Mercedes-Benz launches G-Wagen

Mercedes Benz India launched the G-Wagen which is short for Geländewagen (cross country vehicle) at the Juhu Aerodrome in Mumbai. Widely called the G-Class, the version coming to India is the AMG tuned G55.

The G55 has a 5.5-litre petrol V8 under the hood developing 507bhp at 6100rpm and 71.4kgm of torque at 2750rpm. The G55 can hit the 100kph mark in a mere 5.5 seconds which is remarkable for a SUV tipping the scales at 2.5 tonnes.

The G-Wagen’s design has largely remained unchanged through its 31 year life-span. It was conceptualized to serve the German military at first but in 1979 a civilian version was offered. The G55 AMG is very popular in the middle-east due to Arabs taking a liking to its off-road abilities.

Although the design hasn’t evolved much, the G55 is loaded with technology. It gets a permanent all-wheel drive with three locking differentials, a 5-speed automatic transmission, ESP and electronic traction control system and high performance 350mm front and 330mm rear ventilated disc brakes.

The G55 which will come as a CBU has been priced at Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom Mumbai).