Exterior

A strictly utilitarian appearance is softened somewhat by body-colored bumpers, rub strips and rocker panels, as well as alloy wheels and a stainless-steel spare-tire cover. At 183.5 inches long overall, the G-Class is only an inch longer than the M-Class, which measures 182.6 inches long overall. The G500 uses 18-inch tires and rides a 112-inch wheelbase, which is approximately 3 inches narrower than the M-Class. The G500 also stands a half an inch taller than its SUV sibling.

Because this is a serious offroad vehicle, rigid front and rear axles with longitudinal and transverse links to coil springs are installed. The G500 is the only production vehicle with three locking differentials. In extremely low-traction situations, all you need is a little grip on one front wheel and that’s enough to pull you through a trouble spot. The vehicle is also equipped with four-wheel electronic traction control to assist less experienced drivers.

    See also:

    Important safety notes
    WARNING It is dangerous to shift the automatic transmission out of parking position P or neutral position N if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the b ...

    Override feature for the rear side windows
    WARNING When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats, activate the override switch. Otherwise, the children could be injured, e.g. by trapping themselves in the rear side window. - To act ...

    Diesel Power
    The GL350 Bluetec's 3.0-liter diesel V-6 makes 210 horsepower. There's some familiar diesel clatter when accelerating, though the noise is nothing like an 18-wheeler. The sound is more akin to tha ...