2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Features 'Edition Select' for 2012

Acclaimed as the industry's most rugged and iconic sport utility vehicle, the venerable G-Class is featuring a unique 'Edition Select' option package for the 2012 model year. The Edition Select package is available in Black, Arctic White or Iridium Silver paint, with flared AMG fenders, side exhaust pipes, silver-painted 5-double spoke alloy wheels, carbon-look side molding as well as designo floor mats. Inside, a two-tone designo Black/Porcelain interior with contrast stitching is complemented by a special emblem, Black Piano Lacquer wood trim and illuminated door sills that feature white 'Mercedes-Benz' lettering.

Handcrafted at a special manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, the G-Class is a no-compromise off-roader with a cliff-climbing, stump-pulling personality that 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.

The 2012 G-Class is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine with 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. The G550 is equipped with a standard 610-watt digital harman / kardon Logic7 audio system, which can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or SD memory card and can display maps and directions for the hard-drive navigation system, which are set up for SIRIÚS real-time traffic info and Zagat restaurant ratings as well.

The latest COMAND system features a large color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc DVD / CD changer and Bluetooth, which allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car's audio system. It's also equipped with an iPod/MP3 interface, SIRIÚS-XM satellite radio, HD radio, and a voice control system.

Military Roots

First developed for military duty and still called the Geländewagen in Europe (for 'over-land vehicle'), the G-Class features a tough body-on-frame design with 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 with 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 with Three Differential Locks

The G-Class channels its power through a full-time four-wheel-drive system, which distributes torque through front, center and rear differentials, all of which can be independently locked for off-road use while the vehicle is in motion through buttons located on the dashboard.

To reduce wheel spin 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 be engaged on the fly at speeds up to about 15 mph.

Four-Wheel Traction Control and ESP

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, ESP Electronic Stability Control, which 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.

Civilized Civilian Refinement

The G-Class balances its proven off-road credentials and military roots with a liberal dose of sumptuous on-road comfort, a well insulated interior and many technological innovations for safety and convenience from Mercedes cars. The G550 comes with a premium leather interior, burl walnut trim, power windows and 10-way heated and ventilated multi-contour front seats with three memory positions.

Standard equipment for the G550 also includes cruise control, central door locks, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear heated seats, and even reading lights for the rear passengers. A rear parking assistant alerts the driver to the proximity of objects located behind the vehicle. The G550 comes with chrome accents around the gear selector, interior door handles and rear cargo sill; a sport-tuned exhaust system; interior ambient lighting and a 115-volt receptacle in the cargo area.

As for safety equipment, the G-Class comes with 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, belt force limiters relax the belts slightly to help minimize possible belt-related injuries.

About Mercedes-Benz ÚSA

Mercedes-Benz ÚSA (MBÚSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the Únited States. For more than forty years, MBÚSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. A division of Daimler AG, MBÚSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in the ÚS. More information on MBÚSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.maybachusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.

Source - Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz What's New For Model Year 2012

Most 2012 models are equipped with a more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission and more powerful direct-injection gasoline engines, including a new turbo four-cylinder, a normally aspirated V6 and bi-turbo V8s - some with ECO Stop/Start technology.

Many 2012 models now feature a new audio headunit with a 5.8-inch color display, Bluetooth audio streaming, phonebook download, album cover art and ÚSB port. COMAND with Navigation receives a 7-inch screen, SIRIÚS weather, display of personal photos, 3D city models, intermediate navigation destinations, area avoidance and a larger 10GB Music Register

G-Class SÚV (October)
•G550 5.5-liter V8-powered model (382 hp, 391 lb-ft) continues
•'Edition Select' package offered in choice of 3 paints, AMG fenders, exhaust sidepipes, silver-painted wheels and other interior highlights including designo upholstery

Source - Mercedes-Benz

Special G-Class models 'BA3 Final Edition' and 'Edition Select': Monumental off-roader with shining stainless steel and chrome

Mercedes-Benz is ushering in the spring with two new, luxuriously equipped special models in the G-Class. Among other enhancements, an extensive stainless steel package and mounted AMG features ensure a visually striking appearance for the 'BA3 Final Edition' based on the short-wheelbase Station Wagon and the 'Edition Select' with a long wheelbase. In the interior a Chrome package and many more comfort-enhancing extras dominate the ambience of this classic, which has continued to enjoy the affection of off-roader fans worldwide for no less than 32 years.

