G-Wagen's off-road capability impresses

The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has become the vehicle of choice for military forces around the globe.

And after getting the opportunity to fully test the off-road capabilities of this rugged off-roader in Tasmania last week, it is easy to understand why.

The five-door wagon, which sits on a ladder chassis with coil springs plus front and rear live axles, is fitted with Mercedes' permanent four-wheel-drive system with electronic differential locks on both axles, as well as the centre diff and a low-range transfer case.

It is this combination of rugged underpinnings and the latest technological wizardry that gives the G-Wagen its impressive off-road credentials.

At one stage of the drive we tackled a hill with about a 65deg. gradient that would have been difficult to climb on foot because of its wet, slippery clay surface and massive ruts caused by heavy rain a few days earlier, but the G-Wagen made it seem simple.

It is this off-road ability that has also won the G-Wagen - or G-Class - worldwide support among private buyers, with more than 200,000 sold since it was first released in 1979.

And, after an absence of more than 20 years, Mercedes has decided the time is right to reintroduce the big 4WD to Australia.

While the 2011 model may look similar to the car that was launched here in the mid 1980s, it comes equipped with the choice of two high-tech engines matched to Mercedes' most technically advanced transmissions.

The entry-level G350 CDI Bluetec, priced at $161,680 plus on-road costs, is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel that produces 150kW and maximum torque of 540 Newton metres from as low as 1600rpm.

The diesel is matched to a seven-speed automatic gearbox and has an official fuel use figure of 11.2L/100km.

While the traditional, boxy exterior has changed little since the original 1972 design it is a very different story inside where you will find the latest features and a liberal use of premium materials.

The base model gets leather seats, satellite navigation, a six-CD entertainment system with DVD player and a reversing camera - which is a necessity because of poor rear visibility.

The top-of-the-range model is the petrol-engine G55 AMG, priced from $217,230 plus on-road costs.

For the $55,000-plus premium you get a car with the same off-road capabilities, though the diesel is definitely the pick of the two if you are serious about taking this car off the bitumen, as it is cheaper than its sibling but with the performance attributes of a sports car.

Under the bonnet of this big, boxy off-roader is a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 that develops 373kW and a massive 700Nm of torque. It is a combination that propels the 2.5-tonne vehicle from 0-100km/h in a very quick 5.5 seconds. Official fuel use is 15.9L/100km.

With the exhaust fed through to a pair of side extractors mounted in front of 19-inch rear wheels, there is no missing the G55 as it comes toward you. But the same pipes that give it an exhaust note like no other 4WD on the road, rob it of some of its off-road capabilities because of the reduced ground clearance.

The extra money also adds a more luxurious interior, featuring front seats with heating and cooling, a TV tuner, suede-like Alcantara roof lining and a firmed-up ride to handle the extra performance.

The gearbox is the same AMG five-speed automatic used in the SL65 Black roadster. Both models also have dual front airbags and a pair of side-curtain airbags as standard.

They also get an additional exterior coating (a scratch- resistant clear lacquer) to help preserve the paintwork while driving off-road. Full-length rubber strips on each side also guard against damage.

On the road the AMG model seems almost bizarre. It reminded me of a couple of enterprising kids who built a go-kart in the back shed and then discovered a V8 engine in the corner, so they bolted it in for good measure.

Both models are extremely quick but it doesn't take long before the underpinnings remind you of what you are driving.

The 55 AMG G-Wagen simply lacks the dynamics to handle the power and performance of the supercharged V8 engine.

The steering is heavier than you would expect of a Mercedes and it takes a bit more work to get it to turn in when cornering. But it doesn't take long to adjust to it and there is surprisingly little pitch or body roll.

The coil spring and gas shock absorber suspension is very firm, making the ride on anything but extremely smooth highways uncomfortable. In fact, at times the ride can be quite jolting.

The G350 has a softer suspension set-up but there was no noticeable difference in ride comfort. The only advantage I noticed was that it felt a little lighter and the steering was more precise.

While the diesel model lacks the pure adrenalin-pumping brute power of its V8 sibling it is still a strong performer in its own right.

There is no question that these are vehicles with plenty of appeal.

The German manufacturer has already sold more than 50 G-Wagens and most of those buyers already have two or three Mercedes parked in the garage.

For those people their new purchase will provide many hours of enjoyment, both on and off the black top.

But if you are looking for a competent off-roader that you can also drive every day, there are better options on the market.

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