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:
Smaller tank, same range
Because the new Mercedes CLS models consume significantly less fuel, it has
been possible to reduce the filling volume of the fuel tank in the four and
six-cylinder models to 59 litres. The 80-lit ...
Slippery road surfaces
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning
device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point ...
EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section.
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
WARNING
If EBD has malfu ...