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Theme Week: 2011 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG Designo

No 1% household is complete without the obligatory SUV. Most opt for the Range Rover; actually I think they are mandatory in certain neighborhoods. In a sea of generic luxury SUVs, how does one stand out with the valet at the yacht club? Enter the solution: the G55 AMG.

Normally I’d be tempted to discuss the 504 bhp supercharged AMG V8, or the G55’s off-road prowess, but these things are inconsequential to the 1%. Rather I feel the need to point out the “look at me” AMG styling that will turn heads all over town, the plush Nappa leather, and the navigation system that offers Zagat ratings for restaurants…you know the important things.

This arctic white G-Wagen for sale in Chicago, IL, is a god among men in the SUV market.

 

2011 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG Designo on eBay

The G-Class is powered by a 382-horsepower, 5.5L V8, while the high-performance G55 AMG gets a supercharged version good for 500 hp. The G55 can dash to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. Fuel economy isn’t stellar, but it’s reasonable considering what the G-Class was built for: 12 mpg city and 15 highway. The AMG version achieves 11 city and 13 highway. Thanks to a serious mechanical 4-wheel-drive system, complemented by modern electronics, the G-Class has the goods for serious off-roading as well as simply taking on slippery road conditions. The system comes with three differential locks to distribute power in whatever way is best for the conditions. On- or off-road, traction is aided by the electronic stability control system, which also helps distribute power left to right. The G-Class is an old-style, truck-like SUV in look and feel, yet its interior is appointed with top-notch luxury materials, including premium leather, burl walnut trim and wood and leather trim elsewhere. The G55 AMG adds a Nappa leather interior and natural maple trim, plus 5-spoke wheels, special chrome trim, and illuminated doorsills on the outside. Inside, the G-Class provides a very upright driving position that’s quite different than in any other vehicle from the brand’s lineup; back seats have enough room for adults, but they’re not as easily reconfigurable for cargo compared to most modern SUVs. Also, the back door is hinged on the side rather than the top. Cruise control, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, rear heated seats and a parking assistant are included with the G550, as well as a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated multi-contour front seats. The latest version of Mercedes-Benz COMAND screen-based interface is included on the G55 AMG, plus voice controls, a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface. There’s also a premium, 610-watt harman/kardon audio system that also features an SD memory card slot, iPod connectivity and Sirius satellite radio and HD radio tuners. The navigation system includes a 40-GB hard drive as well as live traffic info and Zagat restaurant ratings.

These are growing on me, and have become one of my favorite SUVs out there. The blend of luxury, off-road capability, and AMG muscle is untouchable on today’s market. The Arctic White over black leather is my favorite combo for this mainly because it’s not a common combo on these; you usually see black or silver. With an MSRP of over $130K, this barely used G-Wagen is priced reasonably; vs. a new one…I sure hope the dealer takes cash.

-Brian

 

4 Comments

  1. Slim Chance
    Slim Chance October 18, 2012

    Urban Pimp Daddy!!! Buy Exxon, Royal Dutch Shell. Dividends might help with gas.

    Different strokes, different folks! If you like it that’s all that matters.

  2. brian
    brian October 18, 2012

    It’s likely that the buyer of a $120K suv isn’t too concerned with the price of gas.

  3. Harrison
    Harrison October 18, 2012

    A good year and a nice car but at this price why not spend a little more and get a new G63?

    I like this car the problem is it’ll never even see snow more than likely and, if it does, its tires aren’t rated for that so you’ll end up in a ditch.

    Reality is such a cruel, cruel master.

  4. Larry
    Larry October 18, 2012

    Choice of moderately successful pop stars everywhere. Honestly, between that and the urban pimp daddy image, I wouldn’t want to be seen in one of these. White is just an extra nail in the coffin.

Comments are closed.