Saturday, May 7, 2011

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

 It won’t be long before Mercedes stops production of the short wheelbase version (SWB) of its iconic G-Class series, but before that happens, the German company is launching a limited production model, fittingly called the “BA3 Final Edition” as a last hurrah. It is joined by a special version of the long-wheelbase model (LWB) called the “Edition Select”, based on the G500.

The G-Class BA3 Final Edition is available with two engine variants (G 350 BlueTEC and G 500) and sports several AMG elements such as the flared wheel arches painted in the same color as the rest of the vehicle, radiator grille with chrome highlights, 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels, stainless-steel running boards and spare wheel cover. Other features include an electric sunroof, metallic paintwork, parking radar and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Inside, limited edition SWB model boasts ventilated and heated front seats covered in black leather, burr walnut wood trim and chrome highlights on the gearshift lever, seat adjustment controls and loudspeakers in the front doors. Standard features include a mobile phone package, rubber floor mats and a load compartment cover with additional stowage boxes.
In Germany, the 211HP G 350 BlueTEC “BA3 Final Edition” is priced at €90,511 ($134,500), while the 388HP G 500 version costs €100,686 ($149,600).

Moving onto Merc’s second special G-Class, the long-wheelbase “Edition Select” package is offered exclusively on the V8-powered G500. It comes in a two-tone paintwork, with the bumpers, AMG side flaps and exterior mirrors finished in obsidian black metallic. The stainless-steel running boards and spare wheel cover, together with the black 18-inch alloy-wheels add further contrast to the rugged 4x4’s body. Other exterior elements include the carbon-fiber inserts on the protective strips, underbody protection and an AMG sports exhaust system.
The two-tone theme continues in the cabin, where porcelain and black designo leather create a stylish atmosphere. The car carries the Chrome package from the “BA3 Final Edition” and also gets designo piano black wood trim. The dashboard, armrest, door handles and brake lever are lined in black leather, while the inner door panels are lined with gathered leather. A 12-speaker, 450-watt Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, the crash-responsive Neck-Pro head restraints and stainless steel door sill panels also come as standard.
The “Edition Select” package adds €6,735 ($10,000) to the price of LWB G-Class models in Germany.


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