Autoblog

Mercedes mulling baby G-Wagon off-roader

Zach Bowman — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury, Off-Road

Car reports Mercedes-Benz may be considering expanding its G-Class line to include a new, smaller model. The so-called GLG would serve as a competitor for the upcoming, next-generation Land Rover Defender. Internally, the smaller G wears the code name X156 and will be based on the A-Class architecture. Expect to see styling lifted straight from the larger G, complete with a horizontal roof line and near-vertical back hatch. Car also insists Mercedes-Benz will retain the A-Class front-wheel drive layout for two-wheel drive models, while 4MATIC models will also be available.

Under the hood, the company plans to serve up a range of engines, including a 1.6-liter gasoline mill good for 122 horsepower as well as a 2.0-liter unit with anywhere from 156 to 211 hp on hand. Four diesel variants will also show up in the EU, the most powerful of which will displace 2.1 liters and pump out 204 hp. Car also suggests AMG will get its hands on the pint-sized bruiser. The product of that union should serve up 345 hp, a seven-speed automatic gearbox and beefier brakes.

That seems like an awful lot of detail for a model Mercedes-Benz executives haven't even signed off on yet, though the report says the vehicle could get the green light at any moment.

Mercedes mulling baby G-Wagon off-roader originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch the Mercedes-Benz G-Class make its own parking spot

Chris Tutor — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, UK, Humor, Luxury

When you're the boss, parking is never a problem on the jobsite. Not even if someone has taken your reserved spot. Not even if they've taken your spot with, um, the office.

Because the boss drives a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG and uses at least part of his V8's 560 pound-feet of torque to subtly - OK, not so subtly - create a space where the office formerly sat.

Oh, that's power. Not just the Geländewagen's 544 horsepower, but also the boss's power to jeopardize the health and well-being of his underlings, the condition of his $129,000 rolling anachronism, and do it without fear of consequence. Oh, and since the G63 isn't available in the States, he's probably doing it with a pretentiously amazing German accent.

Either that or there is MUCH more money to be made as a construction worker than we ever imagined.

Video proof below.

Continue reading Watch the Mercedes-Benz G-Class make its own parking spot

Watch the Mercedes-Benz G-Class make its own parking spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Traveling across Australia's Outback by Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Australia, Luxury

If you've ever taken a good long look at the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and wondered just how tough the leather-lined SUVs are compared to their military-grade counterparts, Inside Line has the answer for you. Corespondent Alistair Weaver joined up with a Mercedes-Benz convoy in a G of his own as the company took off across Australia's infamous stock route. The trail is little more than a dusty path scrawled across the outback. Weaver braved vicious washboard roads, insects, snakes, dead camels and heinous heat to make the trek. How did his G Wagen handle the rough roads and deep sands? Let's just say there were a few issues.

For starters, the washboard dirt tracks made short work of the AMG's Bilstein rear shocks, forcing mechanics to pull the pieces altogether for one short stint before replacements could be flown in. Likewise, the spare tire carrier and both side-view mirrors suffered cracks along the way. Not surprisingly, the military-spec edition suffered no ills over the course of the trek. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

If that's not enough fun in the Australian sun for you, click back and take a look at Motor Trend's trek across the continent in a Subaru Outback.

Continue reading Traveling across Australia's Outback by Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Traveling across Australia's Outback by Mercedes-Benz G-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vilner takes to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class like it owns the place

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

No brand escapes the keen tuning eye of Bulgarian tuner Vilner, from the Camaro that first brought them to our attention, to the Scion iQ and Land Rover Defender that's kept them there. This time it's a take on the Mercedes G-Class that takes Cinderella for its inspiration.

This might not be the Cinderella you're familiar with, however. Apparently in the Bulgarian version the fictional princess has a serious craving for leather, and leather, and, um, leather, along with a little chrome and Alacantara, followed by a generous helping of leather.

