2009 Mercedes-benz G55 Amg 4matic, Still Under Factory Warranty! on 2040-cars

Vehicle Overview:
The ultimate SUV used by military in more than 60 countries. The refined luxury civilian version with the G55 AMG rides stiff on low profile tires and has tremendous power. Handbuilt in Austria by Mercedes for 30-years, it is a classic. The G Class hasn't changed much over several decades. Originally developed for the Shah of Iran, and German army use, but introduced for civilian buyers in 1979, the G-Wagen developed a loyal international following from off-road enthusiasts and military buffs. Hand-assembled in Austria, the G-Wagen fit the part of basic off-roader at first, with a modest lineup of gasoline and diesel engines and three body styles—two- or four-door hardtop, or two-door softtop. Although never officially sold in the U.S. in the 1980s, a number of G-Wagens were imported as a gray-market product and sold to the wealthy as a status symbol. By the mid-1990s, a V-8 version had been introduced, as well as a power-convertible version, and interior appointments became more luxurious. Currently, the G55 has 500 hp. Fuel economy is as low as 11 mpg city, 15 highway for the AMG model. The quiet cabin makes for an unexpectedly serene ride.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options:
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G55 AMG is a five-passenger luxury SUV. Fully equipped with 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, bi-xenon headlamps, a heated windshield, running boards, rear park assist with a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt/telescoping heated steering wheel, 10-way power front seats with memory, heated and ventilated seats (front and rear) and leather upholstery.

Also standard is the voice-activated COMAND touchscreen interface that includes a hard-drive-based navigation system and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio, HD digital radio, an SD card reader, an iPod/MP3 connector and an in-dash, six-CD changer. The COMAND system also allows access to real-time traffic updates and Zagat restaurant reviews. The G55 AMG also has front and rear light guards, dual side-exit chrome exhausts and premium "designo" leather and wood trim.

Powertrains and Performance:
The 5.5-liter, 500-hp G55 AMG (an upgrade for 2009 as well) uses V-8 power to push this ute's barn-door aerodynamics through the air. The engine in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G55 features a belt-driven Lysholm or screw-type supercharger, as well as a cooled intake-air intercooler that boosts acceleration and performance. The AMG version's high-torque five-speed automatic is slightly more brutish—and right in character. With it, the big V-8 achieves a dismal 11 mpg city, 13 highway. The G55 can go from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds.The g55 AMG comes standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case controlled by a console-mounted switch. With a 50/50 torque split and electromechanically locking front, center and rear differentials, the G-Class is Mercedes-Benz's most capable off-road vehicle. Properly equipped, the G-Class is capable of towing 7,000 pounds.

Safety:
Anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution along with stability control are also standard in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, as are curtain airbags and rear parking sensors. The G55 gets upgraded brakes.

Interior Design and Special Features
Minor interior updates have made the G-Class appear more contemporary, including a revised version of Mercedes' COMAND system with a large, 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen display. The screen is clear and easy to see, but we're still not crazy about the buttons that control the COMAND system. Instead of the console-mounted control wheel used in the C-Class and S-Class, the G-Class employs awkward push-buttons on a circular control pad that's mounted on the center stack – a layout more befitting a video game console than a luxury SUV.

An extensive standard features list ensures a cushy environment for the driver and all passengers. However, the very upright position of the driver seat might put off those used to more carlike cockpits. Owners had better be strong, too, since the rear swinging cargo door is heavy due to its full-size spare tire and stainless steel cover. Rear cargo capacity, at 80 cubic feet, falls short of other full-size sport utilities.