2002-2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mercedes added a second SUV to its U.S. line for 2002. It was a back-to-basics design, initially created for the German army in the 1970s, and little-changed since. Known informally as the G-Wagen--short for the German term Galaendewagen ("cross-country vehicle")--the G500 was previously available in the U.S. only through private importers. Mercedes-Benz marketed it as a premium luxury SUV with a $73,165 base price. Private import versions had gone for $125,000 or more. Sized for all-terrain work, the G500 was the shortest and narrowest full-size SUV--a Toyota Land Cruiser was 9 inches longer and 7 inches wider. The G500 used a 292-horsepower V8, five-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive with low-range gearing that could be engaged on-the-fly at up to 15 mph. Its front, center, and rear differentials could be locked up for maximum grip. Like Mercedes' midsize M-Class SUV, the G500 had body-on-frame construction, traction/antiskid control, and antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist. Side torso or curtain airbags were not available. It did have 18-inch alloy wheels, wood/leather interior trim, heated front and rear seats, 10-way power memory front seats, automatic climate control, and a CD changer. Also included were Mercedes' TeleAid assistance service, and the company's COMAND dashboard screen controlling a standard navigation system. Brush gauges and a voice-activated portable cell phone were among the few options. Mercedes was limiting U.S. sales to 1000-2000 per year. Rivals included the Acura MDX, Lexus LX 470, and Mercedes-Benz's own M-Class.