Thread: Test Drove a G-Wagen

I think if you're going to compare it to a Defender, then you should compare it to a Defender with $80K worth of accessories on it. In which case I'd keep the Defender.

I wonder how soon before ex-NATO RHD versions become available at EU auctions.

I agree, base spec model "no frills go nearly everywhere" will be nice.
I always liked their idea of coming standard with 3 diff locks (centre being a given anyway), just makes it very capable and useful for guys that go offroad

Originally Posted by solmanic

It's disappointing that with the volumes being delivered to the army, Mercedes haven't got a more basic model on offer - cloth trim, no sat-nav command centre or electric seats, rubber floor matting, that sort of thing. I guess the G-Wagen has just gone too far upmarket to fit in with the rest of MB's product line.

Having said that, why couldn't a utiliy model line up alongside MB's commercial vans? $80-$90K wouldn't be an unreasonable price.

There is the no frills G-Professional model available (probably not in Oz, though), exactly what you are looking for. It even comes with plain steel rims.
Prices start at € 65.000 for the SW and about € 60.000 for the HT and include German GST. Now, how's that???
Cheers

http://mercedes4x4.pl/download/GWago...onal_range.pdf

Mercedes-Benz Malta - Model variants - G-Class Professional
There is also a PDF at the bottom of the second link.

Here is a better link, once they establish the G in OZ it would not be unrealistic to rock into you local dealer and place an order for one of these, once the army starts getting theirs and there are a few other high spec ones on the road there is no reason they could not supply them by special order.

Originally Posted by Jojo

There is the no frills G-Professional model available (probably not in Oz, though), exactly what you are looking for. It even comes with plain steel rims.
Prices start at € 65.000 for the SW and about € 60.000 for the HT and include German GST. Now, how's that???
Cheers

Originally Posted by cols110

http://mercedes4x4.pl/download/GWago...onal_range.pdf

Mercedes-Benz Malta - Model variants - G-Class Professional
There is also a PDF at the bottom of the second link.

Here is a better link, once they establish the G in OZ it would not be unrealistic to rock into you local dealer and place an order for one of these, once the army starts getting theirs and there are a few other high spec ones on the road there is no reason they could not supply them by special order.

EXCELLENT! Thanks for those links. That's exactly what I was hoping for. They even come with the freaky tartan cloth seats like the older G-Wagens.

I will make enquiries although I don't expect the dealer to know much.

Interestingly, even though the list price in Germany is €80K or thereabouts, most dealers are advertising G350s discounted to around €65K on various websites.

With regard to comparing a Defender optioned up to around $80K to my hypothetical, dream G-Wagen, I would probably still opt for the G-Wagen as the build quality is seriously worth another $20K I reckon. How much would it cost in real world terms to strip down and re-build a Defender properly? (Bundalene?) I'm thinking mainly about the bodywork and lack of precision in aligning anything as well as the incomparable NVH between the two vehicles.

As far as capability goes, I would agree a fully locked Defender beats the G-Wagen hands down. The Deefer's extra ground clearance even with stock wheels and suspension is unbeatable. But if I had to choose between two types of moon rocket, I would want the one that was airtight.

For 160K you could buy a defender,have a LR specialist strip it and fit just about any motor/drivetrain you want and fit it all back together with whatever options you want and still be in front. Pat

Is the civilian G wagon really aimed at the Defender market or the Disco one?
Wagoo.

Originally Posted by Jojo

There is the no frills G-Professional model available (probably not in Oz, though), exactly what you are looking for. It even comes with plain steel rims.
Prices start at € 65.000 for the SW and about € 60.000 for the HT and include German GST. Now, how's that???
Cheers

Thanks! The German links at the bottom have detailled tech specs. They do have drum rear brakes, however no mention of leaf springs (discussed in another thread). Coils all round on the 4x4, and the 6x6 seems to have the same suspension.

A good bit of kit - it would be great if they sell them here.