Mercedes-Benz G-Class Features "Edition Select" for 2012
07/08/2011
Mercedes-Benz
Acclaimed as the industry's most rugged and iconic sport utility vehicle, the venerable G-Class is featuring a unique "Edition Select" option package for the 2012 model year. The Edition Select package is available in Black, Arctic White or Iridium Silver paint, with flared AMG fenders, side exhaust pipes, silver-painted 5-double spoke alloy wheels, carbon-look side molding as well as designo floor mats. Inside, a two-tone designo Black/Porcelain interior with contrast stitching is complemented by a special emblem, Black Piano Lacquer wood trim and illuminated door sills that feature white 'Mercedes-Benz' lettering.
Handcrafted at a special manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, the G-Class is a no-compromise off-roader with a cliff-climbing, stump-pulling personality that can climb grades up to 36 degrees (80% slopes), and it's even stable on lateral inclines up to 24 degrees (54% slopes), making the G-Class a top performer in its segment.
The 2012 G-Class is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine with 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. The G550 is equipped with a standard 610-watt digital harman / kardon Logic7 audio system, which can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or SD memory card and can display maps and directions for the hard-drive navigation system, which are set up for SIRIUS real-time traffic info and Zagat restaurant ratings as well.
The latest COMAND system features a large color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc DVD / CD changer and Bluetooth, which allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car's audio system. It's also equipped with an iPod/MP3 interface, SIRIUS-XM satellite radio, HD radio, and a voice control system.
Military Roots
First developed for military duty and still called the Geländewagen in Europe (for "over-land vehicle"), the G-Class features a tough body-on-frame design with a torsionally rigid chassis that also meets all U.S. government crash test standards. Evidence of its military roots, the brawny G-Class suspension makes use of super-strong rigid axles at the front and rear as well as longitudinal and transverse links with coil springs and gas shocks at all four corners. Standard ABS anti-lock brakes help to provide directional control during emergency braking, while Mercedes-Benz Brake Assist ensures full-power braking in emergency stops.
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive with Three Differential Locks
The G-Class channels its power through a full-time four-wheel-drive system, which distributes torque through front, center and rear differentials, all of which can be independently locked for off-road use while the vehicle is in motion through buttons located on the dashboard.
To reduce wheel spin in extremely low-traction situations, the center and rear differential locks can be engaged anytime that the G-Class is off-pavement. In the most slippery off-road situations - in deep mud, for example - the front differential can also be engaged for maximum traction. The G-Class also comes with a two-speed transfer case that features electronically controlled high and low ranges. Its fully synchronized low range can be engaged on the fly at speeds up to about 15 mph.
Four-Wheel Traction Control and ESP
While differential locks are much appreciated by experienced off-road enthusiasts, the G-Class also comes with four-wheel electronic traction control that will automatically help drivers through on-road and most off-road conditions. Traction control is integrated with another Mercedes-Benz invention, ESP Electronic Stability Control, which can detect an impending spin or slide and applies the brakes on one wheel - front or rear, left or right - to help keep the vehicle on track.
Civilized Civilian Refinement
The G-Class balances its proven off-road credentials and military roots with a liberal dose of sumptuous on-road comfort, a well insulated interior and many technological innovations for safety and convenience from Mercedes cars. The G550 comes with a premium leather interior, burl walnut trim, power windows and 10-way heated and ventilated multi-contour front seats with three memory positions.
Standard equipment for the G550 also includes cruise control, central door locks, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear heated seats, and even reading lights for the rear passengers. A rear parking assistant alerts the driver to the proximity of objects located behind the vehicle. The G550 comes with chrome accents around the gear selector, interior door handles and rear cargo sill; a sport-tuned exhaust system; interior ambient lighting and a 115-volt receptacle in the cargo area.
As for safety equipment, the G-Class comes with front air bags for the driver and front passenger and window curtain air bags that provide greater safety for front and outboard rear passengers in a side impact or rollover. Three-point seat belts help keep all five occupants in place, while outboard seating positions are also fitted with electronic belt tensioners that take slack out of the seat belts in the early stages of a collision. As deceleration forces build during an impact, belt force limiters relax the belts slightly to help minimize possible belt-related injuries.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. A division of Daimler AG, MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.maybachusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.