"Gelendvagen" - tuning and not only

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

"Mercedes Gelendvagen" has been produced for 36 years and therefore is rightfully considered a German veteran. But it never occurs to anyone to consign it to oblivion, since the demand for it is stable. And it was conceived as a carrier of soldiers. He survived the accusations of primitiveness, and now his design is called classic.

From the origins to the present

The official date of his birth is February 10, 1979. Then it was put into production, at the same time it was first presented to the general public. But the history of the car began long before this day, in 1972. Two companies - the German Daimler-Benz and the Austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch - have agreed to jointly produce 10,000 SUVs a year. The car was designed as an army one, so the body had a simplified shape, flat panels, and the open model had a folding windshield. The modern Gelendvagen, whose tuning is a distinctive feature, bears little resemblance to the progenitor. The well-known grille with round headlights did not appear until 1976.

First big order for 20Kthe manufacturer received cars from the Iranian army, and in 1978 the Gelendewagen car was ready, which means "cross-country vehicle". But the new Iranian government canceled the order. The situation was corrected thanks to the border guards 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 upgrades

The task before the designers was daunting: the car must be trouble-free and hardy in any geographical conditions, while remaining comfortable and safe. And although it was very difficult to satisfy these requests, the designers did it. From that time to the present day, the appearance and equipment, tuning of the Mercedes Gelendvagen has been changing with enviable regularity. In Russia, as in many other countries, the German auto industry itself and the durability of Mercedes are admired, and his virtually unchanged appearance. In fact, the car is periodically upgraded. Only from the time of its first appearance in our country, the Gelendvagen, the photo of which we presented in the article, was called both a “cube” and a “refrigerator”, and it really has a rectangular shape. But, according to the owners, it is this external image that attracts them as the most appropriate to the SUV.

For more than 35 years of life of the car, the body has undergone minor changes. The most serious innovations are a hard top after a folding soft top and an elongated base. Changes had to be made in connection with the transition of cars from the category of military police to civilians. Modernized periodically and optics. In 1981, a model was released in which the headlights were protected by a grille. The owners call the interior of the car royal, especially when it comes to expensive equipment. They have a high quality finish. If there is plastic in the cabin, then these are its best options. Motorists find it convenient that the steering wheel rises after opening the door and turning off the ignition - this makes it easier for the driver to get in. The factory music system also received good reviews, delivering a clear, musical sound.

Flaws of the car

Perhaps, only the soundproofing of the Gelendvagen can be spoken of in a negative way. Although it is made with high quality, as it should be, but at speeds over 100 km / h, the shape of the body and low aerodynamic qualities negate all the efforts of the German automaker. However, even the basic equipment of the car includes high-class seat upholstery, airbags, air conditioning, ABS and full power accessories.

Dignity brand "Gelendvagen", tuning and other "chips"

The main advantage of the "Mercedes Gelendvagen" is hidden under the hood. The engines of this car are implied in volume 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 suburban highway. Apparently, according tothe accelerator pedal is made tighter by the number of “horses” so that it is not easy to lose control over the control of the car, but in general the movement of the Gelendvagen is quite soft and smooth, without any jerks. But if necessary, he can make a sharp leap forward, literally turning into a projectile. 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 driving this machine note the following nuances: the most comfortable speed is 100-110 km/h. A further increase in speed will cause the appearance of noise arising from air currents. Of course, moving at a higher speed is possible, but you need to enter turns very carefully. Fans of Gelendvagen note a rather stiff suspension, bumps and pits cause the car to shudder, but blows to the body are not transmitted. The braking system of the car deserves praise. Weighing almost 2.5 tons, it stops in almost an instant and smoothly with the right brake pedal applied.

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 the “Gelika” is not to be frightened by either dirt, or snow, or the lack of a road surface. It has potential, but it's not meant for that. "Gelendvagen", the tuning of which can be varied - a car for lovers of power and extravagance. In conclusion, I would like to once again emphasize the reliability and status of Mercedes-BenzGelandewagen. This is a car that always attracts attention. Somewhat confuse, perhaps, the cost of its maintenance. Tire replacement alone will cost $300. But after all, its cost is by no means democratic. Gelendvagen, the tuning of which requires considerable investments, will cost almost 14 million rubles!