Some things just get finer with age — wine, cheese and Mercedes’ G-Class. The tank-like G-Class debuted way back in 1979, and hasn’t seen much in the way of updates since then. For 2009, Mercedes will stay the course with a very lightly updated G-Class SUV.
From the outside, not much on the 2009 G-Class will change. Mercedes-Benz has updated the off-roader’s face with a new corporate grille, and updated wheels will help you differentiate your rig from your neighbor’s lesser 2008 model.
However, the G-Class will see some major revisions underhood. The Merc’s 5.0L V8 will see a horsepower bump from 292 all the way up to 382 — a 90 horse improvement. Torque will also be improved from 336 lb-ft to 391.
The AMG version of the G-Class will see a modest 7 horsepower increase, totaling an even 500.
Despite the improvements, we’re willing to bet the G-Class’ best feature is still the solid “thud” you get when you slam one of its doors. They just don’t make ‘em like they used to, unless its a G-Class.
