THE 2016 MERCEDES G-CLASS; OLD-SCHOOL IS THE NEW HIP!!

THE 2016 MERCEDES G-CLASS; OLD-SCHOOL IS THE NEW HIP!!

HISTORY

For those who don’t know the first generation of the G-Class entered production in 1976 and has since remained a top-notch competitor in the midsize SUV market.

The G-Class was initially produced as a utilitarian vehicle for soldiers (that was decades ago). The  still unchanged old-fashioned look now magnificently trimed and exquisitely finished would make a mouth watering dish for any car eater any day.

EXTERIOR

Over the years, there has been almost no change in the overall exterior of the G-Class ,which I would from now on refer to as the G-Wagen as it is popularly called. The 2016 version also follows the same trend. The overall frame still remains the same old-school box-like frame of the 1970s but with a slightly revised front end and of course a better, more eye-catching paint job. The rear end of the 2016 G-Wagen remains absolutely unchanged from previous versions.

“Mercedes has so far done a most wonderful job of maintaining the originality of the G-Wagen over the decades” some critics say.

There are three trim levels available for the 2016 G-Wagen which are:

The Base trim level, the G63 AMG and the newly revised G65 AMG trim level.

ENGINE

Not all the G-Wagen features remain unchanged though, the base 2016 version offers a new improved twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter V-8 engine that produces 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, up 38 and 59 from the previous version respectively.

The G63 AMG trim level offers more power with its 5.5 liter V-8 engine that churns out 536 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque.

The G65 AMG offers even more power with a 6.0 liter V-12 that produces  a mind-blowing 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque (jeez!!! All that power from a single engine). All three engines are paired with a seven-speed (7-speed) automatic transmission. The G-Wagen as expected comes standard as a four-wheel drive on all trim levels.

In terms of speed, the G550 has a launch timing of 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is quite fast when compared with other SUVs of its class. The G63 AMG is quicker with a speed of 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds while the G65 goes from 0-60 mph in about 5.2 seconds.

INTERIOR AND CARGO

Moving away from the rugged military look of the G-Wagen it has a softer interior. High-end materials with excellent fit and finish mark the cabin with a well arranged high-end instrument cluster on the dashboard.

The front seats, though not as comfortable as the Range Rover’s or the Ford Explorer’s have a soft feel to them with two tone colour leather materials. This also goes for the rear seats. The seats some critics say, though soft are still typically firm and power-adjustable, with multicontour adjustments. They also have short bottom cushions.

In terms of the space available, some critics say the rear seats are far more comfortable when seating two persons than when seating three persons this they say is due primarily to the lack of width in the G-Wagen.

The G-Wagen has more head room than width and thus the 45.2 cu-ft of space with the rear seats up and the 79.5 cu-ft  of space with the rear seats down would be more suitable for cargo that requires more height than width.

PRICE

Standard MSRP

 FOR THE G550: $112,000 – $119,900

FOR THE G63 AMG: $130,000 - $139,900

FOR THE G65 AMG: $202,647 - $217,900

COMPETITORS

Top competitors in the midsize SUV market include:

1. Range Rover Sport

Price:

$111,500 - $118,900

2. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Price from $30,000

3. Ford Explorer

Price:

$31,050–$52,970.