Stuttgart – Around 120,000 readers cast their votes, and the verdict is clear: In the category "Off-road vehicles and SUVs over € 60,000", more than 37 percent of the readers of Europe's largest-circulation 4x4 magazine "Auto Bild Allrad" decided in favour of the G-Class. Second place was also taken by Mercedes-Benz with the GL-Class, with more than 26 percent of respondents voting for the luxury liner. Mercedes-Benz emerged as the most successful brand in this readers' vote, where there was a choice of 136 vehicle models in nine categories: models bearing the Mercedes star won seven top-3 places.
Since 1979 the G-Class has been winning coveted awards in year after year, and has notched up a series of victories in readers' votes. There are currently three body variants in the "G" family. The short Station Wagon, long Station Wagon and Cabriolet can be equipped with a V6 diesel engine featuring the very latest BlueTEC emissions control technology. The G 350 BlueTEC delivers an output of 155 kW (210 hp) at 3400 rpm, and a remarkable torque of 560 Nm over an engine speed range from 1600 to 2400 rpm. A powerful 5.5‑litre V8 petrol engine with 285 kW (388 hp) and 530 newton metres is available as an alternative. The top-of-the-range G 55 AMG, which is only available as a long Station Wagon with four doors, has a supercharged V8 engine generating 373 kW (507 hp) and an impressive maximum torque of 700 newton metres.
The evergreen Mercedes-Benz off-roader continues to offer a superior synthesis of high-performance drive and dynamic handling control systems. The standard specification includes the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and three differential locks selectable at the push of a button, alongside the permanent all-wheel drive with off-road ratio and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.
