The Mercedes G-Class is the old one in Mercedes' line-up and dates back to 1979. During this time the aesthetics have hardly changed and is a true modern classic without actually being retro, like for instance the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper who have both been raised from the dead as it were. The current generation has been on the market since 1990.

The 2009 Mercedes G Class features the new Mercedes 3-bar grille rather than the 2008 facelifted model with 7 horizontal bars and new 18 inch light alloy wheels. But more interesting is the fact that Mercedes will equip the G 500 model with their new 5.5 liter V8 pumping out 388 hp with 530 Nm of torque, good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.9 seconds.

The other engine options are the 3.2 liter V6 CDI engine with 224 hp and 540 Nm of torque and the range-topping G 55 AMG, which is not mentioned in the press release but has had a 500 hp power plant since 2006. We are hoping for a power upgrade there too.

Prices start at Euro 68,425 for the short wheelbase 320 CDI while the G 500 Cabriolet tops out at Euro 92,344. Stay tuned for the G 55 AMG official information which should follow shortly.

 

that looks rugged. the new engine is definately a plus.

 

love the G

 

love it

 

+1.

 

My old roomate's dad is 100% German, any time the G-Wagon comes up he always laughs and says "it's just a utility vehicle"... He doesn't get what the big deal about them is.

 

While I am ashamed to admit that I am attracted to them, he's definitely got a point. Unless you are off-roading, is a G55 better than an ML55 at anything? I mean, I sort of get it. But I don't.

In fact, what you do when you drive around in it, is telling the world that you are a self-loating person who sacrificed comfort for, well, nothing, and that you're too much of a sissy for a Unimog.

 

That's harsh IMO alot of people are attracted to the G-wagen as am I for its longevity the fact that same car has been in production virtually unchanged for the past almost 30 years is endearing add to that most car enthusiasts car purchases are driven by emotion you almost never lust after a car that fulfills your needs as efficiently as possible otherwise this forum would be flooded with posts about Camry's. Also IMO the ML in general is a very bad car not worthy of the Mercedes Badge furthermore the G55 has the supercharged engine where the ML didn't. Just my 2 cents

 

Jox, it's a man thing. I don't expect you to understand this but I'll take a swing at it anyway.

G55 = man's ride (everyone but Jox)
ML55 = woman's ride (soccer mom's + Jox)

 

There's no doubt that I'll one day when I need it own a G. Proper lines, modern interior and old school quality.

Like how the new model even drives itself (see fourth pic)...