"Gelika" can be called a real German veteran: it has been produced since 1979. Nevertheless, this car, apparently, is not going to be forgotten. Demand for it does not differ in enchanting indicators, but it always remains stable. Our compatriots believe that the reason for this is the generally accepted admiration for the German car industry, the real durability of the Mercedes, as well as its unchanged appearance. Indeed, the quality of the car is beyond doubt, and the design remains the same from generation to generation, although the Mercedes Gelendvagen, of course, is periodically subjected to some modernization.

By the way, many drivers call another reason for the distribution of this car in our country the traditional identification of it with representatives of the “dashing 90s”, when a tightly toned black “suitcase” stopped in front of you foreshadowed serious troubles. In general, the history of the operation of this Merc in Russia is quite rich, so it's time to get acquainted with the personal opinions of its owners.

Brutal

The appearance of the Mercedes Benz Gelendvagen is very simply described by some of the nicknames that the car has acquired during its entire stay in Russia: this is both a “cube” and a “refrigerator”. Indeed, the car has rough rectangular features. As the owners say, it is this appearance that, firstly, attracts the most, and secondly, it most closely matches the essence of an SUV. He is powerful, brutal and serious. Over the years of production, the Germans have made not so many changes to the body:

• Of course, the most serious change was the appearance of a hard top (and at first the Gelik had a folding soft top) and an extension of the base. But these changes were associated with the transition from a military police car to a civilian car;
• optics were periodically modernized, especially for restylings of recent years;
• and since 1981, a model with a protective grille on the headlights has appeared.

Perhaps it makes no sense to consider in detail the appearance of the car, since it is known to everyone, and our drivers have not identified any features. Let's take a better look inside.

According to the owners, the interior of the car, especially when it comes to the most expensive trim levels, is truly royal. What is positive about the interior?

• First of all, very high quality finishes. Since plastic is present in the cabin in a minimal amount, the manufacturer did not stint on its best option. Over the years of operation, no one complained about squeaks, rattles, other noises from individual elements of the exterior;
• It is also convenient, according to motorists, that after opening the door the steering wheel automatically rises, which is done specifically to facilitate the driver's landing. Exactly the same combination occurs after removing the key from the ignition for easy exit from the car;
• Owners speak positively about the factory music system, which is able to give true pleasure with a clean, soft sound.

But there are some disadvantages in the Gelika cabin:

• First of all, we are talking about soundproofing. Classically, it is made in the best traditions of the German automaker. However, all its properties are reduced to "no" by the shape of the body and, as a result, low aerodynamic qualities. Experienced drivers say that on cars up to 2000-2002, it was generally very noisy when driving over 100 km / h. If the gelendvagen is new, then there is an additional interior seal, which somewhat reduced the noise, but it was not possible to completely get rid of this;
• There is also a certain problem with visibility. If we talk about the front of the car, then everything is fine here: some compare the quality of visibility with classic Zhiguli according to the principle "where the hood ends, the car ends there." The only nuance that car owners warn about is related to rear visibility. The fact is that the rear door has very wide pillars, besides, part of the review covers the spare tire. In addition to this, drivers say, the interior rear-view mirror is too small for such a car. Save in this situation are excellent side mirrors, as well as rear-view cameras, installed as an option or in the standard version package from AMG.

That's all the features of the salon Merc. As you can see, the interior has minor flaws, but they are forgotten immediately after they are inside. Judge for yourself: the basic equipment already includes high-class seat upholstery, air conditioning, airbags, full power accessories and ABS.

Powerful German

But the main advantage of Gelika lies under its hood. The range of Mercedes engines is quite wide: there are modest 2.7-liter and 3.2-liter diesel engines, and there are powerful 500-horsepower and 614-horsepower compressor units from AMG with a volume of 5.5 liters. As experience shows, the volume and power of the Gelika engines affect only fuel consumption and sound. For example, a 5-liter unit requires at least 22 liters of fuel in the city and about 15 liters when driving on the highway. There are much more economical options, but, in the firm opinion of the owners, the consumption rate is quite appropriate for such a car.

As for the characteristics of the engine itself (and the reviews are almost the same, it doesn’t matter the volume and power, if we talk about the quality of the work of German engines), then we can note several of the most important points from the point of view of our compatriots.

Taking into account the fact that the stock of "horses" of the "Gelika", as a rule, is solid (the most "charged" versions of it have taken root well in our country), it should be understood why the accelerator pedal is so tight. Otherwise, one could simply lose control over this beast. And so, drivers say, the movement of the car is very smooth, soft, without jerks. However, if necessary, a quick jump forward is also possible - a sharp press on the gas pedal turns the car into a real projectile.

“One friend told me that the wheelbarrow takes away just in an instant, as if the loader had smashed empty boxes. Figuratively, but very accurately.

With all this, the units delight their owners with a wonderful uterine sound, which, to be honest with the drivers, is sometimes so pleasant to listen to that you forget to move off. In general, at the first meeting, there is always an acute desire to buy a Gelendvagen.

What to expect from the management of the "gelik"?

Summarizing all the reviews of drivers about how the famous German behaves on the road, several nuances should be noted:

• the most comfortable driving speed is 100-110 km / h. With greater acceleration, the already mentioned noises from air flows begin to assert themselves. In principle, motorists say, it is also possible to move at a speed of 130, 150, even 180 km / h. But in such cases, it is no longer necessary to talk about high comfort;
• given the size of the car, you need to be very careful when cornering. Admirers of "Gelik" note excessively large rolls;
• its suspension is still pretty stiff. But, according to motorists, the concept is relative. In general, the picture is such that bumps and pits make the car shudder, although blows are not transmitted to the body;
• the braking system of the car deserves special praise. A car weighing 2.4 tons stops almost instantly and at the same time smoothly when you press the brake pedal. Those of the owners who drove the SUV's passenger cars say that in this regard, the Gelik has surpassed its younger brothers.

Finishing the conversation about the driving performance of this car, here is one of the warnings from experienced owners:

“The side wind is very good on this car. Out of habit, it can decently blow off course, so hold the steering wheel tight.

“But what about off-road qualities?” - you ask. The fact is that few owners of this SUV, especially when it comes to a relatively new model, will agree to use it in the field. But still, there is some experience. Actually, from this side the car has no flaws at all. Neither mud, nor snow, nor the complete absence of road surface frightens him. That's just it is still not intended for this, although it has a solid potential.

Final words about exploitation

Thus, we can express the general impression of our compatriots in the following words: Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen is really a very good, reliable and status car. Its appearance will invariably attract attention, the interior will always surround you with comfort and a sense of security, and an impeccable engine will allow you not to worry about moving around the city. Outside the city, the "Gelik" will also not let you down, will not be afraid to get dirty and will calmly take you to your destination.

The only "but" of this car is the cost of its maintenance. As motorists say, this pleasure is too expensive: after-sales service will cost you at least $ 300 just for changing shoes. Of course, you can be serviced not by dealers, but then everything, as they say, is at your own peril and risk.

In general, the car is worth it to spend money on it. True, the cost of the gelendvagen in the version from AMG with the most powerful engine and in the maximum configuration is as much as 14,000,000 rubles.