While I don't inhabit SoCal, I have to say if there's one vehicle I would suspect to be popular in Orange County, it's the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Not because there's such rugged terrain, but because the G-wagon is the ultimate status symbol. As I have previously mentioned, it doesn't drive particularly impressive -- really, it feels very similar to a gussied-up Jeep Wrangler that can go over 80 mph comfortably -- but it still catches my eye EVERY time I see one. I still gasp.
It's a statement piece.
For 2013 though, Mercedes-Benz has brought forth the G63 AMG and G65 AMG. In addition, it has made some much-needed changes to its interior.
The last G-Class I drove had a pretty antiquated interior and the navigation unit placement was downright dangerous. It was stored WAY down low by the gear selector so you'd have to completely remove your eyes from the road, look down, then figure out where you had to go. Now Mercedes has properly integrated a nav unit that sits on top of the center stack -- much safer.
Elsewhere, Mercedes has brought the G-Class cabin up to speed with a gauge cluster in line with its other models, a center stack and HVAC unit with buttons similar to all of its other models. The G's finally be standardized.
2012 OC Auto Show Photo Gallery
