2008 Mercedes-Benz G Class news, pictures, and information

THE ICONIC MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS FORGES ON G500 and G55 AMG Models Feature Revised Interior and More

First developed for military duty and called the Geländewagen in Europe (for 'tough terrain vehicle'), the G-Class is a no-compromise off-roader wîth a cliff-climbing, stump-pulling personality. Handcrafted at a special manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, the G-Class can climb grades up to 36 degrees (80% slopes), and it's even stable on lateral inclines up to 24 degrees (54% slopes), making the G-Class a top performer in its §egmènt.

Based on Mercedes-Benz' own stringent guidelines, the G-Class features a tough body-on-frame design wîth a torsionally rigid chassis that also meets all Ú.S. government crash test standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com) Evidence of its military roots, the brawny G-Class suspension makes use of super-strong rigid axles at the front and rear as well as longitudinal and transverse links wîth coil springs and gas shocks at all four corners.

Standard ABS anti-lock brakes help to provide directional control during emergency braking, while Mercedes-Benz Brake Assist ensures full-power braking in emergency stops.

Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive wîth Three Independent Differential Locks
G-Class models channel their power through a full-time four-wheel-drive system, which distributes torque through front, center and rear differentials, all of which can be locked for off-road use while the vehicle is in motion through buttons located on the dashboard. To reduce wheelspin in extremely low-traction situations, the center and rear differential locks can be engaged anytime that the G-Class is off-pavement. In the most slippery off-road situations – in deep mud, for example – the front differential can also be engaged for maximum traction. The G-Class also comes wîth a two-speed transfer case that features electronically controlled high and low ranges. Its fully synchronized low range can even be engaged on the fly at speeds up to about 15 miles per hour.

Traction Control and ESP

While differential locks are much appreciated by experienced off-road enthusiasts, the G-Class also comes wîth four-wheel electronic traction control that will automatically help drivers through on-road and most off-road conditions. Traction control is integrated wîth another Mercedes-Benz invention, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Standard on all Mercedes-Benz models, ESP can detect an impending spin or slide and applies the brakes on one wheel – front or rear, left or right – to help keep the vehicle on track.

Civilian Refinement

With a simple, classic design – plus many technological innovations for safety and convenience from Mercedes cars – the G-Class balances its proven off-road credentials wîth a liberal dose of sumptuous on-road comfort and a well insulated interior. Standard equipment for the G500 includes a full leather interior wîth burl walnut trim and a heated wood/leather §teering wheel. The G500 also comes wîth power windows, 10-way electrically adjustable front seats wîth three memory positions, front and rear heated seats, cruise control, central door locks, and automatic climate control. The G55 AMG features an exclusive designo charcoal Nappa leather interior, AMG gauges and natural maple wood trim.

The G-Class also boasts a harman/kardon premium sound system, driver-side multi-contour seat, and a rear park assist that alerts the driver to the proximity of objects located behind the vehicle. And, the G-Class is equipped wîth a standard DVD-Based navigation system featuring a large, integrated display on the center console. The display also controls the audio system that includes a six-disc CD changer and SIRIÚS satellite radio.

All G-Class vehicles come wîth two-stage front air bags for the driver and front passenger and window curtain air bags that provide greater safety for front and outboard rear passengers in a side impact or rollover.

Three-point seat belts help keep all five occupants in place, while outboard seating positions are also fitted wîth electronic belt tensioners that take slack out of the seat belts in the early stages of a collision. As deceleration forces build during an impact, the seat belts also feature belt force limiters that relax the belts slightly to help minimize possible belt-related injuries.