The G55 AMG is so contradictory. But that's the whole idea of it.
WHAT'S NEW?
The G-class _ Mercedes-Benz's off-road legend _ may be over 30 years old, but there's some significant news for Thai enthusiasts.
First, it was only last year that the Stuttgart boys have decided to make right-hand-drive versions of its go-anywhere 4x4, first tested in Brunch yesterday in G300 CDI Professional form.
Second, Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) is taking orders of the range-topping G55 AMG, explaining the vehicle's Thai debut at the Bangkok motor show earlier this year at some 16-17 million baht depending on how you'd personalise it.
By very much like the vehicle itself, the G55 hasn't been granted access to new tech. Instead, the G55 gets the historic 5.5-litre supercharged V8 and five-speed automatic combination used in now-defunct AMG-powered Merc passenger cars.
In the G55, the gas-guzzler produces 507hp and 700Nm, good enough for a 5.5sec 0-100kph time and a governed 210kph top speed.
The end result is an off-roader very much in a class of its own, because high-performance usually don't blend with mud-ploughing ability. That's why you don't see a Land Rover Defender with a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 nor a Jeep Wrangler with a Hemi 6.1-litre V8.
The G55 Life tested in Indonesia recently was a right-hooker, although the vehicle pictured here are based on a left-hand-drive sample.
Don’t worry: the steering can be specified on the right side.
WHAT'S COOL?
If you really want to look different on the road, the G55 definitely works with its anti-thesis statement: classic off-roader looks wickedly fit with fat and thick 275/55 section tyres rimming the 19-inch wheels and a pair of exhausts coming out on both sides of the vehicle. Cool, the dragster way.
And it ain't just for show. Those AMG tailpipes make a fantastic bellow when the engine is pushed _ just like in past applications, be it the E55 saloon or SLR supercar. We'd reckoned you'd care more about the sound rather than the G55's ability to garner up pace.
And thanks to the now-dated Kompressor supercharger, there is so much pull at low speeds making the G55 an easy yet intoxicating SUV to drive. Night-clubbers with money to burn, literally speaking, should love it.
And just because the G55 is based on a utilitarian SUV doesn't mean that it's drab inside. Mercedes-Benz has done an exceptional job in trimming the cabin with luxurious leather, plastics and carpets, although that four-spoke steering is a stark reminder that, again, the G55 must use bits from the R&D bins in Stuttgart.
In other words, the G55's interior has generally been transformed into a place where owners of, say, a Range Rover Sport wouldn't really moan. Oh, the G55 has the automatic side contour seat option and _ if you'd ever need it _ three differential locks to make off-roading a doddle.
Cabin trim has been properly transformed.
WHAT'S NOT?
The G-class is a heavy vehicle at some 2.5 tonnes, so economy is not to be talked about _ if potential buyers would really care for such a vehicle that's priced more on the nonsensical rather than sensible side (a similarly performing RR Sport costs 12 million).
You can also feel the limitations of the chassis-on-frame body, despite a reasonably comfy and taut ride. Generally speaking, the G55 doesn't like corners where understeer is evident and the steering isn't keen upon initial turn-in.
That's one reason why the top speed is capped, obviously due to limitations of the chassis and the unslippery exterior design. But be in no doubt: the G55 is capable in a straight line _ even under hard acceleration.
Exterior details like these are vital.
BUY OR BYE?
Conceptually speaking, the G55 AMG doesn't make any sense. It's hard for us to recommend the G55 due its dynamic compromises. In no way would it outperform a modern-day SUV like the RR Sport SC or Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
But on the other hand, that's the whole idea of the G55: retro, naughty and quick from standstill. That's why you see the G55 appealing to Arab sheiks and Russian oil cartels.
You tend to forget the flaws in the G55 because it feels so rare that, all of a sudden, you want one for your car collection. Simply put, the G55 is like nobody else.
The supercharged V8 sounds great.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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