My Test drive of a G55 AMG

I got to drive a G55 AMG on Saturday at MB in Brooklands (thanks Marcus!). The car is so much more than I ever expected it to be. First the car looked awesome in black, but it was the interior that looked stunning. Red leather might sound and look strange in pictures, but bloody hell did it look amazing. My wife would never normally like that sort of colour too, but she loved it.

Spec wise was fab too. Everything from the usual extras to ventilated seats (hot and cold) and reversing camera. The only two things I would have added was privacy glass and seats in the boot.

The best bit was the engine, and what a bloody engine. The acceleration was just unbelievable. Truly, especially given the size of the car. I also have a Ferrari the and the G is as quick if not quicker. But where you expect the G to roll and wallow, instead it points and squirts. It actually felt more like a 911 than a G to drive, something that both me and my wife observed. The acceleration at whatever the revs seemed limitless, which in a G means that you always have more than you will ever need.

The only thing that was better than the engine was the exhaust note. It was the sound of fury, not just anger. It’s the sound that would cause people with weak bladders to have accidents. I love the sound of V8 engines, but this was on another level. Not the rumble that you get from American V8s, or the high pitch of the Ferrari. This was unique. Just the sound alone would be worth buying the car for.

A couple of other things that really surprised me about the car. Firstly the steering was superb and sharp. I remember my first G (1991) which was a little on the heavy side even with Power steering. My current G (2003) is much better although still heavier than a normal car. But this was fairly light and easy to drive, probably similar to an E Class. Second the pedals where much lighter and easier to push, handy on longer journeys. Finally the doors were easier to open and close, although this might be down to the car being new. All in all it made it an easier and more pleasant car to drive.

I guess the million dollar question is will I buy one? If money was not an issue I would buy it without thinking. Its worth the money even if it is over £100K. Unfortunately money is an issue so I’ll be scraping my pennies together!