STUTTGART
- In December this year, Mercedes-Benz will be introducing revised
G-class models with a new interior design, a raft of technical
innovations and even more extensive standard specification. The
G-class models for the year 2001 will be making their world debut
at the Paris Motor Show on September 28 this year.
The exclusive and robust G-class joined the Mercedes-Benz model
range more than 20 years ago, since when more than 145,000 units
have been built. One power source for the G-class in future will
be the state-of-the-art V8 diesel from the S-class. Developing
peak horsepower of 184 kW/250 hp and torque of 560 Newton meters
upwards of 1700 rpm, this unit is the most powerful passenger
car diesel engine in the world.
Both the design
and engineering of the G-class interior have been upgraded, thus
raising the exclusiveness of this modern-day off-road classic
to new levels. The focus of the changes is on greater touring
comfort and improved practicality. The updated G-class will have
a modified door panel trim and a redesigned instrument panel with
state-of-the-art switches, a clearly arranged instrument cluster
and a practically designed centre console incorporating an armrest
and a storage compartment between the front seats.
The instrument
cluster includes a large central display which allows the driver
to store his own preferred settings for a range of different functions.
The display is operated by means of illuminated buttons on the
multi-function steering wheel, which can also be used to control
the car radio and telephone. The climate comfort on board the
G-class will in future be enhanced by the new sensor-controlled
automatic climate control system, with separate temperature controls
for the driver and front passenger, adjustable ventilation nozzles
in the rear and a high-performance dust and pollen filter.
New front
seats with power height adjustment and memory function
Further comfort
is provided by the new-design front seats, which are power-adjustable
in fore-and-aft direction and for height, and by the power-adjustable
steering column. The standard memory function stores individually
selected seat and steering wheel positions. When the electronic
ignition key is removed, the steering wheel is automatically raised
for a more convenient exit. The steering wheel remains in this
position until the driver gets back into the car.
Sensors in
the new G-class models for the year 2001 also control the screenwipers,
the exterior lights and the rear-view mirror: the rain sensor,
which controls the screenwipers as a function of rain intensity,
the light sensor mounted on the front windscreen which automatically
activates the headlamps and rear lights in dark conditions and
the automatically dimming rear-view mirror are standard equipment.
Outwardly
the updated G-class can be recognised amongst other things by
white front and side indicator lenses, twin-coloured rear lights
and decorative strips in the side rub rails. On the V8 models
G 500 and G 400 CDI, silver-painted 18-inch alloy wheels with
high-gloss trim covers, chrome-plated radiator cross ribs and
body-coloured bumpers all accentuate the elegance of the styling.
Telephone
and radio with optional voice control
The innovative
COMAND operating/display system, which incorporates the controls
for the radio, CD player, navigation system, TV receiver and other
functions in a single unit, will become available for the G-class
starting in December 2000. On the V8 models G400 CDI and G500,
this system is standard specification.
Drivers of
the Mercedes-Benz G-class will also be able to use state-of-the-art
telematics services like dynamic route guidance based on up-to-date
traffic information, the automatic emergency call system TELEAID
or the TELEDIAGNOSIS service. The innovative LINGUATRONIC voice
control system will for the first time be optionally available
for G-class models, provided that TELEAID is fitted. It can be
used to operate the telephone and audio functions.
High-performance
V8 diesel engine with twin turbocharger
The Mercedes
G-class range comprises three models with three different engines:
the G 320 with 158 kW/215 hp V6 engine, the G 500 with 218 kW/296
hp V8 petrol engine and the new G 400 CDI whose eight-cylinder
diesel engine (184 kW/250 hp) features common rail direct injection,
water-cooled intercooler and twin turbochargers. The CDI engine
gives a top speed of 180 km/h, with NEDC combined fuel consumption
of 12.8 litres/100 km.
New electro-hydraulic
low-range engagement
The five-speed
automatic transmission is standard specification on all G-class
models. A new feature is the practical one-touch shifting, whereby
the driver can engage the individual gear ranges in "D"
position simply by gently nudging the selector lever either to
the left or to the right. The transfer case has a fully synchronised
low range which can be engaged to provide even more traction when
operating off the road or with a trailer. The Mercedes engineers
have now perfected this with a new electric system which allows
the low range to be engaged simply by pressing a button on the
centre console.