The FINANCIAL — The latest version of the classic Mercedes-Benz G-Class off-roader, now in its 31st year, features state-of-the-art BlueTEC technology.
BlueTEC is a Mercedes-Benz-developed technology designed to reduce diesel vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The BlueTEC version of the G-Class uses AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution which is injected into the exhaust-gas stream. This process releases ammonia, which converts up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water by a process of reduction in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. Since the G-Class is often used in remote areas of the world – one of its main purposes – the engineers have simplified matters by integrating the AdBlue filler cap in the vehicle's outside tank recess. One full tank of AdBlue is good for around 12,000 kilometres.
"The V6 diesel engine in the G 350 BlueTEC develops 155 kW (210 hp) at 3400 rpm and has a torque of 540 Nm between 1600 and 2400 rpm. This model therefore produces substantially fewer emissions than the previous G 350 CDI model – undercutting the limits of the EU5 standard and, in particular, reducing NOx emissions by around 50 % – yet still delivers comparable performance," Daimler reports.
A full range: the current G-Class
The "G" family currently has three body variants – short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon and Convertible – which can be combined with either the new BlueTEC engine, as described, or a powerful 5.5‑litre V8 petrol engine developing 285 kW (388 hp) with a torque of 530 Nm. The flagship G 55 AMG model – available only as a four-door, long-wheelbase Station Wagon – is powered by a V8 supercharged engine developing 373 kW (507 hp) with an impressive peak torque of 700 Nm.
The evergreen Mercedes-Benz off-roader continues to offer a superior synthesis of high-performance drive and dynamic handling control systems. The standard specification includes the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and three differential locks selectable at the push of a button, alongside the permanent all-wheel drive with off-road ratio and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.
A series of awards: the G-Class in readers' polls
The stalwart of the off-road scene continues to enjoy success after success, as underlined by the latest readers' polls. In the readers' poll for "Off-roader of the Year 2010" held by the motoring magazine "Off Road", the legendary G-Class notched up a double success: it won first place in the "Luxury off-roader" category, while the special EDITION.PUR model, which entered production in 2009 to mark the 30th anniversary of the G-Class, took second place in the "Classic" category.
These latest public awards make the G-Class one of the most popular and highly acclaimed models in the world of off-road vehicles, as a look at the other major awards received in recent years reveals. For the seventh time, the readers of "Off Road" have awarded the title of "Off-roader of the Year" to the G-Class, following its successes in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. In its 2007 and 2009 readers' polls, the off-road magazine "4Wheel Fun" declared the "G" to be a "Superstar". Following its successes in 2003 and 2007, the readers of "Motor Klassik" once again voted the Mercedes-Benz G-Class the "Classic of the Future" last year. And no less than 14 times, readers of the motoring magazine "auto motor und sport" have chosen the G-Class as the world's best off-road vehicle.
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