wheels
vital stats: 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG
2016 MERCEDESBENZ AMG
Price: $119,900-$217,900 Price as tested: $221,675 Seating: 4 Engine: 6.0-L, bi-turbo V-12
An SUV with extreme luxury
Horsepower: 621 hp Fuel economy: 11/13 mpg city/highway (G65 model) Fab features: The awe of exclusivity Superpower-like off-road capabilities Chrome-tipped side pipes
I
BY JIM PRUETER
t’s a military vehicle in most of the world, used by the United States Marine Corps. In the civilian market, it’s hugely popular with professional athletes, cardiothoracic surgeons (oddly) and bad guys in action movies – a vehicle known for its luxury feel and rugged appeal. Does it really have its own star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame? The G-Class, otherwise known as the Geländewagen (German for “off-road vehicle”), has been built in Graz, Austria, largely unchanged since 1979. Each handmade G-Wagen takes 10 days to build and only 54 are produced each day. The entry-level G550 starts at $119,900 and the AMG G65 trim cashes out at an incredible $217,900, landing in Bentley territory. While only a few
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thousand are sold in the U.S. each year, even at those prices, they fly out of dealerships, with a waiting list to get one. I recently spent time behind the wheel of three G-Wagen models in and around Moab, Utah. Even with the tarted up, demilitarized version, the military ergonomics are thinly disguised: a huge step up into the cabin, comfortable but erect seating position, and minimal legroom both front and back. Each iteration was finished in exquisite red Nappa diamond quilted designo leather, anthracite poplar wood and carbon fiber, and equipped with all the latest technology. The base G-Wagen is powered by a new, twin-turbocharged, 416-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-8 engine, matched to a sevenspeed automatic transmission. Power was more than adequate with sweet melodic exhaust notes. I spent most of my time in the 621-horsepower, 6.0-liter, bi-turbo V-12 model that included dual chrome-tipped side pipes, outrageous 21-inch twin fivespoke alloy wheels, matte-finish silver paint and a chrome-polished brush bar up front. But colossal horsepower and huge tires do nothing for the G’s primitive driving and handling dynamics. The steering response is imprecise, causing the vehicle to wander almost aimlessly on the highway. The brakes are disappointing, the vehicle’s high center of gravity contributes to excessive body roll, and there is little in the way of confident handling. If those deficiencies aren’t enough of a buzzkill, the G65, even with its massive horsepower, was not fast. I felt little performance difference between it and the V-8, and actually preferred the sound of the smaller engine. Still, none of these issues, the mpg rating, nor the price will deter celebrities and the like from lining up to get one. Why? Because it just screams style and status. And, of course, one has a reputation to uphold. Automotive writer Jim Prueter is a spokesperson for AAA. You can catch him on several local TV stations and can reach him at jmprueter@yahoo.com.
| SO SCOTTSDALE!
5/25/16 2:55 PM