Other upgrades for 2009 include a new COMAND infotainment system with a standard CD6 changer, Bluetooth, Sirius satellite and HD radio, and 610 watts of power. The front grille is new, as are the chrome basher bar, heated and cooled front seats, and 18-inch wheels. The list of standard equipment runs pages; the G550 is so well equipped, our tester carried not a single option. There are many colors available, but why would you want anything other than black over black?
Thumb the key fob, and the clack of the doors unlocking resembles that of rifle bolts. The heavy doors slam like those on your average meat locker. Pound the G550 over uneven pavement and the only squeaking you'll hear comes from the leather seat cushions rubbing against each other. No sissy unibody structure here -- just a girder-like frame that's nicely overengineered. The G isn't assembled. It's forged.
You sit high, with a commanding view of the road. While the military versions were all metal, rubber, and hard vinyl inside, today's consumer-spec Gs are lined in leather and polished walnut trim. Mercedes says the 550 runs 0-to-60 in six seconds flat, which is nearly a second quicker than previous G500s we've tested. The credit is shared by the more powerful engine and the new transmission, which has a ratio for every need and always keeps the big V-8 in its sweet spot. The exhaust pipes dump out under the rear doors, so some of the bass notes burble up into the cabin. Nice.
As you'd expect of a machine built primarily for off-roading, the G has considerable suspension travel. It feels a little tippy at first, but is quite planted on the road due to a relatively low center of gravity for its height. The ride quality is downright plush for a 4x4. It's quiet too, considering its blockish profile and all flat glass. Wind noise picks up considerably around 80 mph, and it's pretty loud by 100, but not a problem during every day driving at normal speeds.