Mercedes G 2008 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mortinson · #1 05-30-2008, 09:05 AM

It's official!
Press release and official pictures:

Quote:

Modern-day classic puts in a compelling performance: G-Class – the show goes on
Stuttgart, May 30, 2008
Stuttgart – It has been the definitive cross-country vehicle since 1979. It has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, is deemed a worthy means of transport for the Pope, ranks as an automotive design icon, is a serial winner of readers' polls and constitutes the gene pool for a Mercedes-Benz SUV family that now numbers four model series in all. It is, of course – the G-Class. It has been in production for 29 years now, making the G-Class by far the longest-serving passenger car model series there has been since Mercedes-Benz came into existence in 1886. And its haul of superlatives is set to grow still further, because the G-Class is subject to continual updating that keeps it in touch with the very latest motoring technology. This time, once again, the exterior has only been modernised to a limited degree quite deliberately. The advances mainly centre on the vehicle's telematics, along with the new 5.5-litre V8 engine that is available for the G 500.
From the outside, the newest generation of the G-Class can be identified by its restyled, three-fin radiator grille, with the G 500 sporting new-look 18‑inch light-alloy wheels as an additional distinguishing feature. The model range continues to comprise three different body variants (short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon and Cabriolet), which are either powered by the fuel-efficient V6 CDI engine generating 165 kW/224 hp and 540 newton metres or a new, mighty 5.5-litre V8 petrol unit with an output of 285 kW/388 hp and 530 newton metres of torque. This new engine propels the G‑Class to sports-car-like performance*: the dash from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in just 5.9 seconds.
New telematics generation with useful extra functions
The latest edition of the G-Class is equipped with the advanced, more user-friendly generation of telematics technology. A Bluetooth hands-free system for mobile phones is built in as standard. A new media interface can also be specified as an option that allows an external music storage device to be linked up to the off-roader's on-board electronics and control system. Audio tracks appear in the instrument cluster and in the centre console's colour display, and can be simply called up by using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The audio device's battery is recharged at the same time. The Audio 20 CD including a built-in six-disc CD changer is standard for the G 320 CDI models. This unit includes a dual tuner for superior radio reception, speed-sensitive volume control, as well as a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies. There is also a Bluetooth interface which establishes a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the vehicle's hands-free system.
COMAND APS standard on G 500
All G 500 model versions feature the COMAND APS infotainment system with a built-in six-disc DVD changer. The system's specification includes hard-disc navigation with a tracking function outside digitised areas, telephone operation, plus a special off‑road menu. COMAND APS also incorporates the new LINGUATRONIC system with extended functionality. The voice-operated control now recognises whole-word commands, which can be spoken by anyone without the need to train the system first. The system is simply activated by means of a control on the right of the multifunction steering wheel. It can be used for making a call by saying the telephone number, controlling the audio system, calling up the global address book and operating the navigation system. COMAND APS may also be combined with the optional TV tuner and reversing camera.
There are other equipment options too: for the ultimate in listening pleasure there is the Harman Kardon® Logic7® surround sound system with 12 high-performance speakers and an output of 450 watts, while climatised seats offer enhanced seating comfort for the driver and front passenger.
G-Class: a success story that spans three decades
The classic Mercedes-Benz Cross-Country Vehicle serves up a majestic blend of high-performance powertrain and dynamic handling control systems. In addition to permanent all-wheel drive with a low-range ratio and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the standard specification includes the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP®, as well as three differential locks which can be engaged at the push of a button. Since Mercedes-Benz first commissioned Magna Steyr in the Austrian city of Graz to produce the G-Class in 1979, close on 200,000 have been built. And this enduring success story is far from over: the "G", as it is affectionately known, will continue to round off Mercedes-Benz's high-calibre line-up of SUVs alongside the GL, ML and GLK‑Class, and is due to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2009.
New model available from September 2008
The new-generation G-Class is available to order now. Below is a summary of the retail prices*:
Short-wheelbase
Station Wagon Long-wheelbase
Station Wagon Cabriolet
G 320 CDI € 68,425 € 73,542 € 74,494
G 500 € 86,156 € 91,392 € 92,344
*Incl. 19 % VAT

mortinson · #2 05-30-2008, 02:38 PM

Some Hi-res pics:

compress ignite · #3 05-31-2008, 03:15 AM

Are THEY going to bring the 320CDI motor equipped GelandeWagen into the U.S.
???

iwrock · #4 05-31-2008, 03:24 AM

Looks too much like a toy.

DUTCH · #5 05-31-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

Are THEY going to bring the 320CDI motor equipped GelandeWagen into the U.S.
???

