Since 1979, when it was introduced by Mercedes-Benz, the Gelaendewagen has been sold as a military and police vehicle in countries throughout Europe, South American, and Africa. But for...
Read More
Since 1979, when it was introduced by Mercedes-Benz, the Gelaendewagen has been sold as a military and police vehicle in countries throughout Europe, South American, and Africa. But for years it was available in the U.S. only though a single dealer in New Mexico, who had to modify the vehicles individually so they could be sold in this country. As you can imagine, they were expensive, costing somewhere north of 100k.
But starting in 2002, Mercedes' Hummer-like SUV, known now as the G500, finally was officially available to North American car buyers. What they got was a rugged time-tested vehicle, styled with the square angles and tall roof you'd expect from a military-type vehicle, and weighing in at more than 5,000 pounds. To move all the metal, Mercedes installed a 5.0-liter, 292-hp V8, coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
What the G500 lacked in streamlined styling, it more than made up for with luxury amenities, which included heated front seats, air conditioning, climate control, remote keyless entry, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, two-stage door locks, and much more.
