STUTTGART, Germany — You'll have to squint to see the exterior changes on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The German automaker admits to taking a cautious approach in tinkering with the looks of its SUV mainstay, saying, "The exterior has only been modernized to a limited degree quite deliberately." Mercedes-Benz USA confirmed for Inside Line that the G-Class will go on sale in the U.S. in October.
The G-Class goes on sale in Europe in September. Prices range from the equivalent of U.S. $106,450 for the G320 CDI to $143,670 for the G500 Cabriolet. Pricing information for the U.S. is expected in September.
The G-Class gets a restyled three-fin radiator grille. The G500 has "new look" 18-inch light alloy wheels. Most of the updates are under the skin. They include a new 5.5-liter V8 that churns out 388 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The new engine helps the G-Class sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.9 seconds, says Mercedes-Benz.
The German automaker paid significant attention to vehicle telematics on the G-Class. A Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone system is standard. An optional new media interface is iPod-friendly. Mercedes-Benz says all G500 models get the COMAND APS infotainment system with a six-disc DVD changer. This system also includes a new Linguatronic system that now recognizes "whole word commands" and doesn't require training the system first.
What this means to you: Mercedes-Benz avoids rocking the boat on the updating of the G-Class. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
The G-Class goes on sale in Europe in September. Prices range from the equivalent of U.S. $106,450 for the G320 CDI to $143,670 for the G500 Cabriolet. Pricing information for the U.S. is expected in September.
The G-Class gets a restyled three-fin radiator grille. The G500 has "new look" 18-inch light alloy wheels. Most of the updates are under the skin. They include a new 5.5-liter V8 that churns out 388 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The new engine helps the G-Class sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.9 seconds, says Mercedes-Benz.
The German automaker paid significant attention to vehicle telematics on the G-Class. A Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone system is standard. An optional new media interface is iPod-friendly. Mercedes-Benz says all G500 models get the COMAND APS infotainment system with a six-disc DVD changer. This system also includes a new Linguatronic system that now recognizes "whole word commands" and doesn't require training the system first.
What this means to you: Mercedes-Benz avoids rocking the boat on the updating of the G-Class. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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