Vehicle Overview
More than one automaker would like to believe its sport utility vehicle is the “ultimate” example. Mercedes-Benz is taking a step in that direction with the new G500 (G-Class), which evolved from the no-compromises Geläendewagen that’s sold in Europe. Only 1,500 units will be available in the United States by fall 2001, with a sticker price of $72,500.
With its M-Class sport utility model on sale in the United States since 1998,
Mercedes-Benz focused largely on road-going manners. The Geläendewagen, in
contrast, is a hard-core offroad machine inspired by the demands of military
service but transformed into a high-end luxury SUV. Mercedes-Benz claims that it
will climb an 80 percent grade and remain stable on a 54 percent lateral slope.
Handcrafted in Graz, Austria, the G500 will face such competitors as the BMW X5,
Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE, Lexus LX 470 and even the Hummer H1.
See also:
Surprising Agility
At 17 feet long, the S550 is obviously a large car, but it doesn't feel the
least bit ponderous from the driver's seat. It's pretty easy to maneuver through
heavy, fast-moving highway traffic and ...
Important safety notes
WARNING
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the inter ...
Rolling with the engine switched off
WARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
...
