2009 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG (W463) Photos, engines & full specs

Almost two decades after the launch of the G-Klass’s first generation, Mercedes-Benz dared to offer a vehicle with a powerful supercharged V8 engine that wore the signature of an AMG specialist; it was the G55.

The first generation of the G-Class (or G-Wagen) was introduced in 1979 as a go-anywhere vehicle suitable for military and civilian use alike. That was known as the W460 generation in Mercedes-Benz’s nomenclature. By 1990, the automaker had already reached the third generation of its well-known truck, and it was widely recognized as a luxurious SUV. But after the horsepower war started to pick up from the mid-size sedans to the limousines and SUVs, the German automaker decided to throw a punch to competition and create a go-fast, go-anywhere capable off-road vehicle: the G55 AMG.

With its wedged shapes of the ‘70s and the styling of a utility vehicle, the G-Class was attractive thanks to its simple, rugged design. The flat front fascia showed a unique three-slat grille that supported the big three-pointed star badge in the middle and was flanked by round headlights similar to those from the 1979 model year. As an option, customers could get them protected by a mesh wire attached to the headlamps’ rectangular clusters. Still, its bumper was no longer a steel beam but a profiled element that tried to extend downward with a slope and housed the tiny round fog lamps.

From its profile, the flared wheel arches were unique for the G55 AMG version and were connected via side steps. Underneath these, in front of the rear wheels, the automaker placed twin side exhausts on each side of the vehicle. Since the exposed door hinges were already a specific design element of the car, Mercedes-Benz had no reason to conceal them. Like the rest of the W463 range, the G55 featured turn signals incorporated into the door mirror caps. Finally, at the back, the big and powerful truck featured low-mounted horizontal taillights and a plastic bumper.

Inside, the luxurious vehicle featured elements carried over from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) from 2000, with the moon-shaped speedometer inside the instrument cluster and the same steering wheel. Moreover, the center stack was similar to the one from its smaller sibling, but at least the navigation system was standard for the G-Class. Since the car was one of the most expensive in the automaker’s lineup, it came fitted as standard with a leather-wrapped interior.

Under the hood, AMG installed a hand-built 5.4-liter V8 with a supercharger on top. This setup allowed the powerplant to produce 507 PS (500 hp) that were sent in all corners via a five-speed automatic (5G-Tronic) gearbox. A two-speed transfer case was also standard. Customers also could use the three locking differentials that were specific for the entire G-Class range and made this vehicle famous around the world for its off-road capabilities. Since the car was very fast compared to most other vehicles on the road, Mercedes-Benz installed wider tires and stiffer springs and shocks.