"Gelendvagen" - tuning and not only ...

"Mercedes Gelendvagen" has been produced for 36 years and is therefore considered to be a German veteran. But no one even thinks of putting it to oblivion, because the demand for it is stable. And he was conceived as a carrier of soldiers. He survived the accusations of primitiveness, and now his design is called classical.

From the beginnings to the present

The official date of his birth is February 10, 1979. Then it was put into production, then it was first presented to the general public. But the history of the car began long before that day, in 1972. Two companies - German Daimler-Benz and Austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch - agreed to jointly produce 10,000 SUVs a year. The machine was designed as an army, so the body had a simplified shape, flat panels, and the open model was with a folding windshield. Modern "Gelendvagen", whose tuning is a distinctive feature, does not look much like the progenitor. Known to all the radiator grille with round headlights appeared only in 1976.

The first large order for 20 thousand cars the manufacturer received from the Iranian army, and in 1978 the car Gelendewagen was prepared, which in translation means "the car for the crossed terrain". But the new Iranian government canceled the order. The situation was corrected thanks to the border guards of the Federal Republic of Germany, the armies of Norway and Argentina. And the pavilions of the plant, which were supposed to fulfill the Iranian order, began to work. The first products received positive feedback from journalists.

Technical features and modernization

The task before the designers was an archetypal one: the car should be trouble-free and durable in all geographic conditions, while remaining convenient and safe. And although it was very difficult to satisfy these requests, the designers coped. Since that time and up to now, the appearance and equipment, tuning "Mercedes Gelendvagen" changes with an enviable regularity.

In Russia, as in many other countries, the German automobile industry itself, and the durability of the Mercedes, and its almost unchanging appearance, also cause admiration. In fact, the car is periodically upgraded. Only from the time of his first appearance in our country "Gelendvagen", photo of which we presented in the article, was called both a "cube" and a "refrigerator", and it really has rectangular outlines. But, according to the owners, they are attracted to this external image as the most appropriate SUV.

For more than 35-year-old life of the car minor changes undergone the body. The most serious innovations are a hard roof after a folding soft top and an elongated base. Changes had to be made in connection with the transition of cars from the military police to civilian. Periodically, optics was also modernized. In 1981, a model was produced, in which the headlights were protected by a grille.

The car owners call the car salon royal, especially when it comes to expensive equipment. They have high quality finishes. If the interior has plastic, then this is his best options. Motorists consider it convenient that the steering wheel is raised after opening the door and turning the ignition off - this makes it easier for the driver to land. Quite good feedback has also been received from the factory music system, which gives a clean, musical sound.

Disadvantages of the car

Perhaps, only about noise insulation "Gelendvagen" can be spoken in a negative way. Although it is performed qualitatively, as befits, but at a speed of over 100 km / h the body shape and low aerodynamic qualities negate all the efforts of the German automaker. However, even in the basic equipment of the car includes upholstery of seats of high class, airbags, air conditioning, ABS and a full electropackage.

Advantages of the brand "Gelendvagen", tuning and other "chips"

The main advantage of Mercedes Gelendvagen is hidden under the hood. The engines of this car are assumed to be from 2.7 to 5.5 liters. The power and volume of the engine seriously affects fuel consumption: a 5-liter engine "eats" 22 liters of gasoline in the city and 15 liters on a country road. Apparently, according to the number of "horses", the accelerator pedal is made tighter, so that it would not be easy to lose control of the car, but in general the movement at Gelendvagen is soft and smooth, without any jerks. But if necessary, he can make a sharp leap forward, literally turning into a shell. The sound of all types of engines is relatively quiet, causing only pleasant associations and intentions to purchase this car. Those who have gained experience in controlling this machine note the following nuances: the most comfortable is the speed of 100-110 km / h. A further increase in speed will cause the appearance of noises from air currents. Of course, the movement with greater speed is possible, but it is necessary to enter the turns very carefully. Fans of "Gelendvagen" note a rather stiff suspension, irregularities and pits cause a start of the car, but blows to the body are not transferred. The car's braking system deserves credit. At a weight of almost 2.5 tons, it stops almost instantly and smoothly when the brake pedal is depressed.

As for its off-road qualities, it is unlikely that the owner will want to use it in the field, if it is a new model. Although "Helika" does not scare with dirt, snow, or lack of road surface. He has the potential, but he is not meant for this, after all. "Gelendvagen", tuning which can be varied - auto for fans of power and ekstrovagannosti.

In conclusion, I would like to once again emphasize the reliability and status of Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen. It's a car that always attracts attention. A little embarrassing, maybe the cost of his service. Only replacement tires will cost $ 300. But after all, its value is by no means democratic. "Gelendvagen", tuning of which requires considerable investments, will cost almost 14 million rubles!