Mercedes-Benz, by and large, makes excellent cars. But for all their comfort and technical wizardry, modern Mercs are rather lacking in character. Technical perfection and inoffensive, mainstream styling leave the cars bereft of distinguishing characteristics for one to grow fond of.
One member of the Benz family that still has a bit of personality, though – the unapologetically upright, wilfully different G-Class off-roader. Designed in the 1970s as an off-road military vehicle, the G’s slab-sided exterior has changed little over the intervening decades, maintaining the look and feel of no-nonsense parade ground rectitude.
In a world full of casual SUVs pretending to be off-road vehicles, the G550 stands out like a drill sergeant at a yoga retreat. Designed with scarcely a rounded surface in sight, its retro shape is highly distinctive, leaving little chance of becoming lost in a crowded car park.
While almost all modern 4x4s would struggle with the least bit of off-road driving, the G-Class backs up its stern, outdoorsy appearance with military grade engineering fit for the wildest stretch of wilderness.
Beam axles in the front and rear, combined with 210mm ground clearance and permanent four-wheel drive, make the G550 just about the most capable off-road performer money can buy. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox with either high range for road driving or low range for dirty work. The car can even switch between gearbox modes without coming to a halt – simply engage neutral, let the speed drop below 15kph and select low range.
Unusually, even for hardcore off-road vehicles, the muddy Merc also has three locking differentials: centre, rear and front. These offer enthusiastic cross-country drivers all the tools they need to get into and out of especially unwelcoming terrain.
With short overhangs front and rear, the Merc can take on especially severe slopes without scraping its nose or tail. It can even keep occupants’ feet dry while fording water up to 60cm deep. It’s here – down in the mud – where the car’s personality really shines through, especially for those unaccustomed to driving dedicated off-roaders.
Mercedes concedes that only a tiny proportion of G-Class drivers will ever take the car off the smooth confines of paved roads, but driving on highways is no less exciting.
Indeed, the G550 is bursting with restless energy. The tall suspension that’s so supple on uneven surfaces has nothing to do on a nice, flat stretch of tarmac, so it gets busy rolling this way and that. The slightest cornering force induces body roll, making for an entertaining drive, even at low speeds.
The steering adds to this sense of vitality. The G’s recirculating ball steering system is built to insulate the driver from the shocks and knocks encountered while rolling through a forest. On a smooth surface, that forgiving steering results in zero feedback from tyres to fingertips.
With 4.0 litres, two turbo chargers and 310kW, the G550 accelerates respectably well for such a large car. The sprint to 100kph takes around six seconds, but there’s little point in driving the G fast on the road. The body roll is too pronounced, and the steering too vague.
While mechanical fundamentals may preclude a relaxing experience on the road, there are some techno-goodies to help make life with the G easier. Bi-xenon headlights help one see what’s up ahead, and blind spot cameras reveal perils approaching from the rear.
Fuel consumption is predictably high. At well over two tonnes, that’s a lot of mass to move – not to mention three differentials constantly sapping power before it reaches the road, all of which is wrapped in a body shell with the aero-efficiency of a brick.
Although austerely old-fashioned on the outside, the G’s interior is modern and luxurious. Mercedes-Benz’s Comand info-tainment system – accessed through a 200mm touchscreen – comes as standard, as does a Harman Kardon sound system, 40GB hard drive and smartphone connectivity.
On the downside, the G has a narrow interior, with the rear seat only wide enough to accommodate two adults side by side. The rear luggage space, too, is a touch cramped.
All this may sound horrifying to drivers raised with the notion that pin-sharp steering and silky ride are the holy grails of road transport, but this misses the point. The G-Class isn’t meant to be mainstream; it’s an alternative to the bland ranks of modern SUVs.
Yes, the driving experience is unconventional and restless, but it’s also engaging and entertaining, arguably as rewarding as any high-speed track day missile. It’s a different kind of fun – a kind accessible at socially responsible speeds.
Sadly, this charming exception to Mercedes uniformity is not long for this world. The forces of boredom are conspiring to iron out its quirks, with a new replacement G-Class under development.
So if you want something unusual – or perhaps a car with a personality to match your own nonconformist spirit – now’s your chance.
Text: James O’Donnell
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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