New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Debuts in New York

More Powerful and More Majestic: New G55 AMG with Supercharged V8

Mercedes-Benz introduces its latest arrival for the 2005 model year, the G55 AMG with a supercharged V8 engine, at the New York Auto Show. The most rugged, iconic sport utility vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz line-up has once again distinguished itself with further improved performance. The G55 AMG outstrips the output of the predecessor model with its naturally aspirated V8 power by 34 percent and boasts an increase in torque of 32 percent. In other words, the G55 AMG is blessed with remarkable power reserves for both on- and off-road motoring, treating its passengers to unrivalled authority, exclusiveness and driving dynamics.

The AMG-built 5.5-liter supercharged V8 in the G55 AMG is based on the Mercedes 5.0-liter V8 that powers the G500. Displacement is increased via a dynamically balanced forged steel crankshaft (3.62-inch stroke vs. 3.31 inches for the standard 5.0-liter). Pistons and connecting rods are selected for each individual engine in equal weight-matched sets. The G55 engine, which also features an AMG intake manifold and valvetrain, produces 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of peak torque. The 5.0-liter V8 in the G500 produces 292 hp and 336 lb-ft. of maximum torque.

Externally, the G55 AMG is set apart from the G500 by exclusive chrome trim, dual chrome side-exit exhaust pipes and 18 x 9.5-inch AMG slotted monoblock wheels with 285/55R 18 performance tires. The G500 rolls on 18 x 7.5-inch alloy wheels with 265/60R 18 tires.

Military Roots
Developed for military duty and originally called the Gelaendewagen in Europe, the G-Class is a no-compromise off-roader with a cliff-climbing, stump-pulling personality. It can climb grades up to 36 degrees and is even stable on lateral slopes up to 24 degrees. This capability makes the G-Class the top performer in its segment. The G-Class models are handcrafted at a special manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria.

Based on Mercedes-Benz’ own stringent guidelines, the G-Class is designed to meet and exceed U.S. government standards on impact safety and features a tough body-on-frame design with a torsionally rigid chassis. Evidence of its military roots, the brawny G-Class suspension makes use of super-strong rigid axles at the front and rear as well as longitudinal and transverse links with coil springs and gas shocks at all four corners.

Standard ABS anti-lock brakes help to provide directional control during emergency braking, while Mercedes-Benz Brake Assist automatically ensures full-power braking in panic stops. These stops are recognized based on how quickly the driver applies the brakes. In addition, Electronic Brake Force Distribution ensures stability when braking on curves.

Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive with Three Differential Locks
The G-Class models channel their power through an electronic five-speed adaptive automatic transmission with Touch Shift and a sturdy full-time four-wheel-drive system, which includes a transfer case with electronically controlled high and low ranges. Its fully synchronized low range can even be engaged on the fly, at speeds up to about 15 miles per hour.

The G-Class distributes torque through front, center and rear differentials, all of which can be electro- mechanically locked while in motion. To reduce wheelspin in extremely low-traction situations, the center and rear differential locks can be engaged anytime that the G-Class is off-pavement. In slippery off-road situations – in deep mud, for example – the front differential can also be engaged for maximum traction.

Traction Control and ESP
While differential locks are much appreciated by experienced off-road enthusiasts, the G-Class models also come with four-wheel electronic traction control that will help less experienced drivers through most conditions. Traction control is integrated with another Mercedes-Benz invention, the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP). Standard on all 2004 Mercedes-Benz models, ESP can detect an impending spin or slide and applies the brakes on one wheel – front or rear, left or right – to help keep the vehicle on track.

Civilian Refinement
With a simple, classic design – plus many technological innovations for safety and convenience from Mercedes cars – the G-Class balances its proven off-road credentials with a liberal dose of sumptuous on-road comfort. Standard equipment for the G500 includes a full leather interior with burl walnut trim and a heated wood-leather steering wheel. The G500 also comes with power windows, 10-way electrically adjustable front seats with memory, front and rear heated seats, cruise control, central door locks, and automatic climate control. The G55 AMG features an exclusive designo charcoal Nappa leather interior, AMG gauges and natural maple wood trim.

In model year 2004, the G-Class receives three new standard features – a Harman Kardon sound system, driver multi-contour seat, and rear park assistant to alert the driver to the rear bumper’s proximity to objects located behind the vehicle.

Additionally, the G-Class models are equipped with a standard GPS navigation system featuring a large, integrated display on the center console. The display also controls the Harman Kardon sound system (including a six-disc CD changer), as well as an optional integrated Motorola V60 phone that can be operated hands-free through the in-dash display. The phone comes with a voice recognition feature that allows both the phone and the audio system to be controlled by simple voice commands, resulting in greater convenience and less distraction from driving.

The Tele Aid Connected Car
The G-Class models come standard with the Mercedes Tele Aid telematics system, which offers an array of safety and security features, plus personalized convenience services. The standard Mercedes Tele Aid telematics system provides both safety and convenience features. If a collision deploys any airbag or seatbelt tensioning device activates, the system automatically establishes contact with a central response center where specialists trained in emergency response relay pertinent information to emergency responders. If voice contact
is not established (e.g., the driver is unable to respond), the specialist automatically summons local police, fire or emergency services and guides them to the vehicle’s location. The onboard transmitter is crash protected and has access to redundant antennas.

The system also transmits crucial information including the precise location of the vehicle (through GPS satellite tracking), the car model and color (to help emergency responders locate it quickly), and location is pinpointed through the on-board GPS transponder. This feature can also be manually triggered by pressing the on-board “SOS” button in the overhead console. Tele Aid eliminates the need to dial a phone number, use a cellular access code, juggle a handset or locate street names during an emergency. Tele Aid response specialists also can notify the vehicle owner’s emergency contacts, an often invaluable service when a driver is unable to respond or is rushed to an emergency room.

Remote electronic diagnostics, emergency door unlock and alarm notification via home telephone, personal cell phone or Internet access is also folded into Tele Aid. Another benefit of Tele Aid is vehicle theft recovery, which can help authorities locate the car once the owner reports it stolen.

The concierge services allow customers to arrange travel, lodging and dining reservations, and even golf course tee times for courses across the country, plus other personalized services. Tele Aid includes two other features for non-emergency use. One button marked with the symbol of a wrench puts the client in contact with Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance. Another button marked with the letter “i” offers users the option to ask questions about their car or services by talking with either their Dealer or with the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center, a facility that can answer feature questions.

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