Euro King Kong: Mercedes-Benz G-Class Grand Edition

Date posted: 02-11-2006

STUTTGART, Germany — Lucky European customers — at least those with lots of money — will soon be able to order a new Grand Edition of the classic Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen, or the G-Class, as it is now known.

Produced in Graz, Austria, since 1979 with few major stylistic changes, the latest version of the G-wagen features permanent four-wheel drive, electronic stability and traction control, and three differential locks that can be selected by push button.

The new Grand Edition is available only with a long-wheelbase and a V8 engine. Buyers can choose from the G500, with its 296-horsepower gasoline engine, or the G400 CDI, with its 250-hp turbodiesel.

Mercedes has lavished extra attention on the cabin, which is fitted with matte silk wood trim and open-pored, non-embossed leather. Illuminated door sills and brushed aluminum trim strips feature Grand Edition lettering.

The special variant goes on sale in Europe next month and will retail for around $89,000 plus VAT.

What this means to you: No word yet on whether Americans will be able to order one, but MBUSA is in Montvale, New Jersey, if you'd like to raise the issue.

Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109282

I was parked next to one in the convinence store yesterday. All external body hardware is attached with think visible black rubber gaskets, and the side markers are dime store rectangles with exposed screws right thru the lense. I wonder if anyone thinks exposed door hinges are cute anymore.

This thing is a total embarassment to mercedes, another anchor around their neck. It's at complete odds with everything else in their portfolio; it's their Aztek. Dump it.

Edited February 11, 200620 yr by balthazar

It's at complete odds with everything else in their portfolio;

You mean its affordable, unique, and won't break every three days?