A classic off-roader is entering its final phase: as the model designation suggests, Mercedes-Benz is producing the last edition of the short wheelbase Station Wagon in the successful G-Class with the special 'BA3 Final Edition' model. Two variants will be available: in the G 350 BlueTEC a 6-cylinder diesel engine with the very latest BlueTEC emissions control, 155 kW (211 hp) and 540 newton metres for great pulling power both on and off the road. In the G 500 a powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine with 285 kW (388 hp) and 530 newton metres effortlessly performs the same function.

Both special models of this classic among Mercedes-Benz off-roaders are equipped with the same high-performance drive and dynamic handling control systems. Alongside the permanent all-wheel drive with off-road ratio and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the standard specification includes the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and three differential locks with 100-percent locking effect selectable at the push of a button.

Externally Mercedes-Benz has significantly upgraded the 'BA3 Final Edition'. AMG flared wheel arches in the vehicle colour, in combination with 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and tyre size 265/60 R 18, underline the striking appearance of the special model. Running boards and a spare wheel cover with a 3D Mercedes-Benz star in stainless steel, as well as an AMG radiator grille in a 3-louvre design with chrome highlights, emphasise its exceptional position in the range. Standard features also include an electric sliding/tilting sunroof, metallic paintwork, rear mudflaps, carbon-fibre look inserts in the protective strips, an ultrasonic reversing aid and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

In the interior the driver and passengers are able to enjoy even more generous appointments. Fine details and high-grade technology raise both visual appeal and comfort to a new level. Further highlights are provided by stylish yet functional ambient lighting, as well as chrome highlights on the frame and selector lever cover, seat adjustment controls and the loudspeakers in the front doors. Another eye-catching detail is the chrome luggage compartment sill panel with 'Mercedes-Benz' lettering.

Outstandingly high seating comfort is assured by the multicontour front seats in black leather with seat climatisation. These offer first-class comfort on long journeys, even in mid-summer temperatures. They are accompanied by burr walnut wood trim, and the same, high-grade wood plus leather adorns the steering wheel and selector lever.

Standard equipment also includes a convenience telephony system in the armrest, with a universal interface for various mobile phone cradles, extended telephone functions, a charging function and an external aerial for optimum reception. Úseful accessories include rubber mats for the footwells and load compartment, as well as a load compartment cover including additional stowage boxes.

As the G 350BlueTEC the 'BA3 Final Edition' is priced at € 90,511.40, and as the G 500 € 100,685.90 (both prices include 19% VAT).

Special 'Edition Select' model

Mercedes-Benz has conceived the special 'Edition Select' model with two-tone paintwork exclusively for the long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon. At no extra cost, there is a choice of designo mystic white, palladium silver metallic, thulite red metallic and obsidian black metallic. The bumpers, AMG side flaps and exterior mirrors are always painted in obsidian black metallic. Further contrasts are provided by running boards and the spare wheel cover with a 3D Mercedes-Benz star in stainless steel. Other eye-catching features include black-painted 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design with size 265/60 R 18 tyres, carbon-fibre look inserts in the protective strips, an underguard and an AMG sports exhaust system.

In the interior the stylish atmosphere is characterised by high-grade two-tone upholstery in porcelain/black designo leather. Single-tone black designo leather is available as an alternative. Ambient lighting and chrome trim in the area of the selector lever, the seat adjustment controls and the loudspeakers in the front doors underline the luxurious standard. The Chrome package is rounded off by a chrome luggage compartment sill protector with 'Mercedes-Benz' lettering and a radiator grille with chrome inserts.

The dashboard, armrest, door handles and parking brake lever are lined in black leather, with contrasting topstitching is some areas. The inner door panels are lined with gathered leather, and black designo velour floor mats with porcelain edging lend a cosy touch to the footwells. Highlights in the interior also include designo wood trim in black piano lacquer. The steering wheel and selector lever are in a leather/piano lacquer combination with contrasting topstitching.

The already extensive standard equipment is supplemented with stainless steel door sill panels illuminated in white and bearing the lettering 'Mercedes-Benz', as well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO luxury head restraints. The Harman Kardon Logic7® surround sound system is among the finest available. It provides an exquisite listening experience in the off-roader, thanks to a 10-channel DSP amplifier with a total output of 450 watts and twelve high-performance loudspeakers.

The high-grade additional features of the special 'Edition Select' model,
whose status is marked by a corresponding logo on the cover of the stowage compartment in the dashboard console, are priced at € 6735.40 (incl. 19% VAT).

Source - Mercedes-Benz