Luxury Cars: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV Review

mrdigitech

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The Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV is built on an antiquated platform, powered by a pair of fuel-thirsty V-8 engines. Make no mistake; this classic styled SUV is among the most sought-after SUV brands in Nigeria, and it appeals mostly to the affluent, as well as celebrities rocking the country’s entertainment sector.

How it all began

The production of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV dates back to the late 70s and was originally designed as a military vehicle. This vehicle’s undeniable presence, impressive off-road abilities and superb acceleration, made it a top-choice amongst most first-world armies in the time past. Looking at its classic design and military background, lots of modern technologies seen on other high-end, luxury SUVs aren’t present, but it’s still a top-choice amongst the bigwigs in the society.

What’s new for 2015?

Although many features remained unchanged in the 2015 model, especially when compared with the 2014 model, buyers can now acquire the 2015 models with an optional rear-seat entertainment system and all-season floor mats. If you are concerned about having more front door-storage space, you don’t have to worry anymore as the 2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV boasts of a larger front-door storage space than its predecessor.

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Styling and options

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz G-class comes in two trim variants, one of which is the G550 and the other, a G63 AMG. Some standard features you will find in the G550 variant include Xenon headlights, heated power-folding mirrors, foglights , 18-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, automatic wipers, a blind spot monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, rear view camera, keyless ignition and entry and many more.

One the other hand, the AMG G63 trim variant comes with all the features of the G550 but packs a more powerful turbocharged engine with AMG-Specific styling elements, 20-inch wheels, automatic stop-start function for fuel economy, and upgraded “designo” leather upholstery.

Powertrains and Performance

As previously stated, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV is powered by a pair V8 engines with poor fuel management, going by EPA estimated fuel economy. The G550 engine variant comes with a 5.5-liter V8 engine that pumps out 391 pound-feet of torque and 382 horsepower. A full-time 4WD system with low-range transfer case receives power from A 7-speed automatic transmission, which is the only transmission available for these models. The G550 engine variant also comes with a center and rear differentials, limited-slip rear differential and locking front for off-road use.

The Acceleration of the G550 variant is pretty impressive, as it’s able to accelerate from zero to 60mph in 6.3 seconds. The Fuel efficiency of the G550 engine variant is put at 13 mpg in combined driving, especially when tested on 12 city/15 highway. However, it’s not uncommon for some drivers to experience single Mile-Per-Gallon numbers.

On the other hand, the G63 AMG variant features a pair of turbochargers that allows the V-8 engine produce an output of 560 lb-ft of torque and 536 horsepower. The G63 also boasts of an AMG-tuned 7-Speed automatic transmission, and is capable of hitting 60mph from zero in 5.3 seconds. Surprisingly, the G63 AMG still boast of the same EPA-estimated 13mpg combined driving (12 city/14 highways), despite the boost it received in terms of power and performance. Both models also come with a towing capacity of 7000 pounds.

Interior and Special features

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The interior of the 2015 Mercedes Benz G-Class is posh, classy and attractive, however, despite all these amazing attributes, it still retains its usual boxy shape and hard corners in abundance. The infotaiment systems of this SUV is pretty impressive, as the G-Class comes with a centrally mounted display screen that is operated through the dashboard mounted buttons and COMAND electronics interface knob. The external dimension of the G-Class is quite expansive, creating the impression of much a much larger cabin space, especially when examined from the outside. But on scrutinizing the interiors of this rugged SUV, you would find out that it comes up short in terms of storage and cargo space. There is sufficient headroom, but legroom seems to be on the conservative side.

Safety

Safety is definitely one of the most important aspects to examine when it comes to acquiring vehicles and machines in general. The 2015 Mercedes Benz G-Class models boasts of some of the best safety features you can find in high-end luxury rides, some of which include traction and stability control, 4-Wheel anti-lock disk brakes, front side airbags and curtain airbags. Additional safety features include: Blind spot monitoring system, hill hold assist, rear view camera, front-and-rear packing sensors and Mercedes proprietary “mbrace 2 emergency telematics,” which comprises of an emergency response button, automatic collision notification, remote lock/unlock and stolen vehicle location.

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In conclusion, the G-Class offers its users smooth and comfortable ride even in extremely rough terrains. The interiors are exquisitely furnished with high-grade, premium materials, the very kind you’d find in high-end vehicles in the same price range. The price range of the 2015 Mercedes Benz G-Class hovers between N30,000,000 to N40,000,000, which clearly puts it in the high-end category, and clearly out of the reach of the middle and lower class in the society. Considering the hefty price tag it commands, many Nigerians can only dream and hope to have a ride as classy as the 2015 Mercedes Benz G-class.



Photo Credit: mbusa.com, motorauthority.com
 
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