The Mercedes G Class returns to the UK in 2010
Mercedes has announced that the iconic G Class will be available in RHD from the Autumn as the G350 CDI or the G55 Kompressor. Prices start at £79,995.
We all know that fashions are circular. There’s nothing new under the sun and every fashion that hits the headlines today is derivative of one that ruled the roost in a decade past. In many cases it’s not even derivative; it’s either a copy or a pastiche.
But you wouldn’t expect that to apply to cars. But in the case of the Mercedes G-Class it does. It’s thirty years (well, 31 years – 1979) since the G-Class was launched as a civilian vehicle (it started life in the military) and a full decade since Mercedes thought it worth their while to build a RHD version (but only a year since the G-Class was updated – even if you’d be hard-pushed to notice). But the demand for the iconic G Wagon is back and Mercedes are going to offer a pair of G-Wagons to UK buyers (plus a less comfy commercial version) from the Autumn.
Customers will be able to choose between the sensible G350 and the bonkers G55 AMG (plus a ‘Commercial’ G300). Mercedes say the G350 CDI produces 221 hp and returns 25.7 mpg, and the range topping G55 AMG produces 500 hp and reaches 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds. Interestingly, they don’t say what the fuel consumption is on the G55. So expect single figures and then you’ll be chuffed when it does a bit better.
In terms of price it’s a bit of the old ‘If you have to ask you can’t afford’. The G350 CDI starts at £79,975 and the G55 at £114,975. The spec is more than decent with Climate, auto ‘box (with high and low ratios), Bi-Xenons, heated memory seats, leather (even on the dashboard), COMAND and a Harman Kardon Logic 7 Sound system.
Not cheap, but you are buying an icon. And you’ll only be able to get it from Mercedes at Brooklands – such is the speciality of the G-Class.
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