Produced in Austria for Merc, the G-Class - aka Gelandewagen - has been around since 1979. Originally developed for military use, as suggested by the Shah of Iran (also a great shareholder of Merc then), the G-Class remains to be the longest produced Mercedes-Benz in Daimler's history.
34 years later, the Gelandewagen hasn't aged at all. In fact, it soldiers on with a round of revisions to its sheet metal. Like the Land Rover Defender 90 and 110, the strong and vigorous Merc that you see here is a vehicle that even time, progress, fashion or COE can't kill.
And even though the car is virtually irrelevant to almost everyone, it is probably the greatest car on earth for the mere fraction of a percentage of Mercedes-Benz buyers and off-road fans alike.
Exterior
As far as hardcore off-roaders go, the G-Class is probably considered one of the best. With its instantly recognisable face and boxy upright shape, the car is one indestructible bushwhacker. Yet, we reckon it's quite unlikely that most buyers in Singapore will venture far from the pavement.
With the car's luxurious badge, flared fenders and machismo character, the G-Class is more of a niche favourite for buyers who have little interest in its formidable prowess. Instead, it's the bragging rights that probably got their attention.
34 years later, the Gelandewagen hasn't aged at all. In fact, it soldiers on with a round of revisions to its sheet metal. Like the Land Rover Defender 90 and 110, the strong and vigorous Merc that you see here is a vehicle that even time, progress, fashion or COE can't kill.
And even though the car is virtually irrelevant to almost everyone, it is probably the greatest car on earth for the mere fraction of a percentage of Mercedes-Benz buyers and off-road fans alike.
Exterior
As far as hardcore off-roaders go, the G-Class is probably considered one of the best. With its instantly recognisable face and boxy upright shape, the car is one indestructible bushwhacker. Yet, we reckon it's quite unlikely that most buyers in Singapore will venture far from the pavement.
With the car's luxurious badge, flared fenders and machismo character, the G-Class is more of a niche favourite for buyers who have little interest in its formidable prowess. Instead, it's the bragging rights that probably got their attention.
And you can't fault them for being attracted to the car for the wrong reasons. With a price tag of $410,888 (as of 14th Feb 2013), not only is it one of the most expensive SUVs in Singapore (apart from the RR Vogue and Sport), it's also a cult machine and a celebrity magnet.
Coupled with the added bling of LED lights under its distinctive round head lamps, the butch appearance of the car comes across as a piece of automotive jewellery that will complement the driver regardless of his gender or race.
More relevantly, its ageless design will get you noticed whether you're just a soccer mum or a soccer star. It's such a head turner that casual observers don't just look, they stare expressionlessly - probably because it's the kind of car that they will only expect to see jungle thugs piloting in a Stallone flick.
Coupled with the added bling of LED lights under its distinctive round head lamps, the butch appearance of the car comes across as a piece of automotive jewellery that will complement the driver regardless of his gender or race.
More relevantly, its ageless design will get you noticed whether you're just a soccer mum or a soccer star. It's such a head turner that casual observers don't just look, they stare expressionlessly - probably because it's the kind of car that they will only expect to see jungle thugs piloting in a Stallone flick.
Interior
Despite its ostentatiously hardcore appearance, the cabin treatment is clean, pure and upscale. And with the differential locks located on the centre console, you won't be mistaking the cabin of the G-Class for another Merc model.
Leather materials abound while fit and finish remains to be top notch. Our test car also exhibited the latest gadgetry. It came with Mercedes-Benz's COMAND multimedia interface, free standing 17.8cm central colour display screen and cruise control, just to name a few.
Needless to say, standing at 1,951mm, ingress and egress is somewhat more challenging than usual. Passengers will notice that it takes a good climb to get into the G-Class while cargo loading through the side-hinged rear door takes a higher lift as compared to your conventional SUVs.
Despite its ostentatiously hardcore appearance, the cabin treatment is clean, pure and upscale. And with the differential locks located on the centre console, you won't be mistaking the cabin of the G-Class for another Merc model.
