensures that the greatest level of traction is accessed at all times.

For the G 55 AMG there is no change in 4WD system, however the 5.5 litre V8 supercharged engine develops 373 kW of power and a maximum torque rating of 700 Nm. To enhance the vehicle’s chassis to cope with the extra AMG power, the G 55 AMG suspension has been configured for dynamic handling with extra stiff shock absorbers – without restricting the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.

So, you’re looking into the G Class? There are some equipment packages that Mercedes add to the already very well endowed G-Class. The Alpine Package boasts interior equipment that has seat heating for the second row seats, an auxiliary heater with a remote control feature and a very nice heated steering wheel – for those times when you get caught out by an early morning frost. A heated windscreen makes a lot of sense, too. You could also look to add the Premium Package where you find interior equipment that offers a little more luxury into the mix. Luxury front seats feature ventilation and heating. Multi-contour seats will offer the driver and front passenger very comfortable seats for hours in the outback or in traffic. An onboard TV with digital reception, and a steel electric sunroof that tilts and slides provides an intriguing air of opulence to what is a true breed of 4×4. Standard items on any G Class wagon are things like electrically adjusted heated front seats, electric windows, climate control and the multi-function leather steering wheel.

So what’s the closest comparison to a Mercedes Benz G Class vehicle? It’s like the All Blacks v Wallabies. You would need to look to the Land Rover Defender, really. Which would I go for? To tell you the honest truth: I don’t really know. I like the Defender because it really has the bare essentials and is phenomenally capable for the adventurer. It also comes cheaper. However, just as capable off-road, the G-class offers much more creature comforts and luxury items into its complete package. And for this reason, though for a few more dollars, it might be the better pick.

What’s also nice to note is that the G-Class is loaded to the hilt with all the very best safety features that the world of cars can offer.

The current model series includes the:

• G350 BlueTEC
• G55 AMG

For any more information on the Mercedes Benz G-Class, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Mercedes Benz dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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