EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ G55 AMG
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Just when we thought the G-Class couldn''t get any more ridiculous along comes the AMG-tuned version.
Pros
Go-anywhere capability, powerful V8 engine, surprisingly quiet ride on the highway.
Cons
Heavy steering and accelerator pedal efforts, no side airbags, fussy navigation system, minimal cargo capacity.
What''s New for 2004
A trio of premium features becomes standard: multicontour front seats, an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system and rear parking sensors.
Overview
Introduction:
AMG. Those three letters are as revered by auto enthusiasts as ERA or RBI are by baseball fanatics. But what do they stand for and what are they doing affixed to various Mercedes-Benz vehicles?The first two letters stand for the names of the founders: Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and the last letter signifies where the company was born: Grossaspach, Germany, back in 1967. What Mr. A and Mr. M did was modify Mercedes-Benz automobiles for better performance, be it for road use or racing, in which they were heavily involved. As the years went on, AMG became known as a premier tuner of Mercedes-Benz automobiles, and eventually offered interior and exterior modifications, such as custom instruments, steering wheels and seats as well as ground effects, spoilers and wheels. The company did such a great job that Mercedes-Benz brought it in house in 1990, and as a result, AMG now has its own high-performance skunk works, similar to rival BMW''s "M" division. There is now an AMG version of nearly every Benz model, from the C-Class'' C32 to the CL-Class'' CL55, and they all feature powerful engines, agile suspensions and subtle accents inside and out to set them apart from their more common brethren. Born out of a joint venture in 1979 between Mercedes-Benz and two other companies, Steyr and Puch of Austria, the Steyr-Daimler-Puch Gelaendewagen (or G-wagen) was (and still is) virtually hand-built in Austria and was first and foremost a heavy-duty off-road vehicle favored by various military groups and safari zealots. The G-wagen includes rigid axles front and rear (preferred to an independent setup for heavy-duty use), suspension by coil springs and gas shocks, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and meaty 18-inch tires. Greatly aiding the G-wagen''s off-road capability are aggressive approach and departure angles, a low range that can be selected on the fly (up to 15 mph) and locking differentials for the front axle, center differential and rear axle. The triple locking differentials (done via push buttons on the dash) are unique and are meant for extreme off-road conditions. As with all AMG-tweaked Benzs, the G55 sports engineering and styling tweaks over the standard G500 that include a slightly larger and modified V8 (with 57 more horsepower and 51 more pound-feet of torque), side-exit exhaust, a prominent aluminum brush guard and unique 18-inch wheels with meaty 285/55VR18 performance tires. If you find the idea of a rugged off-road vehicle modified for maximum street performance a little odd, you''re not alone. Ultimately, the G55 is still highly capable on rugged terrain, but all the performance enhancements in the world can''t mask its decades-old underpinnings. Add a base price of over $90,000 to the picture, and it''s clear that the G55 is little more than a novelty for the well-to-do.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The high-performance G55 is available as a four-door sport-utility only. Just about every luxury feature comes standard, including 18-inch wheels and performance tires, an aluminum brush guard, a premium Harman Kardon sound system with a CD changer mounted in the cargo bay, a CD-based navigation system, rear parking sensors, 10-way power-adjustable seats with heaters and full leather and wood trim. The only option is a full CD collection for the nav system (with maps for the U.S. and Canada).
Powertrains and Performance:
The G55''s AMG-tweaked 5.4-liter V8 sends 349 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of torque to the wheels. The five-speed automatic transmission delivers firm shifts as well as offering manual gear selection. A permanent four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing sends power to all four wheels via fully lockable front, center and rear differentials. Should you want to tow, this SUV can lug up to 7,000 pounds.
Safety:
Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, emergency brake assist, electronic traction and stability control and a front-passenger detection system. Side airbags are not available.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Rugged origins notwithstanding, the G55 comes standard with a navigation system, heated seats front and rear, a Harman Kardon audio system with a six-disc CD changer, power everything, rear park assist, a sunroof and enough leather and wood to make one think that he''s sitting in an S-Class sedan. Unfortunately, the stereo and navigation systems are operated via Mercedes'' confusing all-in-one "COMAND" interface. The seats offer passable comfort, but occupants must conform to a rigidly upright seating position more suited to a Jeep than a high-dollar luxury vehicle. Rear cargo space maxes out at 80 cubic feet, slightly less than that of most midsize SUVs.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
With a muscular V8 working in tandem with the smooth and alert automatic gearbox, brisk acceleration is available whenever you want it, be it from a stop or when executing passing maneuvers. But due to a stiff gas pedal, it takes a serious lead foot just to maintain speed in the G -- good thing cruise control is standard. Steering likewise requires some muscle. Modern-day tweaks have made the live-axle setup bearable around town, but it''s not enough to mask the low-tech design. The tall, upright body still exhibits significant body roll, and road hazards come booming through the cabin with annoying frequency.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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