The G-Class is Mercedes-Benz most ridiculous -- and yet, utterly compelling -- SUV model, a truck that originated in the late 1970s as a military vehicle. It has evolved into a truly premium vehicle whose closest competitors might be those of Land Rover's Range Rover family of models.
News for 2016 includes a new 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine for the base G550 model that makes 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque and has an automatic start-stop function to save fuel. That model also gets a cosmetic update with new front bumper and wheel arches, 19-inch wheels and a new instrument cluster.
The Mercedes-AMG G63 model also gets more power from a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 that produces 563 hp ad 560 lb-ft, and there's a brand new AMG G65 model powered by a 6.0L turbocharged V12 making 621 hp ad 738 lb-ft. All three models share a seven-speed transmission and standard four-wheel drive.
Fuel consumption estimates are 19.0/16.5 L/100 km (city/highway) for the G550, 20.0/16.6 for the AMG G63, and 24.3/17.9 in the AMG G65.
G550 standard features include 19-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, cornering fog lights, stainless steel running boards, sport exhaust system, ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, leather seating and dashboard, poplar anthracite trim, ventilated multi-contour front seats, heated rear seats, wood-and-leather-trimmed steering wheel, COMAND online with MB apps, satellite radio, 14-speaker stereo, blind spot assist, front and rear park assist, radar cruise control, heated windshield, locking differentials, tire pressure monitoring and off-road transfer case ratio.
G63 models add 20-inch wheels, red brake calipers and upgraded leather upholstery.
G65 trim gets 21-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, and an AMG sport exhaust system.
G-Class pricing starts at $127,200 for the G550.