Leather materials abound while fit and finish remains to be top notch. Our test car also exhibited the latest gadgetry. It came with Mercedes-Benz's COMAND multimedia interface, free standing 17.8cm central colour display screen and cruise control, just to name a few.
Needless to say, standing at 1,951mm, ingress and egress is somewhat more challenging than usual. Passengers will notice that it takes a good climb to get into the G-Class while cargo loading through the side-hinged rear door takes a higher lift as compared to your conventional SUVs.
But on the brighter side of things, the bona fide SUV impresses with all the headroom you need. And with a generous wheelbase of 2,850mm, all five occupants will not be complaining about the lack of legroom.
At the helm, the sky high seating position allows clear view of the road ahead, aided by an upright windshield and thin A-pillars. As opposed to other gigantic cars, you get the sense of confidence without being afraid of making monumental error in driving judgement.
At the helm, the sky high seating position allows clear view of the road ahead, aided by an upright windshield and thin A-pillars. As opposed to other gigantic cars, you get the sense of confidence without being afraid of making monumental error in driving judgement.
Drivetrain
Unfortunately, but not sadly, the performance is not lightning. It's no sports car but the Merc that weighs over 2.5 tonne will get up to speed in a rather sprightly manner, thanks to the mountain moving torque of 540Nm and 211 horses that comes from the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine.
In fact, it will get to the 100km/h mark in 9.1 seconds - 0.2 seconds faster than the lighter V6 turbocharged diesel variant of the Range Rover Sport.
Of course, the weight and its sizeable proportions compromise the G-Class' dynamic capabilities. Tackling bends require a more cautious approach with a slower turn in. And with a steering that is decidedly truck-like and requires some extra strength to manoeuvre, going through twisties can be a nervous experience.
But ironically, we find this very interesting. It handles like no other car we have tested before and for that, it shines.
Unfortunately, but not sadly, the performance is not lightning. It's no sports car but the Merc that weighs over 2.5 tonne will get up to speed in a rather sprightly manner, thanks to the mountain moving torque of 540Nm and 211 horses that comes from the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine.
In fact, it will get to the 100km/h mark in 9.1 seconds - 0.2 seconds faster than the lighter V6 turbocharged diesel variant of the Range Rover Sport.
Of course, the weight and its sizeable proportions compromise the G-Class' dynamic capabilities. Tackling bends require a more cautious approach with a slower turn in. And with a steering that is decidedly truck-like and requires some extra strength to manoeuvre, going through twisties can be a nervous experience.
But ironically, we find this very interesting. It handles like no other car we have tested before and for that, it shines.
The ride quality is manageable too, especially for such a huge and rugged car. Noise levels climb as the speed increases but you can easily forgive the SUV.
It soaks up humps and any kind of textured pavement and gravel paths in a natural manner with its 18-inchers and it'll remain to be a comfortable cruiser for all occupants on the road.
Conclusion
Based on its price, engine and power output, perhaps only the Range Rover comes close to matching the G-Class, but we reckon it can't match the Merc for endearing character.
With the car's perplexing looks and advanced off-road capabilities that few owners will ever explore, the bona fide German titanic remains to be an acquired taste.
In short, it's the kind of vehicle that you either don't get at all or embrace wholeheartedly for its utterly ridiculous charm.
It soaks up humps and any kind of textured pavement and gravel paths in a natural manner with its 18-inchers and it'll remain to be a comfortable cruiser for all occupants on the road.
Conclusion
Based on its price, engine and power output, perhaps only the Range Rover comes close to matching the G-Class, but we reckon it can't match the Merc for endearing character.
With the car's perplexing looks and advanced off-road capabilities that few owners will ever explore, the bona fide German titanic remains to be an acquired taste.
In short, it's the kind of vehicle that you either don't get at all or embrace wholeheartedly for its utterly ridiculous charm.
