The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a beast. That reality was underlined this week when police posted on-line surprising video footage which, they claimed, confirmed an unnamed Premier League footballer doing 125 mph on the M25 within the £150,000 G-Wagon.
I drove considered one of these real-life Tonka toys lately and I can affirm it’s supercharged.
It’s also the peak of consolation. So, whereas I am unable to touch upon the alleged dashing case and would by no means condone harmful driving, I can let you know it should be dealt with with respect.
Rugged: The Mercedes G-Wagon was conceived for army use in 1972 however has since turn out to be a extremely fascinating luxurious motor
With its slab-like retro design, it seems like a complicated army car and there is a cause for that.
The unique G-Wagon (Gelandewagen, or all-terrain car) was conceived — earlier than the Iranian Revolution — by the late Shah of Iran in 1972 as a army 4×4 and utilized by the German military.
A civilian model has been round for 40 years since 1979 and, visually, has barely modified.
I drove the full-snorting, fire-breathing, new Mercedes-AMG G63 mannequin, powered by a 585 hp, four-litre, twin turbocharged V8 linked to a slick AMG Speedshift Plus 9G-Tronic nine-speed automated gearbox, with the choice for handbook override by way of steering wheel paddles.
The unique G-Wagon was conceived — earlier than the Iranian Revolution — by the late Shah of Iran in 1972 as a army 4×4 and utilized by the German military
There are three road-driving modes: Consolation, Sport and Sport-plus.
It accelerates blisteringly from relaxation to 62mph in 4.5 seconds, with a high pace of 149 mph.
For much less energetic driving, it will probably run on solely 4 cylinders to avoid wasting on thirsty gasoline consumption, which averages 21.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 299g/km.
Rev the engine and it feels like a supercar, regardless of its chunky look, squared-off panelling, large exterior door hinges and industrial-style sprint trim.
Every 4×4 is hand-built beneath licence by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The brand new mannequin is barely longer and wider than earlier than, with an improved physique, chassis, suspension, steering, engine and gearbox, plus new driver help programs.
The brand new G-Wagon is barely longer and wider than earlier than, with an improved physique, chassis, suspension, steering, engine and gearbox, plus new driver help programs.
Heated seats, blind spot and parking help, digital traction, ambient inside lighting and a strong sound system add to the package deal.
However you may want deep pockets. The automobile I examined, in sinister ‘obsidian black’, price £153,905, of which extras accounted for about £12,000.
Mercedes has additionally launched a brand new six-cylinder, three-litre diesel G-Wagon G30d model, costing from about £94,000.
I took my G63 for an honest spin from the historic Brooklands web site at Weybridge in Surrey, the world’s first objective constructed motor racing monitor -which is now dwelling to Mercedes-Benz World and a implausible automotive and aviation museum – out into the countryside and alongside the gloriously uplifting Hog’s Again close to Guildford.
Given the ability, there’s helpful sturdy hand-grab rail on the dashboard for the entrance passenger.
Mercedes has additionally launched a brand new six-cylinder, three-litre diesel G-Wagon G30d model, costing from about £94,000
Added extras on my automobile included £5,500 for black nappa leather-based trim package deal for the inside together with the dashboard and door panels and armrests, with diamond quilting and perforated seats, and ‘silver shadow’ air vents,
An additional £2,700 provides a ‘evening package deal’ which incorporates 21 inch (up from commonplace 20-inch) AMG 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels, exterior mirror housings, spare-wheel ring and different trim parts in a darkly sinister obsidian black.
The £2,000 AMG Driver’s Package deal pushes the highest pace up from the usual 137mph to 149mph.
Although I wager few will do any critical off-roading on this 4X4, the potential is there with three separate differential locks and settings for sand, path and rock.
Hyundai ditches the automobile key for a fingerprint
Korean automobile agency Hyundai is launching the world’s first manufacturing automobile that makes use of your fingerprint as a safety ‘key’ for entry and beginning the engine (left).
The expertise, just like that used on smartphones, is an choice for its Santa Fe SUV this 12 months, rather than a traditional key or distant ‘plipper’.
Hyundai believes it is fingerprint automobile safety system is 5 instances simpler than good keys
To unlock, the driving force locations their finger on the door-handle sensor for comparability with a pre-scanned fingerprint.
When it detects a match, the door opens. Contact a sensor on the ignition change and the engine fires up.
By recognising the driving force, the system can even customise the cabin by robotically adjusting seating positions, side-mirror angles and ‘related’ automobile options, resembling stereo and wifi, with extra deliberate together with steering wheel adjustment.
Hyundai claims the prospect of a mistake is one in 50,000, making the expertise 5 instances simpler than good keys.
Peugeot 3008 proves to a household favorite
Driving Peugeot’s 3008 over the festive season gave me an opportunity to evaluate its versatility.
The full of life five-seater proved a versatile companion once I picked up our eldest from college with all his equipment.
The sensible Peugeot 3008 is a fascinating drive with good acceleration, presence and heft on the highway
It coped exceptionally effectively, too, with the pre-holiday store and regular household chauffeuring duties.
It is an attractive drive with good acceleration, presence and heft on the highway. It additionally has a beautiful exterior ‘puddle gentle’ beneath the wing mirrors.
The award-winning Peugeot 3008 has thus far bought 430,000 worldwide and nearly 37,000 within the UK.
It has scooped 61 world awards since launch, most recenlty being named ‘Greatest Medium SUV’ on the UK’s 2019 Carbuyer Greatest Automotive awards.
- Land Rover has now confirmed that its next-generation Defender will likely be totally revealed this 12 months, with deliveries from 2020. Nonetheless, business consultants consider it will likely be constructed overseas on the agency’s new manufacturing unit in Nitra, Slovakia, alongside the brand new Land Rover Discovery.
SAVE MONEY ON MOTORING
