The Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG Long, produced between April 2001 and May 2004, represents a potent and luxurious iteration of the iconic G-Class (W463) series. This extended-wheelbase variant, part of the facelifted W463 generation introduced in 2000, combined the G-Class’s legendary off-road capability with the high-performance characteristics of AMG’s 5.4-liter V8 engine. Positioned as the top-tier performance model in the G-Class lineup during its production run, the G 55 Long catered to buyers seeking both exclusivity and substantial power. It offered a significant step up in performance and refinement compared to the standard G-Class models, such as the G 320 or G 400, and provided a more luxurious alternative to the more utilitarian focused trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | G-class |
| Generation | G-class Long (W463, facelift 2000) |
| Type | AMG G 55 V8 (354 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production | April, 2001 |
| End of production | May, 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 21.6 l/100 km (10.9 US mpg, 13.1 UK mpg, 4.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 16.2 l/100 km (14.5 US mpg, 17.4 UK mpg, 6.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 381 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 209 km/h (129.87 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7 kg/Hp, 142.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm, 211.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 354 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 525 Nm @ 3000 rpm (387.22 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 113.982 |
| Engine displacement | 5439 cm3 (331.91 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 97 mm (3.82 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 12 l (12.68 US qt | 10.56 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2485 kg (5478.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3200 kg (7054.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 715 kg (1576.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (min) | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (max) | 2250 l (79.46 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 96 l (25.36 US gal | 21.12 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 200 kg (440.92 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4680 mm (184.25 in.) |
| Width | 1760 mm (69.29 in.) |
| Height | 1936 mm (76.22 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm (112.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Rear track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Ride height | 205 mm (8.07 in.) |
| Drag coefficient | 0.54 |
| Minimum turning circle | 13.3 m (43.64 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 37° |
| Departure angle | 31° |
| Ramp-over angle | 23° |
| Climb angle | 38.7° |
| Wading depth | 500 mm (19.69 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives all four wheels permanently. |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 265/60 R 18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5 J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the G 55 AMG Long is the M113.982 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. This engine, a staple of AMG performance models during the early 2000s, featured a cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads. It employed a three-valve-per-cylinder (two intake, one exhaust) SOHC valvetrain and a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine produced 354 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 525 Nm (387 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and the permanent all-wheel-drive system (4MATIC) contributed to its robust performance and stability. The transmission was a five-speed automatic, specifically tuned by AMG for quicker shifts and improved responsiveness. While not as technologically advanced as some modern automatic transmissions, it was well-suited to the engine’s characteristics and provided a comfortable driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The G 55 AMG Long offered a unique driving experience. Despite its considerable weight (over 5,400 lbs), the engine’s substantial torque provided brisk acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly focused on fuel efficiency. The G-Class’s boxy shape and high center of gravity meant it wasn’t a cornering machine, but the robust suspension and all-wheel-drive system provided excellent stability, both on and off-road. Compared to the standard G-Class models with smaller engines, the G 55 offered a dramatically improved level of performance and refinement. The longer wheelbase of the Long variant provided a more comfortable ride, particularly for rear passengers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The G 55 AMG Long came generously equipped. Standard features included leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. The extended wheelbase provided increased rear legroom, enhancing passenger comfort. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and various interior trim options. The AMG-specific touches, such as unique badging, body styling elements, and interior trim, further distinguished the G 55 from other G-Class models.
Chassis & Braking
The G 55 AMG Long retained the G-Class’s traditional body-on-frame construction, providing exceptional durability and off-road capability. The suspension consisted of coil springs and rigid axles front and rear, offering a good balance between ride comfort and off-road performance. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, assisted by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The steering system was a recirculating ball system with hydraulic power assistance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The G 55 AMG Long was well-received by automotive critics, who praised its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and unique character. However, its high price tag and relatively poor fuel economy were noted drawbacks. Compared to other high-performance SUVs of the time, such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the G 55 offered a more rugged and utilitarian aesthetic, along with superior off-road capability. The G 55’s fuel consumption was significantly higher than its smaller-engined siblings, but the performance difference was substantial. Reliability was generally good, although maintenance costs were higher due to the AMG engine and specialized components.
Legacy
The Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG Long remains a highly sought-after vehicle among collectors and enthusiasts. Its combination of performance, luxury, and exclusivity has ensured its enduring appeal. While the M113 engine is known for its robustness, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues. Today, well-maintained examples command high prices in the used car market, reflecting the G-Class’s iconic status and the G 55’s position as a particularly desirable variant. The G 55 AMG Long represents a unique chapter in the G-Class’s history, bridging the gap between its utilitarian origins and its modern-day status as a luxury performance SUV.
