Mercedes G-Class stays in production

[Variance]

DIANA T. KURYLKO | Automotive News

Posted Date: 11/22/05

Mercedes-Benz has decided to keep the 26-year-old G-Class SUV in production after 2006 because of solid demand for the massive vehicle.

The 5,545-pound G-Class, formerly named the Gelaendewagen, is based on a military vehicle. It was launched in 1979, and was scheduled to disappear in the 2007 model year, when a new full-sized SUV is launched.

"We found there is still demand for it," a Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman said last week.

U.S. sales totaled 1,491 units in 2004 and are running at a slightly slower pace this year. Sales through October totaled 1,088, down 8.4 percent from the year-ago period.

The 2005 G500 is $81,675 including shipping, while the AMG G55 version, powered by a 469-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V-8, is priced at $105,275 including shipping.

Mercedes has not introduced a 2006 G-Class.

The spokesman said Mercedes has not decided on future engine configurations for the G-Class or if both the G55 and G500 versions are needed.

"We are investigating the possibility of a diesel powerplant in it," the spokesman said.

The decision to keep producing the G-Class means the full-sized SUV scheduled for the 2007 model year likely will be called the GL. It will be produced in Vance, Ala., alongside the M-Class SUV.

The G-Class will continue to be built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The plant has turned out more than 185,000 units since production began.



Link: http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103638

[bobo]

The Gelandewagen is a classic, so it's kind of nice that it will stick around. What I hate are those pimped up versions with the blingy wheels.

[Croc]

Yea I love it too, so I am happy they are keeping it...

[aaaantoine]

Damn. I was excited that they were going to actually replace the G-Wagon with something that fits the rest of their line-up.

I respect their decision. Though, I still don't understand the appeal of driving a $100,000 30-year-old box.

[turbo200]

I actually quite love the pimped out versions. This is a characterful design and the wheels make it that much more appealing.

[Flybrian]

Honestly, I store things in boxes, not drive them. But that's me.

[sciguy_0504]

It still looks great, has tons of character and attracts a lot of attention so if it still sells, keep it. It's been paid for hundreds of times over. The supposedly new G wagon is now going to be called something different, I'm guessing because of so much outrage because of the difference in styling and perception between this one and the new one.

[Flybrian]

Add to that argument the fact the proposed new G-Class looked pretty much like a larger version of the M-Class or a shorter, trimmer version of the R-Class, or bigger, fuller version of the B-Class. The original G-Class is surprisingly original in a Mercedes lineup filled with small/medium/large selections. Still, not my cup o' tea.

[balthazar]

I am dumbfounded. DCX sells but 1,400 units annually of the older-than-dirt g-wagon and its "solid demand"??? Yet Cadillac increases October sales 4.8% over last year and its "battles" to keep momentum ??????????????????????????????????? Who in their right mind still believes there is no media bias, conscious or not??

[Sixty8panther]

The only prooblem I have with thie antiquidated box is the tail lights mounted lower than most reverse lamps. It looked cool on a '82 ElCamino and Malibu wagon but looks like ass on a $100,000 MB SUV.

[Flybrian]

It looked cool on a '82 ElCamino and Malibu wagon but looks like ass on a $100,000 MB SUV.

[post="48532"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Man, that didn't even look good then, like the taillamps were an afterthought. Those '80s Chevy wagons looked so cheap and trashy, too.

[Cadillacfan]

I actually like it. It's the only current Mercedes that doesn't look like a bloated Corolla. I see a lot of them around in my area and they're pretty hot in person.