Updates Arrive for ‘09 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Neither time nor the rising price of fuel has withered it. It’s the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and it’s entering 2009 with some fairly substantial mechanical upgrades.

The truck, which has been on sale for nearly three decades, looks almost identical to last year’s model, with the exception of the front grille, which now features only three slats, and the alloy wheels, which feature a new design. As before, it can be ordered in a short-wheelbase convertible, a regular wheelbase “wagon”, and a long-wheelbase, the standard model for North America.

For 2009, however, it’s what’s under the hood that truly counts as change. The G500 now sports Mercedes-Benz’s 5.5-liter V8 that makes an impressive 388 horsepower, a giant upgrade from the old 282 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine that was featured last year. Torque is rated at 390 lb-ft. This engine is mated to the brand’s smooth and durable 7G-Tronic transmission. Together, the package enables the brick-like G-Class to accelerate to 60 mph in less than six seconds. This engine is the new range-topping engine for the G-Class, as the old supercharged G55 AMG has been canceled.

Because not all customers want gasoline power, the G-Class is also offered in other markets with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that makes 224 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.

Inside, the G gains the latest navigation and telematics system that features LINGUATRONCI voice recognition, as well as a premium Harman / Kardon Logic7 sound system. Other than that, the interior is untouched.

Next year, the G-Class will celebrate its 30th anniversary.