2004 Mercedes G Class Review

Specifications

Urban Assault Vehicle

A.M.G. On their own, those three little letters dont mean much. But when affixed to the rear end of a Mercedes-Benz, that vowel and two consonants signify a beast to be reckoned with.

Simply put, an AMG Mercedes is a finer tuned, highly styled version of the original. Those who cant understand why an already fine automobile such as a Mercedes Benz would require an aftermarket upgrade, suffice to say the notion that every machine can be improved compels engineers and, more importantly, enthusiasts to build and buy such dalliances.

Founded in 1967 as a motorsport and tuning specialty firm, AMG is today one of the pre-eminent suppliers of high-performance cars and SUVs in the world. As to the A, M and G in AMG, the A and M represent the two men who started the company, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Eberhard Melcher. The G comes from Aufrechts birthplace, Grobaspach, Germany.

Back then, the high-performance shop made its name refurbishing and racing 300SLs in sports car events. DaimlerChrysler took full control of AMG in 1999, and since then has upped the AMG ante to include close to a full line of Mercedes vehicles.

When I first laid eyes on this weeks tester, the 2004 Mercedes Benz G55 AMG, I thought “All Mighty God!” would be more apropos for the AMG acronym.

Now, dont get me wrong. Im all for the high-performance engine tweaks and high-class cosmetic nips and tucks AMG incorporates into, onto and upon Mercedes-Benz products. Essentially, AMG turns really good cars and SUVs into really great cars and SUVs.
But in this particular case, the G500 base model that AMG uses as the G55 platform is in itself an over-the-top UAV ride (thatd be Urban Assault Vehicle).

The G-Series breadbox design is a far cry from conventional wisdom, and while the notion of hauling up a winding highway in the G-Daddy may seem like a straight-outta-MuchMusic rap video, the reality is a utilitarian comfort-level that comes at a high price at the gas pump.

A stomp on the accelerator of even the 5.0-liter G500 elicits a wallet-churning whine; a stab of the G55s throaty, dual-pipe 5.5-liter V8 unleashes a hot-rod sound and sensation worthy of the reported 349 horsepower and 387 ft-lb of torque.

And the final fuel cost is tasty. Of course, with an as tested sticker price cresting, cough, cough, 100-thousand dollars, such things as poor gas consumption are mere footnotes. But this is part of the G-Class appeal.

Vehicles that come with three differential locks as standard running gear are rare enough, let alone units that have wood and leather interiors fit for a night at the opera. The G-Series appeals to those who want a head-turning SUV and money be damned.

In addition to the bigger V8 engine, the AMG version of the G-Wagen adds 18-inch wheels and high-performance tires, as well as chrome-finish front turn signal cages, taillamp cages and a front-bumper underbar.

Apart from the stunning looks of the G55 AMG, the most impressive thing about the rig is the incredible rumble emanating from the AMG exhaust system. Utilizing a genuine dual sidepipe system, both sides with twin stainless-steel tips ahead of each rear wheel, the exhaust note is a thunderous roar, particularly when you give it some throttle at highway speed. Or as the Mercedes press kit describes it, “the sound of the impending storm serves as a wake-up call to lesser vehicles.”

If you want to be the ultimate winner in the “my-SUV-is-badder-than-your-SUV” game, the 2004 G55 AMG is the truck for you.