A magazine road-tested the G500 and ML500 back-to-back and declared the ML a better vehicle.

I've always had a lustful desire for the G-Wagon but my wife, who is considering trading in her ML320 for a V8, now favors the ML.

You G owners out there...help me out!

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Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

Don't know what to say, this magazine obviously did not test the off-road capabilities of the G. If they had, then they would have concluded that the G sets the standard to which all offroaders aspire. The M-Class, when it grows up, would like to be a G!

Kuan

I just don't think they can be compared. They're both good at what they do. The G would be neat to own, but the ML is more practical.
Gilly

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Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

My wife would vote that the G wagen is her favorite, hands down. After owning one these last 3 years, she insists that it's her truck (despite my best efforts to tell her otherwise). Even with its austere interior, she would not own a ML if she won it in a raffle. She's ridden in them and still prefers the solid, high ride of the G.

The G has a lot of class on and off the road and really makes its mark off road.

Cheers all.

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S, J.R. Brown
2000 G500 LWB Obsedian Black
2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Off Road Sport
1993 Volvo 240 Sedan Anthracite
1980 450SEL Champange (owned it for 15 years. Great car)
1986 280GE LWB Anthracite (Sold it and kinda wish I hadn't)

With its lower weight and same engine, the ML500 would outperform the G500 on the road. Am I correct to assume that, with its sturdy construction and greater ground clearance/suspension travel, the G would outperform the ML off-road?

Anyone have experience in a back-to-back comparo of the two in the wilderness?

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Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

Just my two cents worth.

Most folks don't take their vehicles to the extremes that "data" comparisons would suggest one could take them to.

Both are safe vehicles from my standpoint. The only rollovers I've come across was one where a gent took it up too extreme an angle and one down south where the driver had the axles locked and literally drove it off the road. http://4x4abc.com/G/6.html

Another gent broadsided a tree with his G and did not sustain serious injuries. http://www.vinthers.dk/gwagen.htm (although I don't see the pictures anymore)

In both cases, the cabin was intact. I'm sure there are more "wreck" stories out there. Maybe some of our fellow G'ers can share evasive maneuvering on the road tales with us. To date, mine has behaved predictably never felt a imminent rollover.

The only cautions I read of regarding the Gs is if you are going to take it to its "limits" then you better have been through an off road driving school like Harold's, http://www.4x4abc.com/G-Class/index.html I've not been to the school, but word is amongst some folks I work with, it's tops.

It really comes down to what you like/want. Consider locating a G500 for sale and you and the Mrs's take it for a spin. A few hours. Then go drive the ML500. Never, know. Might find common ground.

Please consider sharing the "rest of the story" as you two go down this path. If I traded "my G" (her G) in for an ML, my wife would make me sleep on the porch with the dogs (no ***** jokes please), until I brought another G home.

GOOD LUCK with your quest. Cheers.

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S, J.R. Brown
2000 G500 LWB Obsedian Black
2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Off Road Sport
1993 Volvo 240 Sedan Anthracite
1980 450SEL Champange (owned it for 15 years. Great car)
1986 280GE LWB Anthracite (Sold it and kinda wish I hadn't)

I really wouldn't have been in a quandry one year ago. Our ML320 has a pretty plain interior with too much plastic. The Gelandewagon, on the other hand, has an interior in the "classic" Mercedes-Benz style (like our E500). I was saving for the G-wagon.

Now M-B seems to have figured out the "perceived quality" problems of the ML and, from the magazine pics I saw, the ML500 is as well put together inside as outside. Combine its lighter weight, same engine, modern styling...now I have a problem choosing.

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Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

Just noticed on the http://www.jtoutfitters.com/mercedes4x4/ board that someone has posted some G-Wagen and ML crash photos. Nothing morbid.

You could solicit that groups opinion, and you will get them, decidedly Pro G. You might be able to glean a "gem" or two to help you in your quest.

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S, J.R. Brown
2000 G500 LWB Obsedian Black
2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Off Road Sport
1993 Volvo 240 Sedan Anthracite
1980 450SEL Champange (owned it for 15 years. Great car)
1986 280GE LWB Anthracite (Sold it and kinda wish I hadn't)

I guess it depends on how you intend to use the car. The G is a $20,000 premium over the ML. I can understand your wifes desire for some justification of the extra dough. As an urban commuter the ML is going to be the better of the two. It turns tighter, accelerates more quickly and drives much more like a car. For 99% of people the ML makes more sense. The Gwagen is a dinasour by comparison. Instead of the fully independant suspension it has solid axles. The G is very heavy and very boxy, not modern attributes. For off road use the G is the best, I don't care what the Hummer,Rover,Jeep people say. I have met them on the trail, lets face it, if they know they are jealous. On road the G may lag behind the ML a bit. The G500 is awfully quick for a truck that heavy. My experience is that they are plenty powerful for any task. I find that my G is very satisfying on road. It is soooo stout! Over the worst pavement the body structure barely drums, and it is a deep solid sound. The G is still hand built, I mean really hand built. They still bend brake lines by hand over a jig. Or you can buy something crafted by the UAW in Alabama or where ever it is. Interior space in the G is great, narrower than the ML but taller. Biased??? noooo , I just do not see any comparison, other than they both wear the star. I have had a BMW X5 as a loaner car for a while now and have driven it back to back with my G. I don't like the car/truck idea. They are bad cars, too tall and heavy, making them slow and poor handling. They are worthless off-road, which is important to me. That class, ML, X5, RX300 just baffles me. I like the G for its versitility and robust construction. It is also very uniquely styled in this day of egg shapes. I better quit rambling, my vote is for the G. Get out and explore a little off-road and your wife wont ever want an ML again.

