Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon rolls in
On show in Sydney was a top of the range G 55 AMG which was air freighted in especially, and already Benz is holding ten advance orders for the G wagon. Its 20 years since this off roader was sold in Australia, with it receiving a host of upgrades along the way.
The G 350 BlueTec will be the first Mercedes-Benz 4WD to introduce the state-of-the-art BlueTec technology. BlueTec is a Mercedes-Benz-developed technology designed to reduce diesel vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxide emissions. The vehicle converts up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water by a process of reduction in the catalytic converter. The V6 diesel engine develops 155kW at 3,400 rpm and has 540 Nm of available torque between 1,600 and 2400 rpm.
For customers who crave for more power, the G 55 AMG's powerful 5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine will surely please. Developing 373 kW from 6,100 rpm and 700Nm of torque between 2,750 and 4,000 rpm, this power plant propels the G 55 AMG from 0 to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds. Every 5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine is made by a single technician in accordance with the company's "One man, One Engine" principle. The thrilling G 55 AMG even comes complete with twin side pipes on both sides of the vehicle.
The V6 diesel comes standard with the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, which improves fuel consumption, comfort and responsiveness. The G 55 AMG features the specially tuned 5-speed automatic transmission, which transfers the massive amounts of power and torque from the AMG engine to the wheels with precision.
To cope with even the toughest conditions, the G-Class not only has a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, but also a specially configured suspension. Thanks to precisely engineered, rigid axles and long suspension travel, the G-Class is able to master practically any terrain.
The G-Class is equipped with electronically controlled traction system (4ETS) that provides optimal traction. Additional assistance is offered through the transfer case off-road ratio that provides exceptional climbing ability or negotiating obstacles. The package is complete with front axle, rear axle and inter-axle differentials that can be locked at the touch of a button, thereby re-directing power to the wheels offering the best grip.
Both Australian G-Class models are long wheelbase station wagons in 5-seater configuration only. Cabriolet & short wheelbase variants will not be offered. Pricing for the G 350 BlueTec is $159,900 and the G 55 AMG $214,900+ORCs.
Mercedes-Benz will deliver 1200 specially built G-Wagons to the Australian Defence Force over the next three years. A range of modules including Canine, Cargo, Command Post and Ambulance will also be delivered. Mercedes-Benz will also provide ongoing technical and spare parts support for the vehicles and modules for the life of the vehicle while in Army service. The first of these vehicles recently rolled off the production line in Austria.