::sniff:: The Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG is one of my favorite cars of all time. Period. It's the first thing I'll put in my dream garage. It's completely unreasonable with a design and chassis from the '70s, doors that make a bank vault feel flimsy, a nearly 7-foot height, serious four-wheel drive, barely-over-single-digit fuel economy (11 / 15) and a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 making 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Oh, and it costs $124,450.
Unfortunately, all of those numbers that make me love this goofy rocket-powered tank are the reasons that nobody outside of Beverly Hills buys one. And so, the G55 is leaving the US for the 2012 model year. I'm thinking of pouring a barrel of oil on the curb for my fallen friend.
To make up for this, Mercedes-Benz has announced two special edition Gs that, like the G55, are for Europe only.
First up is the BA3 Final Edition based on the SWB station wagon and, as the name implies, signals the end of that vehicle. It will be available with either a 388-hp (G500) 5.5-liter V8, or a 211-horsepower G350 BlueTec six-cylinder diesel. The BA3 also features AMG wheel arches, light alloy wheels, AMG radiator grille, chrome lights and a spare tire cover with 3D (!) Mercedes-Benz Star.
The next edition is the "Edition Select" LWB model which has a two-tone exterior with special bumpers, AMG side flaps and mirrors, 18-inch light alloy wheels, AMG sports exhaust and two-tone interior.
Related: G55 AMG Drift
ed124c says:
10:43 AM, 05/ 5/11
*This ad paid for by "Tax Cuts For The Rich."
hondanut says:
10:51 AM, 05/ 5/11
Hard to believe but there is a black G55 AMG floating around Spokane. I always chuckle when I see it. Talk about driving the golden chariot in the barn yard. On another note, I also regularly see a new red M3 during my commute. Driven by a meek little gal. Drive like you stole it not like your grandma's Camry, I always say.
cruiserhead1 says:
11:27 AM, 05/ 5/11
End of an era. One of the best SUV's ever made.
The final editions look good. It would have been nice to have an oil burner 4 door version in the USA.
altimadude05 says:
11:28 AM, 05/ 5/11
I saw plenty of these around Chicago when I lived there, and there's one or two in the Tampa area.
audisport says:
01:49 PM, 05/ 5/11
I see these once in awhile in the D. It's the Eastern European transplant's favorite ride of choice, besides 5 year old Range Rovers with horrendous 22" wheels.
desmolicious says:
01:58 PM, 05/ 5/11
The G55 blows. I've driven my brother's quite a few times:
Terrible ride
Unsuitable wheels for off-roading
Side exit pipes remove off road clearance
Terrible vision out of the back
Creaks and groans like a boat, especially the back door/hatch area
Fast in a straight line up to a sail in the wind point
Terrible steering
Terrible handling
Tight fit to get into the back seats
Uncomfortable front seats
Anti sway bars keep breaking
Elec windows keep breaking
This truck is only good in it's "original" version - stripped down, diesel motor, wheels that can use real off road tyres.
Good riddance!
emajor says:
09:03 AM, 05/ 6/11
This is purely an image vehicle. Too much of a truck to be a decent luxury vehicle, and too much of a luxury vehicle to be an decent truck.
bimmerjay says:
09:17 PM, 05/ 6/11
Yeah I'm not a fan, bu-bye G wagen.
g55amg says:
11:36 AM, 06/21/11
Oh you poor babies, complaining about the AMG G55. Can't afford one? You must've really cried when the finally dumped the crappy Hummer boxes. Makes you look like you're in the Army? Really? Those Hummer things were really wannabe trucks for folks who like pick-up trucks with fat exhaust pipes going up straight behind the cabin, drivers wearing camouflage gear. Rolling Thunder? I can pass wind louder than that. Despicable junk, all.
My G55, my third one, by the way, makes strangers into acquaintances. People are curious and ask what that amazing machine is. Last year we drove across the US, 6000 miles RT. Best trip ever, so far. Next month we're driving to Florida. don't worry about the gas, I can afford it. My gas comes from Alaska, exclusively. I help the American economy. Ever saw anyone ask a Hummer owner what that thing was? Really?