AIMS: Hot G Wagen leads AMG four-play

Mercedes-Benz Australia boss, Hans Tempel has unveiled a trio of hot AMG-enhanced models at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney today amid the most promising indication yet of the German brand's commitment to delivering high-end muscle to the local market.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class returns to Australia after a 20-year hiatus, the nameplate first brought to market in 1979. Boasting an impressive level of competence off-road, the G Wagen (as it is affectionately know) has a long-proven ability of being able to access some of the world's most remote locations. Mercedes highlighted the G-wagen's iminent return to Oz by unveiling the outrageous G 55 AMG. Boasting a 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine, the G 55 produces 373kW and 700 Nm -- enough to propel it from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds.

Every 5.5 litre V8 supercharged engine is made by a single technician in accordance with the company's "One man, One Engine" principle and is mated to a specially tuned five-speed automatic transmission.

Joining the G 55 AMG, and in contrast to the blistering performance on hand, Mercedes-Benz will also offer an environmentally friendly version of the G-Class bringing state-of-the-art BlueTEC technology, developed to reduce diesel vehicle emissions (especially nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions) to the nameplate. The G 350 BlueTEC converts up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water by a process of reduction in the catalytic converter. The V6 diesel engine develops 155kW at 3400rpm and has 540Nm of available torque between 1600-2400rpm.

The V6 diesel comes standard with the highly-acclaimed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, which improves fuel consumption, comfort and responsiveness.

G-Class also boasts a highly sophisticated all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled traction system dubbed 4ETS that provides optimal traction. Additional assistance is offered through the transfer case off-road ratio that provides exceptional climbing ability or negotiating obstacles. The package is complete with front axle, rear axle and inter-axle differentials that can be locked at the touch of a button, thereby re-directing power to the wheels offering the best grip.

"To be able to launch the famous G-Class in Australia has always been a dream of mine" said Horst von Sanden, Managing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars at Mercedes-Benz Australia / Pacific.

"G-Class will also introduce BlueTEC technology to Australia, which we will introduce to more models in the future. G-Class, a rugged off-road vehicle with Mercedes-Benz credentials."

Joining its off-road cousins at the Mercedes-Benz stand, the new CL 63 AMG mates the brand's newly developed powertrain, the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, with the unique AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission.

Mercedes-Benz says the new CL 63 AMG marks the start of a new chapter in the "AMG Performance 2015" drive strategy: Mercedes-AMG is continuing this impressive story and is meeting its promise to continuously reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models with the new engine/transmission combination – while reaching new heights with the central AMG brand value of "performance".

Together with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, the new AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine will play a significant role in the Mercedes-AMG model strategy over the coming year, the new engine/transmission combination marking a further milestone in the successful history of Mercedes-AMG, which began back in 1967.

Designated internally as the M157, the new V8 engine features a displacement of 5461cc and develops 400kW/800Nm while also improving fuel economy by as much as 25 per cent (now just 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle). CO2 emissions have likewise been significantly reduced, now only 244g/km, 29 per cent lower than for the previous model.

The Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. It will be launched in Australia this November alongside the updated twelve-cylinder CL 65 AMG model which will produce 463kW/1000Nm.

Enhanced driving dynamics also feature strongly with Mercedes-Benz’s new ex-factory Performance Package Plus, demonstrated on a vivid orange C63 AMG. Increasing power levels by 22kW to 358kW, the pack is available on both sedan and estate variants ensuring ample performance for even the most power-hungry sports driver.

Performance Package Plus also includes an AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology on the front axle, a carbon fibre spoiler lip (saloon only) and an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h is done and dusted in just 4.4 seconds and 0-200km/h in 13.9 seconds. The top speed is 250km/h (electronically limited).

The updated C 63 engine features forged pistons from the new SLS AMG together with new connecting rods and a lightened crankshaft. Reduced inertia boosts the agility and responsiveness of the engine, which is recognisable from the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey. New engine management completes the powertrain measures in the Performance Package Plus for the C 63 AMG.

Australia is the fifth largest AMG market in the world, with the C 63 AMG leading the way for local drivers. Since its launch in March 2008 at the legendary Bathurst circuit, the C 63 AMG is the sales champion for AMG in Australia. Available as a Sedan or an Estate the C 63 AMG has rewritten the sales record books in its segment with over 1,260 units sold from launch to date

"The unique C 63 AMG on display also unveils the AMG Performance Package Plus which Australian customers can now order from their local dealer in both Saloon and Estate," said managing director of Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia, Mr Horst von Sanden.

Finally, a unique SLS AMG finished in design magno Night Black sat discreetly at the rear of the Merecdes-Benz stand. The car the only one of its kind in this colour in the world. Along with the red highlights both inside and out, this SLS AMG is sure to be an instant collector's item.

"Each Mercedes-Benz vehicle is special, but for this year's motor show we wanted to go that next step and bring two world exclusives to show the Australian public," said managing director of Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia, Mr Horst von Sanden.

"Australia is one of our favourite markets," exclaimed director of branding, marketing and sales Mercedes-AMG, Mario Spitzner. "We were asked to create two unique AMG vehicles for the Australian International Motor Show. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did building them."

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Night Black pricing:
TBC

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class AMG pricing:
CL 63 AMG $423,300
CL 65 AMG $519,250

For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims

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