The 2009 G550 may be outrageously expensive (MSRP $102K),
but it has excellent standard equipment for off-highway use:
--5.5L gasoline V8 with 382 hp, 390 ft-lbs
--7 speed automatic transmission
--full time all wheel drive
--2 speed transfer case
--disc brakes on all wheels with ABS
--solid axles front and rear
--tire pressure monitoring system
--48 months or 50,000 miles warranty
--7000 lb towing capacity
The G500 has electronic stability control and traction control systems
that operate during normal driving. The systems turn off when you
lock the differentials.
There are some trade-offs in the 500's design
--11 mpg city, 15 mpg highway using premium fuel
.....(25 gallon fuel tank helps the range)
--265/60 R18 M&S rated tires
......(change to 16 inch rims to simplify finding replacement tires outside USA and Canada)
--ground clearance 8.3 inches
--curb weight 5500 lbs
--payload 1400 lbs
The G500 is a medium SUV, similar in size to Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
overall length: 186 in.
wheelbase: 112 in
height: 78 in.
cargo capacity, rear seats folded: 80 cu ft
The resale value of the G500 is a little better than average. Kelley Blue
Book says that a 5 year old G500 will cost about 40% of its original MSRP.
For example, the MSRP of the 2002 G500 was $75,000. 40% of $75K is
$30,000. That's about what you'd pay for a new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Unlimited.
Mercedes did not import the G500 to USA until 2002. Prior to this year,
the Geländewagen was imported and modified to meet USA regulations by
Europa International of Santa Fe, NM (now known as gwagen.com)
Steyr-Daimler-Puch has manufactured the Geländewagen for Mercedes in Austria since
1979. Steyr builds specialized vehicles for several manufacturers. For example, Steyr
assembles Jeep Grand Cherokees with diesel engines for European sales. Starting in
2012, Steyr will help Porsche build the Boxter and Cayman. Steyr is best known
among off-road fans for its design and production of the Pinzgauer and Haflinger vehicles.
Steyr was acquired a couple of years ago by the Canadian auto parts company, Magna.
Magna was one of the companies interested in buying Chrysler when it was sold by
Mercedes. Maybe Magna will eventually buy part of Chrysler from the current owners.
Mercedes has announced that production of the G-Class will continue until 2012,
perhaps longer. The Geländewagen is a popular military vehicle, and probably will
be produced as long as there is demand for it.
but it has excellent standard equipment for off-highway use:
--5.5L gasoline V8 with 382 hp, 390 ft-lbs
--7 speed automatic transmission
--full time all wheel drive
--2 speed transfer case
--disc brakes on all wheels with ABS
--solid axles front and rear
--tire pressure monitoring system
--48 months or 50,000 miles warranty
--7000 lb towing capacity
The G500 has electronic stability control and traction control systems
that operate during normal driving. The systems turn off when you
lock the differentials.
There are some trade-offs in the 500's design
--11 mpg city, 15 mpg highway using premium fuel
.....(25 gallon fuel tank helps the range)
--265/60 R18 M&S rated tires
......(change to 16 inch rims to simplify finding replacement tires outside USA and Canada)
--ground clearance 8.3 inches
--curb weight 5500 lbs
--payload 1400 lbs
The G500 is a medium SUV, similar in size to Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
overall length: 186 in.
wheelbase: 112 in
height: 78 in.
cargo capacity, rear seats folded: 80 cu ft
The resale value of the G500 is a little better than average. Kelley Blue
Book says that a 5 year old G500 will cost about 40% of its original MSRP.
For example, the MSRP of the 2002 G500 was $75,000. 40% of $75K is
$30,000. That's about what you'd pay for a new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Unlimited.
Mercedes did not import the G500 to USA until 2002. Prior to this year,
the Geländewagen was imported and modified to meet USA regulations by
Europa International of Santa Fe, NM (now known as gwagen.com)
Steyr-Daimler-Puch has manufactured the Geländewagen for Mercedes in Austria since
1979. Steyr builds specialized vehicles for several manufacturers. For example, Steyr
assembles Jeep Grand Cherokees with diesel engines for European sales. Starting in
2012, Steyr will help Porsche build the Boxter and Cayman. Steyr is best known
among off-road fans for its design and production of the Pinzgauer and Haflinger vehicles.
Steyr was acquired a couple of years ago by the Canadian auto parts company, Magna.
Magna was one of the companies interested in buying Chrysler when it was sold by
Mercedes. Maybe Magna will eventually buy part of Chrysler from the current owners.
Mercedes has announced that production of the G-Class will continue until 2012,
perhaps longer. The Geländewagen is a popular military vehicle, and probably will
be produced as long as there is demand for it.
