Minor Updates for 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV

When a model remains in production with its hallmark traits virtually untouched since 1979, constant updates are more of a norm than the exception. Coinciding with the G-Class' thirtieth birthday, Mercedes-Benz added new interior features to its SUV model. The 2010MY G-Class benefits from newly developed front seats as well as a new rear bench with customers offered the choice between black or grey fabric upholstery and leather appointments either in black, grey or chestnut, or optionally, the new 'climatised' multicontour seats.

Mercedes did not release any interior photos of the updated G-Class, but the automaker said that the line-up now includes the so-called designo leather upholstery in classic red or black as well as designo wood trim in black piano lacquer. In early 2010, buyers will also be able to opt for the designo stone trim in Labrador blue pearl.

Other interior updates include the addition of an Aux-in socket in the glove compartment and a new ignition key while, indirect ambient interior lighting, a leather-trimmed dashboard, an extensive Chrome package as well as a media interface to connect an iPod, USBor Aux devices have been added to the options list.

On the outside, the 2010MY G-Class gets a modified spare wheel cover with a three-dimensional Mercedes star while the German firm has added two new paintworks to the mix, the "palladium silver metallic" and the "designo platinum magno" matt finish.

The G-Class is offered in three body variants (short Station Wagon, long Station Wagon and Cabriolet) that can be combined with either a 224HP V6 diesel (G 350 CDI) or two gasoline V8 engines producing 388HP in the G 500 and 507HP in the G55 AMG model. Mercedes-Benz recently decided to extend the production of the G-Class until 2015.

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VIDEO: Mika Häkkinen and Michael Schumacher Meet up in New Mercedes Ad

Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has released many TV ads featuring two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen and other renowned pilots, most ending with a funny twist. The Stuttgart-based automaker's latest commercial to hit the web, called “Sunday Driver”, follows a similar recipe. This time, Mercedes chose a hilarious way to promote its 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. To shake things up, Michael Schumacher also makes an appearance, alongside a good-looking female driver.

We’ve also included the “Third man” commercial from a few years back, in which the “New Flying Finn” trumps the younger Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. You can watch both videos after the jump.

READ MORE - VIDEO: Mika Häkkinen and Michael Schumacher Meet up in New Mercedes Ad

Mercedes Extends G-Class Production until 2015

The "Highlander" of the automobile industry, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class that has been in production since the spring of 1979, will continue to live on for at least six more years as Daimler AG has signed an agreement with Magna Steyr to produce the robust off-roader at the company's plant in Graz, Austria until 2015. In the 30 years that the G-Class has been in production, Mercedes-Benz has sold around 200,000 examples of the vehicle worldwide.

To celebrate the G-Class' 30-th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz recently launched two special edition versions of the rugged off-roader called EDITION30 and EDITION30.PUR - see details here.

READ MORE - Mercedes Extends G-Class Production until 2015

Brabus Launches Ludicrous Mercedes G-Class V12 S Biturbo with 700HP

Does a twin-turbocharged, V12-powered Mercedes-Benz G-Class with 700-horsepower make any sense to you - because as hard as we tried, we couldn't find anything sensible about Brabus' latest creation that will be revealed at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Even though it has been in production for precisely three-decades now, the G-Class remains without doubt, one of the world's most capable off-roaders.

Still, Brabus believes - and they're probably right- that there's a wealthy group of people out there who are willing to pay €379,000 ($482,000 U.S. with today's exchange rates) to buy a G-Class that has been virtually stripped out of its off-road capabilities -21 inch alloys shod in 295/40 R21 tires leaves no doubts about that- but has gained some serious power for the asphalt.

But anyways, time to see the Brabus-prepped G-Class in detail. Under the hood of the German SUV lurks a modified version of the V12 Biturbo engine from the latest Mercedes S 600. Brabus increased the V12's displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cubic inches). Along with a series of other upgrades, the V12 now produces 700HP at

In the G-Class the BRABUS S V12 S displacement engine produces 700HP at 5,100 rpm and a peak torque of 1,320 Nm (973 lb-ft) at 2,100 rpm. In the car, the peak torque is electronically limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Combined with a special five-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive the G-Class literally catapults itself from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 240 km/h (150 mph) but if you're brave enough to remove the self-imposed limit, the G-Class could reach 260 km/h (163 mph).

To improve handling, Brabus equipped the G-Class V12 S Biturbo with a custom suspension and a high-performance brake system while the SUV sits on a set of forged Monoblock VI 21-inch alloys shod with size 295/40 R 21 tires front and back.

On the outside, the G-Class V12 S Biturbo is distinguished by aerodynamic-enhancement components that include a front apron with LED daytime running lights and a new rear bumper. The vehicle's interior has been enhanced with an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, a speedometer with 280-km/h scale (175 mph), stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo and a handcrafted fully leather interior.

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Mercedes-Benz celebrates G-Class' 30th Anniversary with Two Special Edition Models

Thirty years have passed since production of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class began in 1979 and the German automaker decided to celebrate the event with the introduction of two special edition models called the EDITION30 and EDITION30.PUR. Based on the long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon, the EDITION30 is more of a premium edition of the ever-lasting G-Class and is distinguished on the outside by a designo platinum black paint finish, specially designed light-alloy wheels and EDITION30 lettering on the wings.,

Inside, this special edition G 500 comes with designo leather in the color "chablis" and designo trim in anthracite poplar wood.

The EDITION30.PUR which is based on the diesel-powered, long-wheelbase G280 CDi, pays homage to the first-generation G-Model and has been optimized for off-road usage. With the optional "Off-road package 1" or "Off-road package 2", the G EDITION30.PUR can be equipped with all-terrain tires in size 265/75 R 16 on, flexible wheel arch flaring, protective grilles for the headlamps and lights, a walk-on bonnet for easier access to the optional roofrack, a towing lug at the front and a two-section rear door.

In the interior, the EDITION30.PUR features four individual seats upholstered in hard-wearing fabric or man-made leather, rubber floor coverings in the passenger compartment, spray-protected controls and drainage apertures in the footwells. A load compartment with a wooden floor, load lashing lugs and rails, as well as an auxiliary heater and manually operated air conditioning complete the package.

The two special models are available from Merc's dealers priced from €59,381 for the "EDITION30.PUR" and from €97,461 for the "EDITION30".

READ MORE - Mercedes-Benz celebrates G-Class' 30th Anniversary with Two Special Edition Models