AUTO ADVISOR
GROUP
Bruce Hubbard
Mercedes-Benz
has significantly restyled the
G-Class, its iconic luxury off-road vehicle. Mercedes is proud of the interior
that contains high-quality
appointments finished with exquisite materials, and the instrument cluster and
center console have been completely redesigned. A new color instrument cluster
display between two new round dials. Other standard features include the
latest COMAND infotainment system featuring mbrace2, including a navigation
system and internet access. New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior
mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the exterior appearance of the luxury
off-roader. New standard safety features include the addition of Blind Spot
Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC
PLUS. A new addition to the range is the 2013 G63 AMG with an
eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO stop/start system as standard.
Back in 1979
Mercedes developed a vehicle to be used primarily in tough off-road terrain,
the G-Class has undergone an astounding evolution. Over the course of 33 years,
Mercedes-Benz has refined what was initially a very practically-oriented
off-road specialist by giving it a premium interior and road-going qualities on
par with those of the premium sedans from Mercedes-Benz. The G-Class today is
considered the top model among luxury-class cross-country vehicles. The G-Class has been voted offroader of
the year countless times over the past years, most recently this year.
Dr Dieter
Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of
Mercedes-Benz Cars: "Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for
the last 33 years. In its latest evolutionary stage, it offers state-of-theart,
powerful engines, a further improved range of luxurious appointments and the
very latest safety features, as well, of course, as its now legendary off-road
capabilities. At the same time the design remains true to its down-to-earth,
unmistakable style."
The external
modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors. The
AMG version also features a new, characteristic AMG radiator grille with double
louvers, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake
calipers and 20-inch wheels, available here for the first time, complement the
emotive appeal of its exterior.
The instrument
panel and center console have been completely redesigned to include new
controls and generously proportioned, exclusively designed trim elements. These
give the interior of the SUV a fresh, premium look. Drivers will now find a TFT
color display in the instrument cluster between the two round gauges. A large
color screen, conveniently positioned in the center, is part of the COMAND
system and incorporates a DVD changer and the standard COMAND Controller. This
new infotainment system offers, amongst other features, a navigation system
with special additional off-road functions, voice-operated controls and
Bluetooth wireless connectivity. In order to ensure that the G-Class
nevertheless does not lose any of its character, certain specific design
elements in the interior have been preserved. The G-Class retains the
grab handle on the front-passenger side, the switches for the three
differential locks – clearly aligned within the driver's field of vision and
highlighted in silver trim – and the redesigned shift lever in the lower
section of the center console.
New standard
safety features include DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid
PARKTRONIC with reversing camera. The ESP® system has been completely
revised and now includes Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.
The available
engines for the 2013 G-Class include the powerful 5.5-litre V8 gasoline engine
in the G550, which has an output of 388 hp and offers excellent torque of 391
lb-ft. The engine is mated to the familiar 7-speed automatic transmission. This
sixth generation of the stepped automatic transmission that has been developed
and produced by Mercedes-Benz since 1960 has once again been thoroughly
revised, and optimized with regard to both consumption and comfort.
New to the
range is the G63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine with 544 hp and 560 lb-ft of
torque, which features the ECO stop/stop system as standard.
The technical
qualities of the G-Class continue to be highly prized. The tremendous torque of
its engines makes the luxury off-roader an excellent vehicle for towing, while
its three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame
and rigid axle characteristics make it an unrivalled proposition in rough,
off-road terrain.
Competition
will be the Range Rover, Porsche Cayene, Volkswagen Touareg, Toyota Landcruiser. Mercedes G-Class does not offer
diesel for this model.
Cannot wait to test drive the G off-road when available in
North America. The G goes on sales in North America in August of 2012.
Bruce Hubbard
Auto Advisor Group
Bh.autoadvisorgroup@gmail.com
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