Mercedes-Benz G-Class Delivers The Ultimate In Rugged Off-Road Capability

TORONTO, ON – The venerable Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been viewed as the industry's most rugged and iconic sport utility vehicle for more than 25 years. For 2006 Model Year, the G-Class comes with new alloy wheels.

Two V8-Powered G-Class Models
While the 5.0-litre V8 in the G500 produces 292 hp and 336 lb-ft. of torque, the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG is powered by a supercharged V8 that increases horsepower and torque by more than 50 percent.  Based on the G500 engine, displacement of the AMG-built 5.5-litre supercharged V8 is increased via a longer-stroke crankshaft – 92 mm (3.62 inches) vs. 84 mm (3.31inches) for the standard 5.0-litre.  Connecting rods and forged pistons are selected for each engine in weight-matched sets.  With the addition of 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 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 5.7 seconds. 

To balance the increased performance, larger, vented and perforated 330 mm (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

Developed for military duty and originally called the Geländewagen in Europe (for "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.

Based on Mercedes-Benz' own stringent guidelines, the G-Class features a tough body-on-frame design with a torsionally rigid chassis that also meets all Canadian government crash test standards.  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.  In addition, Electronic Brake Force Distribution provides enhanced straight-line stopping, while retaining good braking in curves.

Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive with Three Differential Locks

G-Class models channel their power through an electronic five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift control and a full-time four-wheel-drive system, which includes a two-speed transfer case with electronically controlled high and low ranges.  Its fully synchronized low range can even be engaged on the fly at speeds up to about 25 km/h.

The G-Class distributes torque through front, centre 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 centre 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.

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 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.

Civilized 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 very 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 assistant that alerts the driver to the proximity of objects located behind the vehicle.  Additionally, the G-Class models are equipped with a standard GPS navigation system featuring a large, integrated display on the centre console.  The display also controls the harman/kardon premium sound system (including a six-disc CD changer), as well as an optional hands-free digital phone integrated into the centre console.  For more convenience the G-Class is optionally available with a speech recognition system that allows both the phone and the audio system to be controlled by simple voice commands. 

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 the event of a side impact or rollover.  Three-point seat belts for all five occupants in place while the outboard seating positions are 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 belt-related injuries.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach.  Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 900 people in 22 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 18 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 35 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 15,790 vehicles in 2005, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For more information, visit our media site at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca or contact us at:

JoAnne Caza  416-847-7550 caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Arden Nerling  416-847-7556 nerling@mercedes-benz.ca