G-Class

Classics aren’t born as classics.

It is only over the course of time that certain concepts emerge as enduring icons. And they almost always owe their success to an absolute refusal to compromise their stylistic integrity.

A case in point was the 2005 G-Class (AKA G Wagon), its characteristic profile had remained unchanged for over 25 years. A quarter of a century, during which its distinctive styling, resolutely defied the ebb and flow of trends and fashion.

In a world where so few things are so successful that they endure for decades. The G-Class is a particularly distinctive exception.

G500 SUV - The one and only.

The look is unmistakable, and the driving experience —unbelievable. In a world of pretenders, the rugged, hand-built G-Class stands alone as a true original. The SUV that’s first in the hearts of purists the world over is also the last SUV to be built almost entirely by hand with a time-honored, painstakingly thorough approach. On and off-road, the G500 inspires with muscular V-8 power, the surefooted control of permanent 4-wheel drive, and the expert reflexes of our Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

For 2005, the G55 AMG adds a dominating new 469-hp supercharged V-8 and one very impressive title: The most powerful production SUV on the planet.1 Take your place inside a cavernous interior overflowing with sumptuous leather, hand-polished wood and cutting-edge technology, including new Head Protection Curtains. And take command of an SUV unlike any other. A vehicle steeped in legend and mystique — the one-of-a-kind G-Class.

Forge Ahead.

Blaze your own trail in the unique, hand-built G500. A massive 292-hp 5.0-liter V-8 delivers a robust 336 lb-ft of torque and more than enough motivation to escape the ordinary. Power is applied through an advanced driver-adaptive 5-speed automatic transmission that adjusts its shift points to match your driving style. The Touch Shift feature even lets you take matters into your own hands with manual-style gear changes. Take corners confidently with the handling technology of ESP, our Electronic Stability Program. And for those who like to explore life off the beaten path, there are the gripping benefits of permanent 4-wheel drive, our 4-wheel Electronic Traction System and a feature which characterizes the essence of G-Class off-road capabilities: three differential locks, standard. Of course, even off-road, we see no reason to rough it — the exclusive G500 is loaded with luxury and comfort.

Reach new heights.

Look past the G500’s rugged exterior and you’ll find a gentle, sensitive side expressed in supple leather and elegant Burl Walnut trim. Power front seats adjust ten ways to conform to your body, while heated front and rear seats soothe you. And the multicontour driver’s seat embraces you with pneumatically adjustable side, lumbar and thigh supports. You can also take comfort in the added safety of new Head Protection Curtain air bags. The G500 has a very accommodating nature as well, with room for five adults to relax comfortably. Or fold the rear seats for up to 79.5 cu ft of cargo room. It’s easy to get lost in all that open space, but you can find your way around town more easily with the G500’s standard GPS navigation system. Although once immersed in the lavishly equipped G-Class cabin, you’ll feel like you’ve already arrived.

G Class Specifications

G55 AMG SUV - Be empowered.

When the performance wizards at AMG, the racing arm of Mercedes-Benz, got their hands on the G-Class, they didn’t hold back. In a world of compromise, this isn’t one. The G55 AMG stares boldly in the face of convention and drives right through it. Your ally in this act of defiance is a new-for-2005 supercharged handcrafted 5,439-cc V-8 producing a muscular 469 horsepower, while 516 lb-ft of torque floods in at 3,000 rpm. New slotted 13.8" front and 13.0" rear brake discs give you dominion over the G55’s prodigious power. An AMG exhaust system creates rolling thunder through genuine dual sidepipes, each with twin stainless-steel tips ahead of each rear wheel. The sound of the impending storm serves as a wake-up call to lesser vehicles that could easily be mesmerized by 18" wheels and high-performance tires, as well as chrome-finish front turn signal cages, taillamp cages and front-bumper underbar.

Be entertained.

Open the rock-solid, reinforced door of the G55 and you’re greeted by stainless-steel door sills with the legendary AMG name illuminated in blue. Step inside and your eyes light up as well. You’ve just entered the consummate driving environment. Sumptuous Nappa leather, in designo Charcoal with Silver topstitching or cool designo Silver with Black topstitching, flows across the 10-way power front seats and folding rear seats. Hand-polished Natural Maple wood trims the console, doors, steering wheel and dash. Your right hand is drawn to the leather and wood shift knob as if by some magnetic force. And your eyes, to the cool Silver-accented AMG instrument cluster, where the AMG story is told in the unmistakable language of performance — mph and rpm. Even your feet have the distinct pleasure of resting on stylish AMG-design carpeted floor mats, although we suspect your right foot may have other ideas.

Crack the whip.

Go ahead, stomp on the gas. The G500 obeys your command immediately with a pulse-accelerating rush of 292 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque at the ready. A magnesium 2-stage resonance intake manifold assures quick response throughout the powerband. And a 5-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift puts you in charge of the show with manual-style gear changes. Or, if you’d rather just sit back and delegate authority, the driver-adaptive transmission will automatically adjust its shift points to match your style of driving. Drive with more enthusiasm, and the transmission keeps pace, shifting more assertively. Take it easier, and the transmission will do the same, shifting for better fuel economy. You can call it instinct. We call it innovative engineering. Whatever the situation calls for, you can bet the G500 is ready.

Overcome obstacles.

In an age when so many SUVs just seem to talk the talk, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class actually walks the walk— over almost any terrain. Permanent 4-wheel drive teams with our 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) to take you places ordinary SUVs only go in their dreams. With three mechanical differential locks and the ability to climb or descend an 80% incline,1 the G-Class gives you off-road options many SUVs can only imagine. Step above the fray and take the shortcut on the way home. Not to save time, but just because you can. In fact, “you can” is a concept you’ll get used to behind the wheel of the G-Class.