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:

    Passenger cell: custom-designed floor panels and robust load-bearing sections
    The passenger cell of the new CLS has been shown to be a structure which is virtually immune to deformation and which keeps the occupant space intact, even at high impact speeds, regardless of whe ...

    Downhill gradients
    On long and steep gradients, you must reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early to a lower gear. This allows you to take advantage of the engine braking effect and helps avoid overh ...

    Vehicle identification number (VIN)
    The vehicle identification number (VIN) can be found in the following locations: • on the vehicle identification plate • at the lower edge of the windshield In addition to being stamped on the veh ...