Mercedes Benz G 500 "the G Wagon"

The G-wagon was commissioned in 1974, and brought to market in '79. Since that time the exterior style has remained all but unchanged. The same cannot be said for the rest of the design. For example, power comes from the same 5.0 litre V8 that sees service the S-Class. With 292 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque at just 2,800 rpm there is never a lack of grunt. In high range, the performance is such it manages to motivate 5,500 pounds of sheet metal and leather to 100 km/h in just over 10 seconds. Drop the transfer case into 4-low and the tremendous torque makes the steepest grade is a non-issue. It really does do this truck justice.

The lone weak points with the 4-wheel-drive system are the tires. Rather than being a hefty set of mudders, they are more geared to light off-road duty and on-road performance, because in thick goo, the tread clogs with mud increasing the risk of getting stuck.

The big G rides on solid axles back and front with coil springs and gas-charged shocks at each corner. The design is such that it manages to take the sting out of a rough road. Perhaps more surprising was the manner the G500 ran the pylon test. Certainly body roll is an issue, and the electronic stability control program is works overtime as you encroach on the limits, but when all is said and done, it is as good as any SUV offered. Off-road, the amount of suspension travel and decent articulation keep the wheels planted, and therefore where they can do their best work. The other noteworthy point is the direct and connect feel imparted by the recirculating ball steering. Many of these off-road raiders tend to feel rather numb on centre, the Merc is confident.

Married to this motor is a 5-speed automatic that comes with a manual mode. On-road, changing your own gears is sort of passe. Off-road, however, it allows you to take advantage of the engine's braking power, allowing a graceful decent without having to ride the brakes.

Stopping power comes from four-wheel discs and a good anti-lock system that includes Brake Assist. The latter intervenes automatically if the driver is too gently in a critical situation. It builds up the maximum braking force in a fraction of a second, reducing the stopping distance significantly - something that is needed given the G-Wagons heft.

Price as tested: $106,900

Tire Tally
Performance: 4
Ride/handling: 2
Interior: 4
Touchy/feely/cargo: 3
Safety: 3
Bang for buck: 3

Immediate Competition
Range Rover 4.6 HSE, Lexus LX470, Hummer H2

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