2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
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Vehicle Overview
Mercedes-Benz focuses largely on road-going manners with its M-Class SUV, but the G-Class is a hard-core off-road machine that comfortably seats five people across two rows. It competes with the Land Rover Range Rover. A high-performance AMG® variant is also available for 2013.
New for 2013
For 2013, the G-Class gets a new interior with a standard 7-inch display that mimics a tablet device, mounted above the center stack. On the refreshed center console there's a control knob for the Mercedes-Benz COMAND® system, buttons for standard parking assist, a revised shifter assembly and standard mbrace2™ in-car communication system. The steering wheel has also been redesigned. On the outside, the G-Class gets new side mirrors and two strip of LED daytime running lights standard.
Exterior
This distinctive SUV's boxy appearance is somewhat softened by body-colored bumpers and rocker panels, plus a stainless-steel spare-tire cover. Exterior features include:
- 18-inch twin five-spoke wheels
- LED daytime running lights and bi-xenon headlamps
- Spare wheel cover
- Body-colored door handles
Interior
Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, COMAND® communication system with DVD navigation, power front seats with three-position memory and rear parking assistance. Other standard interior features include:
- Standard mbrace2™ 7-inch tablet-style LCD screen
- 610-watt harman/kardon® Logic 7® premium audio system with HD radio and real-time traffic info
- Ambient lighting is standard
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats
Under the Hood
Mechanical features include:
- 5.5-liter V-8 that makes 388 horsepower and 391 pounds-feet of torque
- Seven-speed automatic transmission
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and DISTRONIC PLUS® brake assist
- Electronic stability system with traction control
- Blind spot warning system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Parking assist and rear backup camera
- Side curtain airbags
2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Three decades ago Mercedes-Benz set out to create an SUV of unmatched capability and unexpected civility: A handcrafted vehicle so confident and comfortable in its mission that it's proved to be as endearing as it is enduring.
Design
Unmistakably purposeful, the G-Class was created to endure the most grueling challenges on six continents. After more than 30 years of technological evolution beneath its surface, its upright, uncomplicated elegance has proven as endearing as it is enduring. It looks like it does because it does what few vehicles can: Be at home in virtually any corner of the world.
With its three lockable differentials, limber suspension and exceptional weight distribution, the G-Class can venture where most SUVs can only dream of going. Short overhangs and high ground clearance add up to steep approach and departure angles. It can climb or decend an 80-percent incline, and even handle a 54-percent lateral slope.
With rigid front and rear axles, the G-Class is engineered to take the most punishing terrain in stride. With more than 8 inches of ground clearance, and an equal amount of wheel travel, its coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers combine extreme off-road deftness with nimble dexterity around town.
The heated rear seats offer an excellent view and supportive comfort for passengers. But when duty calls, they quickly fold down and tumble forward in a 1/3:2/3 split that makes way for longer cargo while leaving room for one or two rear passengers. With both seats fully folded, the upright design of the G-Class offers space for up to 79.5 cu ft of cargo.
In the G-Class, unexpected rewards are always awaiting your discovery. The galvanized steel body is hand-welded at over 6,000 points for exceptional rigidity you can feel in the satisfying precision with which each door closes. The single, side-opening rear door is counterbalanced to open easily, even on an incline, and despite carrying the full-size spare tire where it's easy to get to.
Powertrain and Performance
While its capability is legendary, the strength of the G550 is epic: A 391 lb-ft torrent of torque. The throaty rumble of dual exhausts with genuine sidepipes. And a 0-to-60 rush of just 6.0 seconds. And with certified ultralow emissions, what it doesn't leave behind is no less impressive than its copious power output.
With its versatile driver-adaptive 7-speed automatic transmission and 2-speed transfer case, the G550 offers the broadest span of gear ratios in the SUV kingdom. So whether you're crawling up a mountain, merging into traffic or crusing on the open road, the ideal balance of torque and efficiency is at your command. And with Touch Shift control, it's always close at hand, too.
As you venture off-road, the exclusive equipment of the G-Class gives you increasingly masterful capability. Its three differentials are sequentially lockable (center, rear, then front) via a set of buttons on the dash. As the road surface changes from loose gravel to deep ruts to no road at all, the G-Class is equipped to keep pace like no other SUV.
The G-Class 4MATIC® 4-wheel drive system is both a technological marvel and a purist's delight. On the road, its 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4ETS®) continually sends torque to the wheels with the best grip. Even if only one wheel has traction, 4ETS® can help get you going. Off-road, its three lockable differentials offer unmatched control and surefooted confidence.
Interior
Heated and Active Ventilated front seats, an abundance of polished wood and a suite of advanced technology are just a sampling of what the G-Class considers basic survival gear. And like its rugged frame and welded body, its cabin is impeccably crafted by hand, from the tailoring of its Premium leather upholstery to the fitment of its many luxuries.
From its heated windshield and mirrors to its hard-drive navigation and color-LCD screen, the G-Class cabin is a haven of advanced refinements. With Enhanced Voice Control, a Bluetooth® interface, a rear view camera and multifiunction steering wheel, the G-Class goes to great lengths to ease your journey, and keep you feeling close to home.
With 610 watts and 11 speakers, the harman/kardon® Logic 7® system fills the cabin with lush Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Listening choices include SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a 6-DVD/CD changer, a 4GB in-dash Music Register and iPod® integration. So no matter where you venture, you might never run out of soundtrack.
Safety
The G-Class comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Mercedes-Benz mbrace® emergency telematics are also standard.