Do the newer G-class models (2000+) with automatic climate control have any vents for the rear passengers... Perhaps center of rear part of center console?

Also, can you get a perfectly flat cargo area when rear seats are folded forward completely...do head rests need to come off to fold flat and not impact front seat rearmost position? How does the total cargo area compare to the M-class models... We have large Great Pyrenees Dogs and travel with them extensively.

Thanks!

As far as I know, the 2000s did not have automatic A/C. But you can verify that by calling G-Wagen in Santa Fe and ask them. Their number is 505 984-8888. Ask to speak to someone in their technical department.

The rear seats fold forward and are vertical in their stowed position without having to remove the headrests. To remove the rear seats altogether requires the use of tools, since the seats are lifted by the use of gas shocks. Not a task to be done on a daily basis.

If that does not satify you, remember that you can probably get an airconditioned trailer for your dogs, since the G will tow up to around 7000 pounds. You can also put a couple of horses or whatever in the trailer.

Happy G-ing

ACC downgraded to M-class level
 

Hi. I had heard (can't promise) that the G-glass that MB is importing (as opposed to what GWagen, Inc. -- nee Europa -- had been importing) has some downgraded components, including the Automatic Climate Control system -- the type found in the M-class cars, instead of the more expensive models. This is the one with the rotary dial (relative temperature, warmer to colder) for the temperature, instead of a dial in which you specify the exact temperature.

Thanks for the various input...

Just so you guys know the up coming 2002 ML (M-Class) will have a new form of automatic climate control that replaces the current rendition. It will also include rear climate control for fan speed and air flow either from vents at rear of center console or at foot area...

I think the MB US model G500 coming for MY 2002 does have the upgraded climate control with 2 zones...front driver and passenger. I also think I have answered my own question regarding rear A/C vents...I adjusted the levels of a pict I downloaded from MB's web site that showed an interior wide shot that was so dark the rear of the center console could not be seen. When I adjusted brightness levels I could see clearly that there are vents in the rear of the console.

Now , I just need to determine if the rear seats folding forward will do so without blocking these vents and will they basically fold similar to the M-Class.

Thanks again!

The G is a very practical vehicle, or at least is has been in the last 20 years until now. It seems unlkely that MB will build a rear outlet for the A/C and then have to modify the seats so the "cargo" area will be airconditioned. As a matter of record I must say that the whole car is pleasantly cool without extra outlets as long as the side and rear windows have a darkened film applied. I live in Florida and the car is cooled sufficiently by the front outlets only.

Hi CaptnPete - Thanks for the information.

Just to clarify - I have been visiting the mercedes-benz.com site and am looking at the G-Class web pages. It allows you to view the interior of the G and you can click on various pictures to enlarge them...there is one in the right column third from top that shows a panoramic view of the front seating and dash area...I downloaded this pict and used photoshop to brighten the image so I could see more detail. When I did this it was very clear that there were vents on the rear of the center cosole...like many of the other Benz models have...This is why I assumed it would have the same in the US model coming this Fall.

Thanks - Frank

CaptnPete - be careful what you tow
 

Hi, Captn Pete.

re your comment: "...since the G will tow up to around 7000 pounds...."

Actually, MB's official GWagen website ( www.mercedes-benz.com/e/cars/g-class/default.htm ) for the newer W463 indicates a maximum towing capacity "with brakes" of 2,850 Kg, which is 6,283 lbs, almost a half ton shy of what you thought.
[without brakes, it's only 750 Kg. or 1,653 lbs; and for the older W460, it's 5,171/1603 lbs, with/without brakes]

The reason that I'm bring this up is that, as a Boating Safety Instructor (US Power Squadrons), I want to keep someone from towing too much load -- not just for the sake of the vehicle, but because, if you get into an accident while towing more than your vehicle's rated capacity, it can negate your insurance coverage for the incident. Hurting someone, damaging someone else's property, and trashing your own boat can all be VERY costly outcomes if you aren't covered by insurance. And this is in addition to a possible summons for improper equipment.

So always know what your vehicle is rated to tow [okay, boating class is over :-) ].

Best regards to all.

Re: CaptnPete - be careful what you tow
 

Dear KenC,
when I made the remark about the towing capacity of a new 500G I was not concerned with absolute accuracy. I merely mentioned the number 7000 since I thought it was close enough.
I did not mean for the buyer to go and take it for the absolute value. I presumed the buyer would be smart enough to read the owners manual. I suppose you found the number of 2850 KG and thought you should set the record straight. I also checked the Mercedes website due to your urging and found that the towing capacity is listed as 3500KG. (http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e/cars/g-class/g500sl_data.htm) Remember to look for the specifications of a 500G LWB since that is what is going to be sold in the US. I shall leave the translation to pounds to you, since you might not like my conversion formula.
I agree that safety is of utmost importance in all phases of transportation.
I hold an unlimited masters license for all oceans and all tonnages issued by the US Coast Guard. I have piloted more than 3000 ships of all sizes including battleships and nuclear submarines through the Panama canal without mishaps in my 25 year career there. I have my safety records hanging on my office wall.

