The M5 of SUV's?

G 55 AMG Kompressor now with 368 kW/500 hp: Power increase for the AMG classic

Affalterbach, Jul 31, 2006

What is perhaps the strongest character in the Mercedes-AMG model range has been given a shot in the arm. Increased to 368 kW/500 hp, the output of the G 55 AMG now exceeds that of the predecessor model by 18 kW/24 hp. At the same time this classic cross-country vehicle has been treated to enhanced standard equipment which includes new AMG light-alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, foglamps with a cornering light function and new paint finishes with greater scratch resistance, based on nano-technology.

The increase in output from 350 kW/476 hp to 368 kW/500 hp is due to an enhanced and retuned engine control unit. The supercharged 5.5-litre AMG engine generates its maximum torque of 700 newton metres between 2750 and 4000 rpm. These exceptional figures are a guarantee of effortless performance: the G 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds (preceding model: 5.6 s), the maximum speed remains 210 km/h (electronically limited). The AMG sports exhaust system with its two oval twin tailpipes emerging at an angle in front of the rear wheels, as well as the characteristic AMG V8 sound, provide an ample visual and acoustic indication of the engine power to be expected of the G 55 AMG Kompressor.

Both on and off-road, the G 55 AMG gives its occupants a feeling of serenity, exclusivity and dynamic potential. As always, the classic among Mercedes-Benz off-roaders provides a convincing synthesis of highly efficient drive and dynamic handling control systems. In addition to permanent all-wheel drive with a low-range gearbox, the standard appointments include the electronic traction system for all-wheel drive 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and differential locks which can be engaged at the touch of a button. Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, has been producing the G-Class on behalf of Mercedes-Benz since 1979, with more than 186,000 examples built to date. And there is no end to this success story in sight.

Enhanced standard appointments with AMG light-alloy wheels in titanium grey

Visually, the new model year G 55 AMG is distinguishable from its predecessor by 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with 285/55 R 18 wide-base tyres. The extensive standard appointments have been further enhanced, now including bi-xenon headlamps, oval foglamps with a cornering light function and ISOFIX child seat attachments in the second seat row. The more scratch resistant, nano-technology based paint finishes of calcite white, periclase green metallic and teallite blue metallic are also new. The top-of-the-line model in the G-Class is available only as a five-door Station Wagon with a long wheelbase, and may be ordered in Mercedes-Benz sales outlets with immediate effect. The selling price is 113,332 EUR (incl. 16% VAT), and customer deliveries will commence in September 2006.

In addition to the classic G 55 AMG Kompressor, the Mercedes-AMG model lineup features two other powerful and versatile all-rounders: the new ML 63 AMG and R 63 AMG, both equipped with the 378 kW/510 hp, naturally aspirated 6.3-litre AMG V8-engine.

PlanoA4 - 7/31/2006 1:49:10 PM

0 Boost

500hp Flying Shoebox!

BavarianMotorrad - 7/31/2006 2:27:47 PM

-1 Boost

Looks like a miniature dump truck.

BMW530i - 7/31/2006 2:40:56 PM

+2 Boost

The G-Class is a classic, but let's be honest: who needs a G55 AMG?

It's a unpractical almost 3-ton behemoth that will never be taken offroad (probably isn't offroad capable with those tires and lowered stance) and use large amounts of fuel to get from A to B. As if the regular G500 isn't bad enough.

If money is no object, people can do with it what they want. I'd never get one though. I'd rather have the G-Class with that V8 turbodiesel they get in Europe.

00JT - 7/31/2006 2:49:25 PM

0 Boost

Range Rover Overfinch... now that is the "M5" of SUV's.

AlexTx - 7/31/2006 3:33:15 PM

0 Boost

I'd rather have the Cayenne Turbo S.
521hp and 0-60 in 4.7 sec!!!

Rupert - 7/31/2006 5:03:53 PM

0 Boost

i'd rather die. this thing was a workhorse, it was built by m-b's van/lorry devision. but suddenly it became cool, so they remade it, stuck in an s class interior and marketed it to gangastas.
we get the g class in europe? it isn't officially imported to britain...

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 7/31/2006 7:59:13 PM

+1 Boost

BMW530i

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBoBxvG-3RE

Check out the link above and i think it will put to rest any doubts you may have about the G55's Off Road abilities. ( Keep in mind that the vehicle tested is the outgoing 475 hp model) but is similar in very way except in HP ( & Zenon lights) to the new one.
Now i am usually a BMW fan and an MB basher when i get the chance but IMO the G wagon is the Holy Grail for SUVs

phantom330 - 8/1/2006 10:40:49 AM

+1 Boost

nobody can honestly say that thing looks good. I know it's a status symbol, but the styling is horrid, and always has been.

Rupert - 8/1/2006 11:54:23 AM

+1 Boost

m5 of suvs? no

saturn5 of suvs? yes.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/1/2006 1:57:02 PM

+1 Boost

Agreed!
The Ultimate Preformance SUV is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.
There is no match for it in terms of Performance On or Off Road.
What i meant in Holy Grail Of SUVs is a car that you can drive everyday without wishing it had this or that and one that 15 years from now if you had one in your collection would be worth almost as much as you paid for it.
I feel the porsche compromises in certain aspects but i would definately have one in my collection as soon as i can justify the expense.

BMW530i - 8/1/2006 2:17:19 PM

+1 Boost

@ I95SPEEDINGTICKETS

Impressive video. I assumed the G55 AMG couldn't go offroad because the new ML63 AMG cannot go offroad. Thanks for the video.

skaterava - 8/6/2006 6:51:36 PM

+1 Boost

heh design wise still miles away from the other M-B's.

still looks pretty though, shame it uses petrol in kilolitres, if thats even a word.