G-wagen confirmed for Down Under; Current G55 AMG to lead the way

Based on the US-built M-Class, the G-wagen is a true offroader and will boast serious all-terrain underpinnings. Still to make its world debut, the new G is claimed to rival the US brands in dimensions and has been dubbed a "full-size SUV" by respected US weekly, Automotive News. Equipped to seat seven, the new G is expected to have a wheelbase around 300mm longer than the M's already rangey 2915mm. For the purpose of comparison, the latest GM Suburban stretches 3302mm between wheels.

Mercedes-Benz Australia chief Horst von Sanden went on record at the Tasmanian launch of the M-Class last week, stating: "If I am still in the country [Australia] and responsible for Mercedes-Benz I can promise you the G-Class will come." However, other Mercedes sources confirmed to CarPoint that the big Benz has already been confirmed for local delivery in late 2006. In fact, in addition to the new SUV, it now looks likely a very limited run of high-spec current G-Class cars could arrive as early as late 2005 to pave the way.

The current G-Class chosen to spearhead Mercedes' attack on the land is the G55 AMG. Dubbed 'The King of Bling' by overseas pundits, the G55 features a luxury fitout, wide road-orientated rubber and the same supercharged 5.4lt V8 that is shoehorned under the bonnet of the impressive E55 AMG. Delivering 350kW and 700Nm the hand-built powerplant should possess the wherewithal to allow the G-wagen to take on the likes of BMW's X5 4.8is and Porsche's Cayenne Turbo.

It is almost certain the G55 AMG will come in a numbered limited edition run of just 55 vehicles. Given the limited availability of the model, Aussie G-men can expect the SUV to boast a heavy load of options and a pricetag approaching $270,000.