I hope you have a similar safety record.

Happy powersquadroning and keep checking the facts.

7,700 lbs towing -- hey, CaptnPete, you're right! Great news!
 

Hey, Cappy -- you're right! I went back and rechecked, and discovered that I had been looking at the default 1st model listed, which was the 400 diesel. I didn't realize about the model designations up top on that webpage. When I clicked on the 500GE/Long, voila -- 3,500 Kg, which is a whopping 7,716 lbs. You can't know how happy I am to hear that -- we've been planning on buying a bigger boat (total towing weight closer to that figure) in two years (my daughter graduates then!), and I was really worried that I'd have to give up using a GWagen to pull it. I was thinking of investigating whether I could special-order (from the factory through my dealer) a specially outfitted G, since G's are built to all sorts of special specs (as ambulances, police cars, etc., not to mention military vehicles) for various applications worldwide.
And now, with the new low price and this higher capacity, I don't have to worry about special orders!

I did sense some irritation in your message, btw -- criticism wasn't intended, only fine-tuning the facts (as I thought they were).
Best regards and safe sailing.

Re: 7,700 lbs towing -- hey, CaptnPete, you're right! Great news!
 

Hi Ken,
your timing may be better than you think. I have great hopes that in a couple of years the G400CDI Diesel might become avaulable in the US. Just wishful thinking on my part, but it will take at least that long. Now there is a towing car with its 560 nm of torque versus that of the gas version with 456 nm.

Just dreaming

G400CDI
 

The only reason we're not getting the 400CDI in any US BENZ model is due to the crappy diesel fuel here in the US. These engines require higher grade diesel and we just don't have it. So it is not BENZ keeping it away it is our lack of refinement of the fuel...I'm sure the fuel companies are in no rush to give us it either...they would love to continue to rape us at the fuel pump as continuously to do. Why give us something that SAVES on us going to the pump....VERY UNFORTUNATE...Perhaps this Summer we will get wise to the ridiculously high fuel prices and have a citizen fuel embargo to force them to "get real." If WE put up with it they will just keep dishing it out...

7,700 vs 6,283 lbs -- the determining factor
 

I was clicking around that site again, and by comparing the three engine options (500 and 320 gas, and 400 diesel) in two body sizes (Station/Long and Station/Short), it seems that the body size is the sole towing capacity factor:
All three engine options (even the small 320) are rated 7,700 lbs in the long wheel-base versions; and all three engine options (including the high torque 400-diesel and high powered 500) are rated only 6,283 lbs in the short wheelbase body.
I guess it's only a question of having enough mass (inertia) to properly control the trailer, rather than enough power to pull (which all the engines, even the little 320 gas) apparently have. Which doesn't say much for the M-class, which is rated (at least here in the USA) at only 5,000 lbs whether you have the 320 or the 430 gas engines.

Re: 7,700 vs 6,283 lbs -- the determining factor
 

When I amde the remark about the diesel, I was merely thinking about the improved fuel economy and the improved torque.
Incidentally I was checking the german language MB website and they specify the braked towing capacity as 3100 kg. Why I don't know. Perhaps local regulation? Might be worth to find out before you get that BIG boat.
http://www.mercedes-benz.de/mbd/t40/0,1500,C22SL_4_2KD,00.html?

(Anhängelast gebremst in kg
3.100)

Thor
 

Back to the original question. When you fold the rear seats forward you will block the rear air vents. I have also found that I can not have the seat back as far as I would like (all the way) with the seats folded forward. I am 6'3" tall so YMMV. My wife breeds Newfoundlands so I understand your predicament. With the seats folded forward two dogs is no problem, I normally pile gear just behind the folded seat and they still have plenty of room to lay. That would be for the 150lb male and his 100lb companion. Good luck on the G search. Brent

Thanks G-Man!

It sounds like we have two very similar families except you have two big black dogs and we have two white:) We travel with them in the M-class and it is very tight and I hope the G has a bit more room...there is plenty of headroom for them (we have the skyroof option that give up to 2" more headroom) but with a couple of bags and such their area gets fairly small.

I'm waiting to check out a G as soon as they appear for publicity and such. It is a real shame the rear vents get blocked by the seat itself...in the M-class although it does not have rear vents the seats fold flat and the rear console is not disrupted. The 2002 ML's will have A/C vents like the G does and they will still be functional due to this.

Thanks for the input! I guess this topic has several topics going on in it and I appreciate you taking the time and interest to try and answer my primary post question:)