In the words of Vilner, it's "a beautiful fairy tale." You can decide for yourself with a read of that fairy tale after the jump, and high-res look at it in the gallery of images above.

Continue reading Vilner takes to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class like it owns the place

Vilner takes to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class like it owns the place originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz to shoehorn twin-turbo V12 into the G-Wagen for 612-hp G65 AMG?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:31:00 EST

Brabus G V12 S Biturbo - Click above for high-resolution image gallery

After over three decades of production, the big boxy Mercedes-Benz G-Class is not long for this world. (At least, not in three-door, short-wheelbase form.) But while a Final Edition is already being offered in Europe, you didn't think that Mercedes would leave it down to some extra chrome to bid auf weidersehen to its long-serving, all-conquering workhorse, did you? Of course not. At least, not if the boffins at AMG have anything to say about it, and if these rumors prove true.

The word circulating these interwebs is that AMG is planning to shoehorn in the twin-turbo V12 from the S65 AMG into the G-Wagen's engine bay for a monstrous twelve-cylinder rolling barn with 612 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of twist.

That's a lot of power no matter which way you look at it, but we already know it can be done. AMG is said to have produced a few such G-12s for custom order, as has its closely related tuning house Brabus (the result of which is pictured above). Would Affalterbach be able to find enough customers to officially offer such a vehicle? Go deep enough into Asian markets like Russia and the Gulf emirates and you just might find out.

Mercedes-Benz to shoehorn twin-turbo V12 into the G-Wagen for 612-hp G65 AMG? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz gears up for the demise of the G-Class with BA3 Final Edition and Edition Select

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury, Off-Road

Mercedes-Benz G500 Edition Select - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Hummer is gone. The Land Rover Defender is to be replaced. The Toyota Land Cruiser has let itself go over the years into a bloated luxo-barge. One of the last remaining icons of hardcore off-road SUVs is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and it is soon to be replaced as well. But before it does, Mercedes-Benz has announced a pair of special editions.

The BA3 Final Edition marks the end of production for the short-wheelbase three-door G-Wagen. The farewell special is distinguished by body-colored fender flares, an AMG grille, 18-inch alloys and extra chrome inside and out, with black leather interior offset by walnut burr veneers and ambient lighting.

While the long-wheelbase five-door model will continue on for a while longer, it hasn't been left out of the special treatment. The Edition Select gets contrasting black trim with blacked-out 18-inch alloys, AMG-spec sports exhaust and a two-tone leather cabin with piano lacquer trim.

The Edition Select comes exclusively in G500 spec with a 5.5-liter V8, while the BA3 Final Edition can also be had as a G350 with BlueTec diesel six. Both models pack all the off-road equipment you can shake a stick at, but appear to be available exclusively overseas for the time being. So we'll just have to bide our time until the Gelandewagen's eventual replacement rolls around, and content ourselves with the details in the press release after the jump and the high-res photos in the gallery below.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz gears up for the demise of the G-Class with BA3 Final Edition and Edition Select

Mercedes-Benz gears up for the demise of the G-Class with BA3 Final Edition and Edition Select originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taming the Beast: Brabus gives Mercedes-Benz G-Class electronically adjustable ride control

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Brabus Smooth-Ride Suspension - Click above for high-res image gallery

Brabus has developed an electronically controlled suspension for the Mercedes G-Class, replacing the standard units with gas-pressure shocks with adjustable valves that go from "extra comfortable" to "sporty comfortable." Actuation is handled via a knob installed just above the shifter, and swapping your comfort takes a scant five milliseconds. When we drove the G we were pleased with its balance of suspension compliance and firmness, but we wouldn't be against sharpening it, even at Brabus prices. Follow the jump for the presser and see the difference some shocks make in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Brabus G-Class Ride Control Suspension

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Taming the Beast: Brabus gives Mercedes-Benz G-Class electronically adjustable ride control

Taming the Beast: Brabus gives Mercedes-Benz G-Class electronically adjustable ride control originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept ready to blitz the front

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Truck, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows, Military, Off-Road

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Planning on invading something? Ze Germans have a bit of experience to impart, and it comes in its latest form as the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept. Unveiled at the Eurosatory defense exposition in France - so named, in case you were wondering, for Camp Satory where the French defense ministry used to hold the event - the up-armored G-Class is like the existing LAPV 5.4, but more... well, capable.