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1995 G320
1984 280GE
1971 Unimog 416

G-Man: I like your passion!

The quality of the G-wagen appeals to me but the price of the ML may yet win the day. Unless we wait a few years and let depreciation take its toll on the G500.

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Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

Dean, The truth about the G is that, as a very nice and expensive Mercedes, few are used as they were intended at the cars inception. That was the late 70's. Today they are maybe a bit too nice for rough and tumble off-roading. I am on my second one, both have been used off-road. I am pretty careful with them, I don't want scratches and dents on my G. So the mystique fades a bit. Truely the ideal G to me is an early 80's version, that way I could really USE it without so much trepidation about wrecking something. Instead I bought a '71 416 Unimog. I haven't had a chance to really try it out, but with its cheesy paint job and gruff personality rest assured it will get USED. As for Lebenz suggesting the Mog, believe me it is quite a stretch from the comfy quiet G to the industrial strength Mog(requires earplugs at speed!). Get the ML, if you really have a G itch to scractch, buy an old less expensive model. Use it as a hobby car, I think you would really enjoy it.

One last thought to expand on. I would not wait for depreciation on the G. I have a feeling the used prices will remain very near original cost for quite some time. The market is inflated due to Europa charging $140k for the G up until last year. Bringing in a used one from europe is still mighty pricey. There seems to be a sizable group willing to pay a premium for it as well. Heck, after spending $55k on a '95 G320 with 65k miles a new G500 is a bargain! Too bad the 320 may be a tough sell now without a big hit. Good thing I like it.

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1995 G320
1984 280GE
1971 Unimog 416

The ML500 is cool and all that.. but truth of the matter is... *for me that* I probably will never ever take these cars off the road..
so... my vote goes to G500 *didnt expect that did u?*

I have had people who couldn't understand why I like that boxy *overpriced metal* they say..
hmm let's see.. a BMW X5 4.4i is faster(maybe) and looks better, handles better, and the BMW X5 LeMans whatever car... will smoke the G55 anyday!

But, for me it's all about the G's appeal. It's very unique. If I were to buy a car for its utility, I'd get a Toyota/Lexus/Honda.. but we're not talking about that here

I've loved the G-Wagen ever since I first started checkin out Benzes.. (age 7..) hahaha... yeah..
I was a little kid who loved Benzes...
I remember the cars back then... 280GE's.. (these GE's are soo famous in Indonesia.. they are Common.. very common Benzes..)
then they released the 300GE's and finally G320's.. so to me.. the G500 is a legend made better..

i know, I sound like a kid just day dreamin'.. but.. I'm pretty sure that if I had the money.. the G500 would be my car of choice.. or should I say.. truck of choice hehehe..

G-Man: How does the G-Wagon handle towing? I'd like to be able to tow our W124 on a trailer.

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Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

Dean

My wife drives a G500.

Our G is a 2001 model and it is great!! It makes you feel coddled, comfortable, hierarchical and safe all at the same time.

Inside, the G500 is gorgeous, smooth, solid and refined…. Cleanly designed dash and beautiful wood accents.

The V8’s Power flows to all four wheels, and the transmission shifts imperceptibly and strong. I like that!! But what my wife likes the best is that you are 4 feet above the ground when Driving the G500 and things look very different from there.

My family has owned Range Rover forever and my wife used to drive one of the new Discovery’s before the G. But, believe me!! No other SUV truck that I have driven compares to the G in terms of its ability to clear obstacles in its path.

We love the look!! Also the feel and the agility, speed and visibility inherent of the G.

Finally, Been a 500E owner myself, like you!! My advice is that you must try out the G500 before making up your mind. My wife would be happy to share her impressions with your wife if you consider necessary.

If a picture of a 500E and a G500 together can help you to make a decision. Here you have one!! And you can see more at http://www.imagestation.com/members/MBricardo

Regards

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500E, Mercedes 1992 Pearl Blue
G500, Mercedes 2001 Metallic Beige
250SE Cabrio Mercedes 1968
300SE Coupe Mercedes 1964
220SE "Ponton" Cabrio Mercedes 1960

Wow!
a 500E in Pearl Blue, what a nice car! i have a 230E in the same color and I always dream of having one! That's a trick lookin one too! Trip meter love that..

The G500 is also awesome... damn.. what a combination..