The convoy of G-Class models are parked outside the typical Alpine wood building with neatly packed firewood stacked next to the road. We are 1 200 metres above see level, not that high for the Alps mountain region, but high enough to offer a decent view of the area.
Although the ambient temperature is a warm 20 degrees Celsius, I can’t help but think back to the Alpine winters of the previous century. Back then St. Bernard dogs were used to rescue mountaineers or possible survivors from these mountains. Mercedes-Benz’s G-Class is a modern day equivalent of this big, furry all-terrain animal. Difference is, the G-Class is now even better geared up for the 21st century.
Back in 1979 the G-Class went into production and during the past 15 years even the board of Mercedes-Benz thought interest in the vehicle wound sooner rather than later wane . They were proved wrong.
G500
Around five years ago the Australian army ordered hundreds of right-hand drive (RHD) Gelandewagens, and (partly) because of this, we can buy RHD versions of the G-Wagen again.
Until now South Africans had access to the G350 BlueTec , G300 CDI Professional and the bonkers G55 AMG. Now, South Africans can order the G500 (285 kW/6 000 r/min and 530 N.m at 2 800 r/min) or the even crazier G63 AMG.
To truly experience this vehicle, Mercedes-Benz took us to the Schockl mountain range, a 30 km drive from the G-Class factory in Graz, Austria.
Mercedes-Benz has used this mountain, and its various tracks and paths, since the mid-1970s for G-Class development. It was one thing being guided by the G-Class test and training driver over the obstacles and experiencing the vehicles capabilities, it was quite another being taken as a passenger and blasted downhill with him behind the steering wheel. You can have a look at the video on CARmagblog.
The ability of this off-roader is impressive to say the least. What stood out were how strong the ladder-frame chassis is and the fact that the suspension was able to cope the impact. Although the video illustrates a level of the impact, the suspension absorbs more than you would guess. If we did the same course at these speeds with a any bakkie the vehicle would not have been able finish the course.
Now with most cars heading towards electric power steering is was a welcoming feeling to experience the hydraulic power steering of the G-Class. Head back to the tarmac, and its on-road manners are relatively compliant and with the 5,5-litre V8 engine acceleration is never of problem. With the interior, luxury and safety updates the G500 is now without a doubt the most-balanced G-Class.
G63 AMG
If the G55 AMG was bonkers, the G63 AMG takes it a notch higher. It is a waste of time to start a debate about this car. Matthias Geisen, head of sales for the G-Class, informed me that the G63 AMG and LHD-only G65 AMG (450 kW/1 000 N.m) accounts for 95 per cent of all G-Class sales in the Middle-East, and 50 per cent of G-Class sales internationally.
So, what is it like to drive a 400 kW/760 N.m G-Class on the road? Interesting, in the same way a cross between a St. Bernard and a Greyhound would be.
First of all, the G63 bark like a true AMG, and have the same exhaust note as that of the other cars using the same engine such as the E63 AMG. Watch the video above to hear it.
Even for this as-close-to-a-brick design the dash to 100 km/h takes only 5,4 seconds according to Mercedes-Benz. But it actually feels a lot faster than this figure suggests because of the engine’s responsiveness.
Through tight Austrian country roads, the G63 is easily placed in a corner. Because of your tall seat height you have perfect visibility plus, you know exactly where the front wheels are. Push too hard and the G-Class quickly informs you that things are getting out of hand. This after all is an off-road suspension adapted for fast road driving, and not the other way around. Is it fun? Tremendously… but off-road it would be even crazier, since the G63 AMG also has the three diff locks!
Both driver and passenger can also use the updated Comand system and stylish infotainment screen (similar to that we have recently experienced in the B-Class). The centre console has also been upgraded.
To conclude: never before has there been such a discrepancy between the old-school exterior design of a car and the almost smooth, modern and sophisticated interior.
Future
In 2009 Mercedes-Benz sold 4330 G-Class models, and last year this increased to 6 600. Demand for this relative niche model has reached levels that forced the factory to double its daily 8-hour shift. With certain Far-Eastern markets also asking about the G-Class this figure looks set to increased again going forward.
After 33 years of production I think the G-Class has only now really come of age. It offers the broadest range of models since its inception, and now interest in the vehicle is also at an all time high. With a higher level of safety and technological equipment, the G-Class isn’t purely the off-road workhorse some perceived it to be.
In an age where so many models are becoming homogenous, it is refreshing that something such as the G-Class is still available.
Specifications:*
Model: Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG
Engine: 5,5-litre, V8, bi-turbopetrol
Power: 400 kW at 5 500 r/min
Torque: 760 N.m at 2 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 5,4 seconds
Fuel consumption: 13,8 L/100 km
Fuel tank capacity: 96 litres
CO2: 322 g/km
Top speed: 210 km/h (limited)
Model: Mercedes-Benz G500
Engine: 5,5-litre, V8, petrol
Power: 285 kW at 6 000 r/min
Torque: 530 N.m at 2 800 r/min
0-100 km/h: 6,1 seconds
Fuel consumption: 14,9 L/100 km
Fuel tank capacity: 96 litres
CO2: 348 g/km
Top speed: 210 km/h
Price: TBC (Expect to pay around R2 million)
*According to manufacturer