No. Stuttgart wanted to bring it to the US, but MBUSA said "No". End of discussion.

lkchris · #6 05-31-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUTCH

No. Stuttgart wanted to bring it to the US, but MBUSA said "No". End of discussion.

Yes, they've got a good thing going selling Gs in the USA for about twice what they're sold for elsewhere.

DUTCH · #7 05-31-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

Yes, they've got a good thing going selling Gs in the USA for about twice what they're sold for elsewhere.

Not even close to being true.

The G's sell so much cheaper in the US than in Europe that many Europeans are purchasing in the US for export back to Europe.

MBUSA MSRP for the G500 is US$89,075

European MSRP for the G500 is €91,392 or about US$142,134 at today's exchange rate.

Remove the European VAT of 19% and you get an MSRP of €76,800 or about US$119,440.

Not even close, no matter which way you figure it!

compress ignite · #8 06-01-2008, 03:49 PM

O.K. Now I understand.

MBUSA is just doing it's usual short sighted,greed thing.
(AND shooting itself in the foot/bank account)

If the 320CDI version were imported to the U.S. from Austria:

1.You couldn't "Give Away" the ML ,GL or R class vehicles in America.
(much loss of profit..especially since those three are U.S. assembled)

2.There would be a huge series of purchases by "Brokers" for European clients
of the imported "G"wagen CDI's [Save $20,000.00 USD per vehicle]
The "RoRo"s between Savannah/Jacksonville/Miami and Hamburg/Rotterdam would be be busy (no more "Deadheading")

3.MBUSA could, with it's dealers, jack up the price of US sold CDI "G" wagens
as a result of the European Vacuum(supply and demand).

4. Here's the deal killer...MBusa would be deluged with paperwork from
Stuttgart about all the whining and crying European dealers losing sales
to the "Brokers".
4.a I think the fine (If Stuttgart catches you) for a U.S. dealership for
selling a vehicle that was eventually exported to another country is
$10,000.00 USD.[First time one of those US VIN ed "G" wagens goes into
a non US dealership ...The Emergency Cash Registers in Stuttgart are up
and running]

5.The Geniuses in Montvale (along with VOA) spent nearly 20 million dollars
back in the 1980's to make it virtually impossible to "Grey Market" a car into
the US (lobbying and manipulation of US codes).
5.a Their "Fowl" are finally coming home to roost.

On another note...The "G" wagen is already imported into the US... AND so is
the 320CDI motor,in another chassis.
So you would be simply obtaining a legally provided for exemption in importing
the 320CDI "G"wagen yourself. (If you could afford the higher European cost)

DUTCH · #9 06-01-2008, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

O.K. Now I understand.

On another note...The "G" wagen is already imported into the US... AND so is
the 320CDI motor,in another chassis.
So you would be simply obtaining a legally provided for exemption in importing
the 320CDI "G"wagen yourself. (If you could afford the higher European cost)

€73,542 (~US$114,375) or pre VAT of €61,800 (~US$96,112). Add about US$1500 shipping, US$2000 Customs Duty and at least US$15,000 for the RI.

The US G500 is still a better deal in the long run, especially when factoring in the cost of diesel fuel in the US.

That's why someone like Europa Int'l - who is still in business, btw - doesn't bring any in.

compress ignite · #10 06-01-2008, 11:40 PM

O.K. so the US gasoline "G"wagen would be $6,000.00 cheaper than the CDI.
MAYBE.

What's your $15K USD "RI" figure? (There's no "Importer" or "Compliance"
contractor involved in an individual importation of an already compliant
vehicle with an already compliant drive-train [Here's the kicker...the CDI "G"
is in a heavier weight class than the ML,GL or R class CDI equipped vehicle
...It's a Truck]

Europa will be sliding a few across the "Pond" about the Christmas after next,
when U.S. gasoline will be $6.00 to $8.00 a gallon.

DUTCH · #11 06-02-2008, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

O.K. so the US gasoline "G"wagen would be $6,000.00 cheaper than the CDI.
MAYBE.

What's your $15K USD "RI" figure? (There's no "Importer" or "Compliance"
contractor involved in an individual importation of an already compliant
vehicle with an already compliant drive-train [Here's the kicker...the CDI "G"
is in a heavier weight class than the ML,GL or R class CDI equipped vehicle
...It's a Truck]

Europa will be sliding a few across the "Pond" about the Christmas after next,
when U.S. gasoline will be $6.00 to $8.00 a gallon.

1.) RI = Registered Importer. An RI is required, since the vehicle with that engine is not homologated with USDOT. See here for more info:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

2.) The G is not a truck. It's classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle.

3.) When US gasoline is $6-$8/gallon, where will diesel be? Diesel is currently about $.70-$.80/gallon more than premium gasoline now.

But, what do I know. I've only been dealing with G's for 24 years.