Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Fret not Gelandewagen aficionados, this machine remains as rugged as ever, with the 2016 model year bringing a host of updates set to make the vehicle a bit more civilian. With the big news being the introduction of Affalterbach’s 4-liter V8 for the G550/G500, things will remain military enough though.
Confirming what rumors have been indicating for quite a while now, the 5.5-liter V8 on the G550 (G500 outside the US) has been dropped. This means you’ll be able to look a Mercedes-AMG GT driver in the eye and tell him that, sans the dry sump lubrication system, you share the same engine.
While the old model treated its driver with 382 HP, the 2016 G550/G500 delivers 416 HP (420PS) and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of twist. As a result, the 0 to 60 MPH (96 KM/H) sprint takes 5.7 seconds
Still, it’s not like we didn’t expect this after the move was previewed by the presence of the engine in the G500 4x4². Speaking of which, there’s still no word on the production of this less-than-gentle giant.
No model has been power-discriminated - the 2016 G63 AMG’s 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 receives a muscle premium of 27 HP to 563 HP (573 PS) and 560 lb-ft (760 Nm) of twist. As for the 0 to 60 MPH run, this takes 5.2 seconds.
The collector-friendly G65 AMG’s 6-liter V12 has been boosted to 621 HP (630 PS) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm). This means the behemoth can hit 60 MPH 0.1s quicker than its G63 battle comrade. As some of you remember, the model will be offered in the US starting November, You just need to have $217,000 around.
Oh and by the way, the G65 AMG is the only model in the line-up that does without the ECO start/stop function.
These changes remind us of the shock absorbers Brabus offers for the G-Class. We tested these last year on a G63 AMG and found they compromised the handling, which is why we’re looking forward to the OEM application.
The stability system has also been updated, so the Gelandewagen will have a bit of a different character at the limit.
If you’ve ever tried to configure a G-Class, you know the ups and downs of the color range and the company has now added a range of finishes. These include solar beam, tomato red, alien green, sunset beam and galactic beam. At the same time, obsidian black was used for the mirrors, front and rear aprons, wheel arches, the ring surrounding the spare wheel cover and the roof.
The latest refresh saw the G-Class receive a serious cabin update, so we only receive new dials and needles for 2016. Moreover, the stitching on the dash matches the exterior hue of the car.
Those who seek special editions are treated with the G-Class AMG Edition 463 for the G63 AMG and G65 AMG. From exclusive 21-inch wheels to Designo interior refinements, this one is for the detail-addicted.
Some might say that summertime is the kind of season that makes one think of a sportscar, but Mercedes-Benz begs to differ, with 2016 G-Class order books set to open this summer.
While the old model treated its driver with 382 HP, the 2016 G550/G500 delivers 416 HP (420PS) and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of twist. As a result, the 0 to 60 MPH (96 KM/H) sprint takes 5.7 seconds
Still, it’s not like we didn’t expect this after the move was previewed by the presence of the engine in the G500 4x4². Speaking of which, there’s still no word on the production of this less-than-gentle giant.
Extra firepower across the board
Diesel fans will be thrilled to know the G350 d will make up for the grunt the six-cylinder oil burner lost when it switched to the Euro VI emission standards. To be more precise, the G350 d jumps from 208 HP (211 PS) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) to 242 HP (245 PS) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque.No model has been power-discriminated - the 2016 G63 AMG’s 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 receives a muscle premium of 27 HP to 563 HP (573 PS) and 560 lb-ft (760 Nm) of twist. As for the 0 to 60 MPH run, this takes 5.2 seconds.
The collector-friendly G65 AMG’s 6-liter V12 has been boosted to 621 HP (630 PS) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm). This means the behemoth can hit 60 MPH 0.1s quicker than its G63 battle comrade. As some of you remember, the model will be offered in the US starting November, You just need to have $217,000 around.
Oh and by the way, the G65 AMG is the only model in the line-up that does without the ECO start/stop function.
Upgraded suspension and electronics
Moving away from the engine compartment, Mercedes-Benz engineers have tweaked the shock absorbers, and we’re expecting the ride to improve as a result. The G500 also gets adaptive dampers that offer Comfort and Sport modes.These changes remind us of the shock absorbers Brabus offers for the G-Class. We tested these last year on a G63 AMG and found they compromised the handling, which is why we’re looking forward to the OEM application.
The stability system has also been updated, so the Gelandewagen will have a bit of a different character at the limit.
We have a visual on the target
We’ve been keeping a close eye on the G-Class and noticed how many customers were eager to have the flared fenders of the AMG models on the standard versions. Well, the 2016 G350 d and G500 offer this feature as standard. Moreover, the entire line-up gets tweaked bumpers, but you really have to be a fan to notice the differences.If you’ve ever tried to configure a G-Class, you know the ups and downs of the color range and the company has now added a range of finishes. These include solar beam, tomato red, alien green, sunset beam and galactic beam. At the same time, obsidian black was used for the mirrors, front and rear aprons, wheel arches, the ring surrounding the spare wheel cover and the roof.
The latest refresh saw the G-Class receive a serious cabin update, so we only receive new dials and needles for 2016. Moreover, the stitching on the dash matches the exterior hue of the car.
Those who seek special editions are treated with the G-Class AMG Edition 463 for the G63 AMG and G65 AMG. From exclusive 21-inch wheels to Designo interior refinements, this one is for the detail-addicted.
Some might say that summertime is the kind of season that makes one think of a sportscar, but Mercedes-Benz begs to differ, with 2016 G-Class order books set to open this summer.
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