2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Trims and Specs

Many reviewers and critics consider the rugged Mercedes-Benz G500 to be a very capable offroad vehicle, yet dated in its appearance and lacking some of the conveniences available in other, more contemporary SUVs, such as the new GL-Class from Mercedes. For that reason, the automaker had intended to discontinue the G500 by now.

But at the demand of serious offroaders, it rolls happily into 2008 with only a few minor updates to its list of standard features. It retains its straight-up, boxy appearance, which has changed little since the G-Class was introduced in the 1970s as the Gelandewagen (or "cross-country vehicle" in German).

Still hand-built in Austria, as it has been for nearly 30 years, the 2008 G500 comes equipped with a four-wheel-drive system that includes front, rear, and center locking differentials, all activated by the driver, making it one of only a few SUVs available today with three locking differentials. A four-wheel Electronic Traction System and an Electronic Stability Program, as well as antilock brakes with brake assist, also come standard.

A hunky 5.0-liter, 292-horsepower V8 engine powers the G500. The engine links to a seven-speed automatic transmission with the Touch Shift feature, which enables the driver to upshift and downshift manually by nudging the shift lever left or right.

Standard features for the 2008 G500 include premium leather upholstery, a multicontour driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel, and Burl Walnut wood trim. An AM/FM audio system with a six-disc CD changer and a DVD-based navigation system are also included with the standard equipment list.

Reviewers and drivers note that while the G500 excels offroad, its shows signs of its age around town, especially when the driver has to navigate through tight parking lots or back up. In addition, some drivers note that handling can be stiff and the ride can feel rough on the highway, and that the G500's exterior design hinders aerodynamics. Still, the G500 appeals to a number of drivers who are attracted to its retro looks and its status as a legendary vehicle in the Mercedes lineup.

With its distinctive engine growl and even more distinctive exterior looks, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG won't be confused with one of today's typical SUVs. In fact, the G55 AMG occupies a class all its own, thanks to its boxy, retro design and its high-powered engine and body features, all tweaked by AMG, Mercedes' in-house sport tuner.

Certain to take drivers anywhere they want to go, on- or off-road, the 2008 G55 AMG retains the same basic design it has displayed for 30 years, ever since the introduction of the G-Class (then called the Gelandewagen) in the 1970s. But it pumps up the power with an AMG-built supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces an impressive 493 horsepower. The engine, along with the dual chrome AMG-designed twin sidepipes, produces the G55's distinctive growl.

All that power combines with a number of unique features to make the G55 AMG an off-road beast. The 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system, for instance, includes front, rear, and center locking differentials, all activated by the driver, making it one of only a few SUVs available today with three locking differentials. A four-wheel Electronic Traction System and an Electronic Stability Program, as well as antilock brakes with brake assist, also come standard.

Exterior features include aluminum running boards, a heated windshield, heated power mirrors, and front and rear tow hooks. Inside, the G55 AMG comes equipped with designo Nappa leather upholstery, a multicontour driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel, and hand-polished designo interior wood trim. A Harman Kardon digital audio system with a six-disc CD changer and DVD-based GPS navigation system with lifetime roadside assistance are also included on the standard equipment list.

The G55 AMG rides on an AMG-tuned sport suspension and 18-inch AMG five-spoke wheels with high-performance tires. The big SUV can tow up to 7,000 pounds.