It would be an understatement to say that Mercedes-Benz has its crossover and SUV segments covered. In fact, it doesn’t only
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cover the basics, with vehicles like the GLK in the compact segment, ML in the mid-size category and GL in the full-size seven-passenger arena, but on top of these more familiar sizes a new smaller compact GLA crossover is currently arriving at Canadian M-B dealers nationwide, plus, of course, it has long provided the iconic G-Class, one of the best off-roaders available anywhere.
Of course, Mercedes offers each model in a variety of trim levels, all of the above except for the GLK available in very sporting top-tier AMG guise. Prior to the 2013 model year the G55 AMG was the only Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach-tuned G-Class available, but that all changed when the Affalterbach, Baden-Württemberg-housed division replaced the 5.5-litre V8 in the G55 AMG with a ridiculously
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powerful V12 and dubbed it G65 AMG. So far Mercedes hasn’t offered this mega-muscle machine in North America, but according to Automotive News this will change soon.
Next year we can expect the G65 AMG to arrive as a 2016 model, complete with its 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12. That engine is good for a healthy 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, and drives all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. Only two vehicles in Mercedes’ fleet get this overzealous powerplant, the lucky duo being the S65 AMG luxury sedan and SL65 AMG roadster. It’s the same engine used in the now defunct Maybach ultra-luxury sedan, incidentally, not to
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mention the fabulous Pagani Huayra supercar.
While the G-Class will likely remain a must-have 4×4 for those who want a powerful luxury vehicle that can go just about anywhere, the arrival of the G65 AMG will come just in time to do battle with new Bentley, Lamborghini and Maserati SUVs, potentially thwarting these new threats. And like at least two of these newcomers, its price tag should hover somewhere around the $250k mark.
©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)