The go-anywhere, conquer-anything truck can carry 2,866 pounds of cargo over just about any terrain you can throw at it, reinforced by armor plating - including underbody protection from land mines (or perhaps more poignantly, roadside IEDs). It's got an on-the-fly adjustable suspension with nearly 18 inches of ground clearance, full combat communications and jamming system, hydraulic ventilated disc brakes and an unspecified common-rail diesel engine. And best of all, it's got orange wheels, but we'd imagine those would be a delete option for more covert operations. Check it out in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via World Car Fans]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept ready to blitz the front

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept ready to blitz the front originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes G-Wagen reportedly to receive more updates for 2011

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Military, Luxury, Off-Road

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class - also known as the Geländewagen or G-Wagen for short - has had an interesting history, particularly in the U.S. market. The go-anywhere para-military SUV has been in production for over 30 years, but was only available in North America for much of its history as a gray-market import. Public demand eventually prompted Mercedes to officially offer the G-Wagen on American shores, where it proved a popular niche vehicle. In fact, its popularity prompted Mercedes to produce the GL-Class, which was originally envisioned as a replacement for the aging Geländewagen. The G was slated to cease production in 2006, but true to its rugged style and nary-unstopable capabilities, it's still here.

Over the past few years the G-Class has undergone a series of (largely cosmetic) updates, and reports now indicate that Mercedes has another one in store for the big dinosaur. While the boxy exterior is expected to carry over as the G's calling card, a few minor tweaks are in those cards, likely centered around the lights, bumpers and such. The cabin is slated for a thorough update, while updates under the hood will see the entire range Euro 5 emissions certified... no mean feat for such a behemoth.

At the top of the range, the old supercharged 5.4-liter V8 will continue to carry the G55 moniker - the last AMG model to do so - until the new direct-injection, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 comes along, oddly bearing the G63 AMG nameplate. Expect the new-but-still-recognizable G to bow at the Paris Motor Show this fall, with market roll-out to begin commensurately.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz G-Class EDITION30

[Source: autoevolution]

Mercedes G-Wagen reportedly to receive more updates for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Väth tunes up Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG with 680 horsepower

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

Väth G55 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ah, the Mercedes-Benz G Class. The G Wagen. The Gelandewagen. It's a relatively rare beast here in the U.S., especially in high-power G55 AMG form. We've never once doubted the awesomeness that is the AMG-badged G Wagen, and now the folks at Väth have decided to turn up the wick on the hardcore Benz SUV to the tune of 680 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque - output increases of 180 hp and 104 lb-ft over a factory-fresh G55. It's pure insanity, and we wholeheartedly approve - of the powertrain, at least.

They key components of the engine tuning involve things like a new intake manifold, a revised outlet system, new coolers and Väth's patented fuel cooler. Not only does this aid in the healthy power increase, but it allows the G55 to reach a top cruising speed of 165 miles per hour. To manage that added grunt, Väth has lowered the G55 by 1.4 inches, as well as fitted sport shock absorbers and beefy 15.4-inch sport brake discs.

Obviously, Väth has fitted the usual host of visual upgrades to the G55, including LED daytime running lamps, Xenon foglights, a sport exhaust system out back and 22-inch light metal wheels wrapped in 295/35 Yokohama ADV ST tires. Inside, carbon fiber appliques have been added to the standard leather trim, and a new sport steering wheel features Alcantara upholstery.

Do we want one? You betcha - though we might save some money where Väth's visuals are concerned. Click through the jump to read the company's press release with the full details.

