TA-9FF

Man, that center console looks so similar to my C-Class......

jimmyg

The G-Class has shared components with the C-Class and SL-Class since 2001.

TheDogsCar

Say it isn't so ...

Can anyone confirm this?

blazinginder

went to the local MB dealer a couple weeks back...had the 07 G500 in, new center console, same old UGLY speedo / instrument cluster

jimmyg

In a few months they will start shipping with this dash layout:

Germancar1

I hate it when MB or any other car company does this. I'd feel mighty cheated if I bought a 2007 G500 now with the old gauge layout and I go back for a service and see the new one sitting there, also a 2007 model! Why do they do this?

M

TheDogsCar

I think my post on another website sums it up ...

------

1) MB announced the cancellation of the G to consumers in 2005 (but not the military G's which had contracts out to 2010) ... then because of consumer demand, they restarted it. That halt, lead to having no new development (so 2006's were basically the 2005, but not as 'Grand' of editions). Parts and design changes take time, but the U.S. Buyer's wanted DVD Nav in a new SUV selling for $80k to $105k, so MBUSA put it in ... 'BUT' the Steering Wheel 'Harness' did not mate with the new Center Console/DVD Nav/Phone, and the 2007's were already behind schedule. So, they put them out anyway (which I think was a mistake).

2) The 2007 MBUSA G's went into production late Summer 2006, and started to be shipped to the U.S. ... since MBUSA hadn't planned on continuing the G, they didn't have EPA approval pre-authorized, so they were held up at VPC for emissions problems (and I am guessing the U.S. Gov't works slower than even MB product design). That is where they sat since late October 2006. Finally, it's mid-February and they are being released to the Dealers ... that is why we are half way through a model year and have "old parts".
-----------

I agree, that MBUSA should have just sold the 'old' 2007's and then rushed a 'new' 2008 ... but MBUSA has done this before (it's easy to do with a hand built car). The 2003 G500 first half had bad electrical and window problems; which they fixed in the second half of 2003. The 2005 first half G500's and G55K's were not 'Grand Editions'; the second half were ... and now this with the 2007's

... I just want to know which 'half of a year' the G63's are coming out

faststochastic

So what do we miss with a 2007 G55, opposed to a 2007.5?

Steering wheel.
Led tail lights.
Back-up camera.
One metal pedal.

Am I missing anything?

Will the Nav be the same?

I've got a deposit on a 2007, but I dont want to get screwed.

MJ50

biggest upgrade would be D2B --> MOST !!

TheDogsCar

"Illuminated" Steering Wheels ... plus Compass, 12V Power Socket in front, Tire Pressure Monitor, and new Instrument Clusters ... DVD Nav is same as 'old' 2007

Germancar1

So they bascially made a "Grand" mess of things huh...lol? I just know I'd be pissed with a "2007" model when I saw the "2007.5" model!

M

jimmyg

It's actually even more frustrating for buyers in the Middle East. Late last year, Mercedes started delivering G-wagens with the new bi-xenon headlamps and cornering headlights, but with the old (2006) interior with CD-ROM based Navigation. In fact, that's still what is being delivered today, but come late March they will have the completely new interior and exterior (LED-style tail lamps, reversing camera, etc.). Makes you wonder how many different variants of the G-Class have been produced in the last few months.

Germancar1

Yeah that is just silly. It would seem to me that it would be cheaper to just make the same version for every market. All these different versions can't be good, its going to be a nightmare years from now when they need repairs. Every vin is going to be darn near unique!

M

Mobsteel

I was tired of the "G" game. Just got my S550 with the Carlsson pkg. Looks hot. Maybe in 2 years i'll grab the G63 V12. Lost my motivation for the G with all the mess. No wonder they don't sell too many. Still love the G but.......

JLP

They sell every G they build.

david_101

yes, eventually every G is sold. and eventually most every car is sold, as well, if not at MSRP or above, then below. but sold, they are.

jimmyg

I think you guys are looking at the situation in one of the many countries the G-Class is sold in. Here in Dubai, demand for the G-Class has never been higher. Mercedes extended production to 2010 due to market demand, and they run three production shifts (24hrs a day) because they can't build them fast enough to satisfy this demand.

TheDogsCar

I thought the same thing. All cars made are sold ... but at what price?

The price for 'first generation' MBUSA 2007 G55K's are starting to drop. This MB Dealer has 5 and willing to sell them for $4,000 below MSRP:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-...QQcmdZViewItem

... and weren't they just 'released' in February?

I am just waiting and hoping for a G63

go2thebeach

Personally i think they (AMG) should bump up the ponies to 1000 hp for the G wagon, completely remodel the interior with custom build options. I personally want one in midnight blue with chrome rims. It should have available custom options such as a carb breathers, roof racks, push bars, winches. Remember how cool the Laura Croft Tombraider truck was? This truck could easily be pushed into the $300k range...why not?

I think a hybrid version might be cool since the gas mileage sucks in the G but it would suck to have to recharge the batteries every block

anywho....

love my G

xlr8tin

Any pictures yet of this G63?

jimmyg

The G-Class has hardly changed in 25 years, I doubt it will be very different. They just made some exterior changes to the G-Class in the 2007.5 model year so the only changes I expect for an updated AMG variant (if they make it) would be the new engine and 7 speed gearbox.

TheDogsCar

I just called MBUSA and asked about the G63 ... was told it is in the works, but no details available yet.

So, I asked if they could tell me what cars would be at the April 6th, NY Auto Show (the G55K was debuted there in 2004 ) ... they told me they have no details on that either

... gonna keep trying

alroumi

Ive just checked with the Dealer over here in Kuwait, there wont be a G63 for 2008, however late 07's are getting the 4V 388hp 500 engine mated with a 7speed tranny.

david_101

was just what i had hoped for. thanks for the news. guessing that late MY2007 G500 388bhp there will be MY2008 model in the US. what do you think?

TheDogsCar

A G550 (388hp) would be plenty of power for me ... in fact it is more than the 2003/04 G55's had

BTW, on the GL forum, someone posted that the GL63 is starting to be built in Vance, AL ... 'if' that is the case, that is potentially good news for a G63. A year ago, I had been told that the hold up of a G63 was the G's weight. The new 7-Speed would have to be re-enforced to handle the torque ... if they are building a GL63, then that issue must be solved (Curb Weight only a couple hundred pounds less on the GL)

I may be being a Pollyana, but I have a good feeling about the NY Auto Show