Mercedes G-Class – back in the UK

The Mercedes G Class returns to the UK in 2010

We all know that fashions are circular. There’s nothing new under the sun and every fashion that hits the headlines today is derivative of one that ruled the roost in a decade past. In many cases it’s not even derivative; it’s either a copy or a pastiche.

But you wouldn’t expect that to apply to cars. But in the case of the Mercedes G-Class it does. It’s thirty years (well, 31 years – 1979) since the G-Class was launched as a civilian vehicle (it started life in the military) and a full decade since Mercedes thought it worth their while to build a RHD version (but only a year since the G-Class was updated – even if you’d be hard-pushed to notice). But the demand for the iconic G Wagon is back and Mercedes are going to offer a pair of G-Wagons to UK buyers (plus a less comfy commercial version) from the Autumn.

Customers will be able to choose between the sensible G350 and the bonkers G55 AMG (plus a ‘Commercial’ G300). Mercedes say the G350 CDI produces 221 hp and returns 25.7 mpg, and the range topping G55 AMG produces 500 hp and reaches 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds. Interestingly, they don’t say what the fuel consumption is on the G55. So expect single figures and then you’ll be chuffed when it does a bit better.

In terms of price it’s a bit of the old ‘If you have to ask you can’t afford’. The G350 CDI starts at £79,975 and the G55 at £114,975. The spec is more than decent with Climate, auto ‘box (with high and low ratios),  Bi-Xenons, heated memory seats, leather (even on the dashboard), COMAND and a Harman Kardon Logic 7 Sound system.

Not cheap, but you are buying an icon. And you’ll only be able to get it from Mercedes at Brooklands – such is the speciality of the G-Class.

By Cars UK