Gallery: Vath G55

[Source: Väth]

Continue reading Väth tunes up Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG with 680 horsepower

Väth tunes up Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG with 680 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Behold: The one-of-a-kind Mercedes G/E-Class

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

Customized Mercedes-Benz G/E Class - Click above for gallery

What is it lately that people don't seem to understand about hardcore off-roaders? They're not supposed to be aerodynamic, and they're not supposed to be pretty. And yet here we are yet again - after the modified Hummer recently spotted on eBay - looking at one of the world's most serious rock-climbing workhorses that's been smoothed out in controversial fashion, and in metallic Barney purple, no less.

What we have on one hand is the Mercedes Geländewagen, the same essential truck that Magna Steyr has been building for the Three-Pointed Star for some thirty years now. It's got the aerodynamic profile of a barn. Attached to a parachute. On the other, we have the E-Class, one of the most aerodynamically slippery cars on the market. Part of the same company's line-up, but just about as different as can be. And yet, thanks to what looks to be a not inconsequential amount of elbow grease, the two have come together to breed this remarkable concoction, which, we gather, was recently put up for sale on eBay. While we can't locate the auction itself, one has to figure that the owner is going to have a hard time selling a vehicle that's been so extensively "personalized."

Gallery: Custom Mercedes-Benz G/E Class

[Source: Autogespot]

Behold: The one-of-a-kind Mercedes G/E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Brabus G V12 S Biturbo is our kind of birthday cake

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus

Click above for high-res gallery of the Brabus G V12 S Biturbo

Nothing says "happy birthday" like 700 horsepower and nearly 1000 lb-ft of torque. That's what Brabus figures, at least, and we're with them. To mark the 30th anniversary of the indomitable Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen, Brabus presented the G V12 S Biturbo here at the Geneva Motor Show, and it could hardly be missed in the middle of the Palexpo show floor. The tuned twin-turbo 6.3-liter V12 sits in a tricked out G-Wagen decked out in black with LED headlamps, custom bodywork, black leather everything, a 163-mph top end and a physics-defying 4.3-second spring to 60 mph. At nearly half a million on the sticker, you're not likely to see one parked at the local mini mall - unless you live in car-bonkers Abu Dhabi where a supposedly McLaren-powered G-Wagen was spotted last year - so better check it out in the galleries below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Brabus G V12 S Biturbo

Gallery: BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Brabus G V12 S Biturbo is our kind of birthday cake

Geneva 2009: Brabus G V12 S Biturbo is our kind of birthday cake originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes celebrates 30 years of the G-Wagen with special EDITION30

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty

Click above for hi-res images of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen EDITION30 and EDITION30.PUR

The rest of the industry may change, but nothing can stop the Geländewagen. To give you an idea of how long it's been around, consider that the G was originally designed for military contract from the Shah of Iran, who was a major shareholder in Daimler-Benz. Known as the G-Wagen for short or G-Class in new speak, Mercedes (or Magna-Steyr, actually) has been hand-building it in Austria for 30 years now. We've already alerted you to the occasion, but now Mercedes-Benz is celebrating by launching a special anniversary model. Two, actually.

The EDITION30 is the more premium of the two, a special G-Class based on the W463-chassis G500 and spec'd out with a unique leather and wood interior and Platinum Black paintjob. The EDITION30.PUR is more hard-core, based on the older W461 chassis with G280 CDI running gear, and decked out with off-road tires, headlamp guards, flexible wheel arches and a hood that can support the weight of a human, allowing access the optional roof rack. Inside the EDITION30.PUR it's all business, with a wash-down interior upholstered in heavy-duty fabric or synthetic leather. Between the two versions, neither poseur nor trekker should be left out, as the G-Wagen proves yet again that it can be all things to all people... probably for another 30 years and then some. Press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz G-Class EDITION30

Continue reading Mercedes celebrates 30 years of the G-Wagen with special EDITION30

Mercedes celebrates 30 years of the G-Wagen with special EDITION30 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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