Photography by Keith Sims
Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast is home to breathtaking natural sights and a wealth of high-end amenities and destinations. To further indulge your experience you should be “cruisin’ around” in the ultimate “Coolest” Bad A** vehicle: the Mercedes AMG G63 SUV!
The G-Wagen (Gelandewagen, meaning “All-Terrain vehicle”) can take you right from the beach or backwoods to your dinner reservation in ultimate style! Possessing the perfect blend of incredible off-road potential and chic design, nothing fits this niche quite like the G-Wagen.
“The G-Wagen started as a cult vehicle in the States,” says John W. ‘Jock’ Mobley IV, Owner/CEO of Centennial Mercedes / Volvo of Pensacola, FL. “Much of the G-Wagen’s original popularity in the US owes to Arnold Schwarzenegger,” as the vehicle became a favorite of movie stars and pro athletes after Arnie acquired one from Europe years ago. While initial G series production started at the plant in Graz, Austria in 1979, Mercedes didn’t start bringing in a US Version until 2001 and originally designed the G-Wagen as a heavy-duty military/commercial 4-wheel drive workhorse capable of climbing a 100% steep grade! Over the years through the combination of savvy marketing, limited production, and its rugged “Butch” rectilinear good looks the G-Wagen has become the ultimate “Status SUV” throughout the world. The G-Wagen has been immortalized in rap videos and singer Drake acquired one of the rare G650 Landaulet convertible models for a mere $800,000!
Inspired by the Mercedes military/commercial design of the awesome Unimog – the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a long history of blending raw automotive power with the creature comforts of luxury driving: the perfect combination of Rugged Beauty and Awesome Beast. Powered by a handcrafted 4.0L V8 biturbo with 577hp / 627 lb-ft torque, the G63 is capable of the ground-shaking grumble of a high-performance track car through its stylish chrome side exhaust pipes!
“Many times when I’m driving the G-Wagen in traffic people roll down their window to yell how cool it is, or giving me a big ‘thumbs up’ at a red light,” Mobley said of responses when behind the wheel. “Some people may say it’s too boxy in design, but most think it’s Flat Out Tuff!”
Another favorite feature of the G-Wagen series is its customizability: “Each one is unique,” Mobley said of the different features and packages, ranging from standard elements, such as an Italian Nappa leather interior and 3-zone climate control to luxury options, such as leather upgraded with exquisite diamond stitching, ventilated front seats, and heating steering wheels. “In 2020, they also did a major re-design and suspension improvements,” Mobley said. “Where the older models were a somewhat stiff ride in the cabin, the new ones are much smoother in ride leading to much more enjoyable on or off-road trips.”
In production for over 40 years, Mobley said G-Wagen demand has skyrocketed in the last several years. “We typically only get 1 or 2 every few months in at Centennial, and many are pre-sold.” Mobley added, “Like waterfront property, customers are usually offering well over MSRP not to miss the one they have their heart set on.”
Owner of Centennial Mercedes-Volvo for over 35 years, Jock says, “It’s truly an honor to represent our amazing product lines of Mercedes and Volvo here in Pensacola! We’re a family-run company with my son John Mobley V and nephew David Scott along with our amazing managers and employees!” Our goal is to provide world-class service to our clients commensurate with our great products!
With exciting new models and world-leading technology coming from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, coupled with Centennial Imports’ great reputation in customer service, there’s no doubt they’ll stay a winning combination for many years to come.
Centennial Imports
3050 Navy Blvd
Pensacola, FL 32505
(877) 759-7297
centennialimports.com
