| It was in 1979 when Mercedes-Benz rolled out its | | | | dashboard and optional indirect ambient lighting are |
| G Class model, a line of rugged Safari running | | | | some of the newer features in the G Class. |
| sport/utility vehicles. The G-Class was designed, in | | | | According to Daimler, new paintwork options are |
| part, at the request of the Shah of Iran who | | | | now available – "palladium silver metallic" or |
| wanted a new military vehicle to supplement his | | | | the "designo platinum magno" with matte finish. |
| fleet. Alas, the shah was disposed and with him | | | | From the back, the newest models offer a |
| went an important customer for the company | | | | modified spare wheel cover with a |
| which is now known as Daimler AG. Fortunately, | | | | three-dimensional Mercedes star. |
| the G Class made it to production and remains in | | | | Three Body Styles And Three Engine Choices |
| production to this day. | | | | The G Class currently offers three body variables |
| Same Body Style, Interior Updates | | | | – short and long station wagons as well as a |
| Over the years the G Class has been updated, | | | | cabriolet -- which can be combined either as the G |
| incorporating the latest technological and | | | | 350 CDI (replaces the previous G 320 CDI with a |
| engineering improvements but keeping the basic | | | | new nomenclature) with a fuel efficient V6 diesel |
| body style untouched. G Class fans welcome the | | | | engine or in the form of the G 500 and its potent |
| iconic and timeless styling, knowing that the same | | | | 5.5L V8 gas engine. |
| G Class built today is an excellent representation | | | | The G 55 AMG, which is the class leader of all G |
| of the first models produced thirty years ago. | | | | Class models is available exclusively as a four-door |
| Among the improvements made over the years | | | | long station wagon. The G-Guard based on the G |
| for the G Class includes the vehicle's interior, | | | | 500 long wagon is a significant component in the |
| particularly the seating. Lateral support and | | | | model range. Finally, a fully armored G-Class |
| bolstering have been included, making the seats | | | | certified to bullet resistance level FB6 or FB7 |
| much more comfortable and easier to endure for | | | | provides protection against pistols/revolvers and |
| longer trips. The rear seat has been improved | | | | long-barreled weapons as well as against explosive |
| too, with additional padding, color choices and | | | | charges of a defined size. |
| optional leather surfaces. | | | | Will the G Class still be around thirty years hence? |
| Audio Changes Are Apparent | | | | That's a good question considering the state of |
| Keeping up with the changes in audio technology, | | | | the global auto industry these days. In some form |
| the G Class now includes an auxiliary socket in the | | | | or fashion it may soldier on, perhaps with an |
| glove box as well as a media interface to connect | | | | on-board hydrogen regeneration system which will |
| an iPod, USBor Aux devices. A leather trimmed | | | | make safari-side fuel stops a thing of the past! |