REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

German mountain goat

Does the world needs another 4×4 ? DaimlerChrysler is thinking so. The goal is to compete, in the news at least, with the Hummer ( GM ). To achieve this task, the easiest way is to import the sturdy G-Wagen from the European market. This military-designed SUV is sold there since… 1979 ! Ironically, it is smaller, slower, heavier and more expensive than Mercedes own ML truck ! But the point is exclusivity, not relevance.Another difference is in the chassis layout: body on frame construction and rigid axles at each end. That ’ s the opposite of the current trend, with unitbody and independent suspension. To confirm that this beast will be a true off-road machine, it is possible to lock all 3 differential from inside the truck.The only engine to be found under the bonnet is the well-known 5.0 liter V8 ( 282 HP ). At 2475 kg, this brute will need all the ponies available. Mercedes will retail this German Jeep somewhere north of 100 000$. This way, exclusivity is guaranteed to the happy few that will park one in their driveway. And this will provide less exposure to Range Rover and Hummer in the magazines, the true objective of this addition to the luxury 4×4 market.

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