Part of job of being an Auto Journalist is that we do get to attend a lot of product launches. But if you think that product launches must be very ‘happening’, I am afraid I have to burst your bubble. Most of the product launches are quite dull and they happen in closed rooms, where we hardly get to know what the car is capable of. So hats off to Mercedes India for thinking out-of-the-box and making the launch of G55 AMG more of an event rather than a dull press conference.
The Mercedes G55 AMG is a 5 seater SUV with 5 speed automatic tranny and a permanent all wheel drive. But more importantly, it has a very distinct presence on the road. Mercedes-India made a smart move by only launching the AMG model because the flared arches, the chrome grill and those chunky 19 inches wheels certainly make it stand apart from a particular Tata car whose name starts with ‘S’ ;)
Powered by massive 5.5 liter petrol V8 that produces 507 bhp and 700 nm of torque, this is certainly not the company car for Ministry of Environment and Forests. Let’s face it, it’s for people who want to show off a bit; not that there is anything wrong with it. In fact, it is nicknamed as the Beverly hills SUV because it is so popular with Hollywood celebrities.
The SUV is also moderately packed with technology such as:
- Electronically controlled traction control system
- A low range gearbox with three selectable differential locks
- Hill start Assist
- ESP
- Command APS Mercedes telematics
- Reversing camera and rear seat entertainment package
The off-roading capabilities of this mean machine are immense. It can enter at amazing steep angles and exit them with the same poise. And because the engine is so powerful it can even reverse at a 45 degree angle, a point that was proved in the demonstration.
Being an AMG powered SUV, it can also display its brawn in straight line speed. 100km/hr comes up in 5.5 seconds and it goes all the way to an electronically limited speed of 210 km/h.
But there is a twist in the story. At 1.1 CR this is not the sort of a car that you aspire to. This is sort of a car that you have been aspiring all along. Let me explain: If you demonstrate a Royal Enfield biker how a Yamaha R15 is technologically better than his bullet, would that make him ditch his bundle of joy? Absolutely not!
This SUV is being sold all across the globe because of its fan base. People who want a G Wagon will always want it irrespective of what alternatives exist. And for that simple reason we give it a thumbs up!
