Raw grit

The 2008 mercedes g55 is a sturdy and rugged vehicle that combines power with elegance and is exciting both on- and off-road. Philip Shane speaks to an off-road enthusiast who is all praise for the vehicle's performance.

The G-Wagen has found its way into the hearts of many off-road enthusiasts around the world. My personal experience of driving this car was overwhelming. The huge amount of power and torque produced by this engine makes you feel like you're riding an angry bull that's been pumped with steroids. The body design looks like one which would have been imagined and brought to life by a passionate artist. It feels like a poet's imagination of what a car should look and be like to drive. The build quality of Mercedes combined with this vehicle's inherent off-road capability is everything an enthusiast could ever want. In fact, there is no other vehicle like it in the whole world. It's 'one of a kind' in a segment of its own.

One such enthusiast and frequent off-roader is Mr T of the Dubai 4x4 club. The following interview depicts T's love for his 2008 G55 and why he has chosen it over the many options available in the market today.

Brief us about your car. Why have you chosen the G-Wagen over other luxury brand SUVs?
This car is a 2008 model G55 AMG. It took me the entire seven months waiting period to get the car from when I ordered it. The colour is called 'Carbonite Silver'. This car is by far the best 'off-road luxury SUV' available. No other luxury car manufacturers make anything like this. Even the Mercedes GL class is more of an 'on-road luxury' SUV like all the others. This car is as good as it gets when it comes to luxury off-roading.

What do you like most about this car?
To start with, it's the power, then its classic shape, the excellent road presence, a perfect approach angle for dune bashing and most of all, getting your money's worth. I can take it off-roading for a whole day and take it to a five-star hotel the next day. It does both with class. It's great fun both on-road and off-road.

What price did you pay and what kind of modifications have you done?
I bought the car for Dh504,000 and further added modifications and extras for Dh70,000. It has been modified by a company called Kleemann. They have installed a 'Stage-3' kit which includes the pulley, headers, removal of the rear catalytic converters and replacing the front catalytic converters with a high flow design. They have also installed mild cam shafts and a high-flow air intake element and then reprogrammed the ECU. This has resulted in a total of around 610 to 640hp compared to the initial 500hp. The 0-96km/h run now takes five seconds compared to the 5.4s of the stock vehicle. I have also added H&R 30mm spacers before the wheels in order to let them stick out a little more for added stability.

What about the overall crude yet luxurious interiors? Do you like such interiors or do you prefer the gadget-filled fancy interiors of most other luxury SUVs? Would you have preferred the G-Wagen to have different interiors?
I like basic stuff, and am very happy with the interiors of the G55. Yes, it's not very sophisticated, but I wouldn't complain because that's not what this car is about. This does not feel like a usual Mercedes, instead it feels like a high-powered military truck and that's exactly what it's designed to feel like.
I like it the way it is.

The car looks really durable and well-built all over. Does it feel indestructible?
The car is very well built and rugged. However, I feel the differentials could have been made a little stronger considering the ability of this car.

What about the engine? Does this huge amount of torque really give it an edge over other 4x4s in the desert?
After modification, the engine now produces close to 900Nm of torque compared to the earlier 700Nm. This is extremely useful off-road and helps me climb huge dunes from standstill at the bottom without having to run and approach them. Quite a significant difference compared to usual 4x4s. Moreover, on road, the acceleration is amazing.

What about the suspension? Is it adjustable and do you think it is well suited for both on-road and off-road use?
The suspension is another great feature about this car. It is not adjustable, but has the best stock suspension for off-road and on-road use. They're also better than most after-market products and I don't feel like I should even consider changing them. Moreover, the suspension complements the approach angle of the car and therefore, there are very less chances of front bumper damage during dune bashing.

If you were to ask Mercedes to change anything about this car for the future models, what would that be?
I would ask them never to change this classic shape, as this shape is what makes the G-Wagen what it is. I would also ask them to make the differential system a little stronger. Other than that, nothing!

Final question. Why did you go for the Long Wheel Base and not for the Short Wheel Base version?
The Short Wheel Base version does not come with the G55's engine, and if it did, it would definitely be my dream car. A short wheel base G55 with a convertible roof!

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Well, considering the heritage and performance of this vehicle, it's no wonder that enthusiasts around the world like T have such admiration and respect for the G-Wagen. In fact, after driving one, I am filled with so much awe and respect for the G55 AMG, that it has just taken the Number 1 spot on my wish list!!

A brief history about the G-Wagen

It was conceived in the early 1970s and the commercial versions were born in 1979. Initially called the 460 series, this vehicle was designed and produced based on military specifications and continues to be done so to this day. It is loved and used by great leaders, military personnel and motoring enthusiasts and its charm and heritage continues strongly.

Its subtle yet bold and commanding looks, combined with the sweet baritone sound of the exhaust as it passes by, demands a kind of respect that is rare in the automotive industry.

A former famous political leader, who was a major shareholder of Daimler-Benz, initiated the conceptualisation of this vehicle for military use. Hand built in Graz, Austria with a production average of 15 vehicles per day, the G-Wagen is available in both the 3 door Short Wheel Base model as well as the 5-door Long Wheel Base model. Variants of this vehicle are used by more than 63 armies worldwide as a 'light utility military support vehicle'. The 'G' on the badge stands for 'Geländewagen' which means 'cross country / tough terrain – vehicle' and marks Mercedes-Benz's entry into the 4x4 market. Nearly all the components of the G-Wagen are serviceable or re-buildable and are designed to give millions of miles of service.

Three fully locking differentials combined with solid axles and a low centre of gravity makes the G-Wagen the perfect 4x4. It has a fording ability of 600mm, a ground clearance of 439mm, a side slope angle of 30 degrees, an approach angle of 40 degrees and a grade of 60 degrees. All this gives the G-Wagen the agility of a 'wolf' and that is exactly what the German Army calls it!

- Philip Shane is a Dubai-based freelance writer.