THE ICONIC MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS FORGES ON G500 and G55 AMG Models Feature Revised Interior and More
For more than 28 years, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been acclaimed as the industry's most rugged and iconic sport utility vehicle. For 2008, the venerable G-Class comes with new taillight design, gauges, steering wheel, rear-view camera and a hands-free phone interface – all standard. In addition, the G500 model now gets the efficient seven-speed automatic transmission, while the high-performance G55 AMG continues with the proven five-speed automatic. Two V8-Powered G-Class Models
The 5.0-liter V8 in the G500 produces 292 hp and 336 lb-ft. of torque, while the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG is powered by a supercharged (Kompressor) V8 that boasts 50 percent more horsepower and torque. Based on the G500 engine, displacement of the AMG-built 5.5-liter supercharged V8 is increased via a longer-stroke crankshaft (3.62 inches vs. 3.31 for the standard 5.0-liter). With a belt-driven Lysholm or screw-type supercharger, plus a water-cooled intercooler for intake air, the G55 AMG engine produces 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of peak torque for 0-60 mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds. To balance the increased performance, larger, vented and slotted 13-inch front brakes provide increased stopping power for the G55 AMG. Externally the G55 AMG is set apart from the G500 by exclusive chrome trim, 'V8 Kompressor' badging and 9.5 x 18-inch AMG slotted monoblock wheels with 285/55 performance tires. The G500 rolls on 7.5 x 18 alloy wheels with 265/60 tires.Military Roots
First developed for military duty and called the Geländewagen in Europe (for 'tough terrain vehicle'), the G-Class is a no-compromise off-roader with 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 segment.
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 with 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.
While differential locks are much appreciated by experienced off-road enthusiasts, the G-Class also comes with four-wheel electronic traction control that will automatically help drivers through on-road and most off-road conditions. Traction control is integrated with 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 with a liberal dose of sumptuous on-road comfort and a well insulated interior. Standard equipment for the G500 includes a full leather interior with burl walnut trim and a heated wood/leather steering wheel. The G500 also comes with power windows, 10-way electrically adjustable front seats with 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 with 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 with 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 with 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.Source - Mercedes-Benz
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 2008
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Related Automotive News
ŠKODA Kodiaq: the successful SUV gets an update
Advanced ŠKODA design language and new off-road features
The spacious interior now offers more comfort
Full-LED Matrix headlights and ergonomic seats are now part of the range
More efficient EVO engines and a new top-level engine for the Kodiaq...
Kia Kicks Off 2019 With Prices And Specifications For The Updated Optima Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid
Kia updates the Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrid for 2019
Model range expanded to encompass two exceptionally specified grades
Distinctive new front bumper with LED daytime running lights
New eye-catching 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels fitted...
Kia Announces UK Pricing And Specifications For New Optima And Optima Sportswagon
New Euro-6d Temp powertrain and fresh design for Kia Optima Sportswagon
New U3 1.6-litre CRDi engine with lower, cleaner emissions
Revised exterior and interior design
The tiger-nose grille features a new bright chrome finish
Latest technolo...
KIA AT THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW
World premiere for the all-new Rio
Upgrades to the Soul range include design and technology enhancements
Kia launches powerful new 204 ps Soul SX
New exterior and interior design for Carens with new technologies
The new Kia Rio makes its world d...
STYLE AND SPACE FOR THE ALL-NEW KIA OPTIMA SPORTSWAGON, MAKING ITS GLOBAL DEBUT AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW
Kias first-ever D-segment tourer makes debut at 2016 Geneva Motor Show
Design inspired by 2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept
553-litre cargo capacity and versatile 402040 split-fold rear seats
High strength bodyshell and intuitive technologies improv...