- Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off two special models for the G-Class — the BA3 Final Edition and the Edition Select — but told Inside Line they are for Europe only.
- The German automaker also said the Mercedes-Benz G55 will go away in the U.S. for the 2012 model year, but that the G550 will "soldier on."
- The special models get shined up with such things as a stainless-steel package and an interior chrome package.
STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz on Wednesday took the wraps off two special models for the G-Class — the BA3 Final Edition and the Edition Select — but told Inside Line they are for Europe only.
Daniel Barile, a Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman, said the Mercedes-Benz G55 will go away in the U.S. for the 2012 model year, but that the G550 will "soldier on."
The special models for Europe get shined up with such things as a stainless-steel package and an interior chrome package.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Special "Edition Select" long-wheelbase model gets a two-tone exterior paint treatment with special bumpers, AMG side flaps and exterior mirrors painted in obsidian black metallic. Other details include black-painted 18-inch light-alloy wheels and an AMG sports exhaust system. The cabin gets two-tone upholstery, chrome trim and inner door panels with gathered leather.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class BA3 Final Edition is based on the short-wheelbase station wagon and marks the last edition of that model, said the German automaker in a statement. Two versions of the BA3 Final Edition are available: a 211-horsepower G350 Bluetec with a six-cylinder diesel engine and a 388-hp G500 with a 5.5-liter V8.
The BA3 Final Edition gets AMG flared wheel arches in the vehicle's color, light alloy wheels and a spare tire cover with a 3D Mercedes-Benz star in stainless steel. Other details include an AMG radiator grille in a three-louver design with chrome lighlights.
Standard features include metallic paint, rear mudflaps, carbon-fiber look inserts in the protective strips, an ultrasonic reverse-sensing system and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Inside Line says: Americans will have to admire these special models of the G-Class from afar.
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panamera4 says:
06:03 PM, 05/08/2011
@ lost_in_tx: Spot on with the Schwartzeneger statement, he has a couple of these in his fleet including an original G500 that was imported through Europa before Mercedes officially brought them to the US in 2002.
patrickw says:
03:21 AM, 05/06/2011
What is the difference in wheelbase for the LWB edition?
cz_75: I agree. The Unimog is awesome.
lolxd says:
02:51 AM, 05/06/2011
I like the G class. It's both rugged and luxurious. If only Land Rover could pull off the same elements with an LR Defender replacement using the same elements (luxury and ruggedness) as the G class.
I've seen a black G and it looked gorgeous.
cz_75 says:
09:52 PM, 05/05/2011
Rather have a Unimog than this.
lost_in_tx says:
06:57 PM, 05/05/2011
The pleated leather on the door looks very "grandma-car" to me, to paraphrase L. McQueen. But it's a Merc, so I guess that's to be expected. Otherwise this car looks kind of cool and streetsmart to me - like what Scion would do with a G-Class. Just what the world needs, another unusual looking SUV.
If you watched "X" as a kid, you will drive "Y" SUV as an adult.
Kermit the Frog - Nissan Juke
Dr. Seuss specials - Nissan Cube
Schwartzeneger movies - this thing.
chamo says:
03:30 PM, 05/05/2011
Such beauty, timeless looks; an amazing vehicle.
90in55 says:
02:00 PM, 05/05/2011
If I could afford this SUV and its astronomical fuel costs, I would love to have it my garage. There's an aura of toughness about it that feels authentic. This is also the last "real" Mercedes, tracing its roots to an era when the marque was associated with uncompromised quality.
cdyer says:
10:59 AM, 05/05/2011
This is the 2004 Ed Hardy shirt of stupid cars.
That being said, if I was M-B, I'd milk it, and they have. Take German army jeep, add leather, charge 90k and up, voila!