It has been 37 years since the first Mercedes Geländewagen rolled out of the factory for the first time, and still, the brutal vehicle looks almost identical.
And that is exactly what is so special about the Mercedes Geländewagen, the G-Class, or G-Wagen as it is often called.
Here in Norway, it had its first heyday in the 80s as the "Stockbroker Tractor" of all, where yuppies and upper-class people zoomed along in the collective lane with their Geländewagen minibuses. It was simply one of the coolest things you could own at that time.
In Norway, there are both military and civilian variants. It is used, among other things, as a field wagon and ambulance.
It is still corners and edges that apply when Mercedes-Benz presents the new G-Class model.
Admittedly, not many G 55 AMGs roll on Norwegian roads, and the few that exist are most often seen on green plates – with white plates, the car costs almost three million kroner (approx as of 2010). Now, I am not an educated economist, but that price tag is frighteningly high.
Poor aerodynamics, high weight, and not least a large engine ensure a consumption of 1.6 l/km.
Mercedes Geländewagen is a bit noisy and a bit bumpy. At the same time, you sit like a count in it – after all – quite nice inventory. The seats are good and can be adjusted in all ways, dashboard and buttons are a bit Mercedes S-Class.
The feeling behind the wheel in the square creature is different from anything else I have driven. The vertical windshield, the overview forward over the flat hood, and the truck-like sitting position are as far from a sports car as you can get.
The sound from the V8 engine of 500 horsepower is definitely worth some kroner for the Mercedes Geländewagen.