Exterior Features, Quality:
Introduced in 1979 and hardly revised since then, the Mercedes G-Class is for many the definition of the go-anywhere luxury SUV. That's not far off the mark as the G500 combines an amazing off-road pedigree with superb luxurious accommodations, with all the high-tech features you'd expect in a Mercedes-Benz, and more. The G500's tough looks and tough character has made it a status symbol around the world, much like the Hummer H1 is in the United States. The long-awaited release of a 1/18 replica of the revered G-Class has finally made it and it's nothing short of spectacular.
Paint here is deep and rich, with amazingly perfect distribution. Autoart almost always gets the paint right, but here, it's really special. The complex body shape of the G500 is well represented, and the scale is spot on. It's a heavy model too, and has a substantial feel to it. If you're impressed already, I don't blame you, but you can't really appreciate the exquisiteness of the model until you check out the lights. The headlights are immensely detailed, as are the fog lights. The front grille is perforated and the Mercedes-Benz logo is a separate chromed piece. The various chrome lines and details on the model look very good, and lack the rough quality of many lesser models.
The license plate is applied accurately and looks excellent. The distance lights, which are curiously located on the hood, instead of on the side of the car (an interesting feature of the 1:1) are nicely done except for the tiny mounting posts (two per light). They don't show up in the photos really, but looking at the model up close, they detract from the realism. Tires are actually branded - Bridgestone Dueler HTS - and wheels are amazing. Brake discs are very nicely polished though the dark color of the brake calipers makes it hard to see much detail there. The turning indicators have large mounting posts which is disappointing in such a model.
Badging is done with the use of separate chrome pieces which is an excellent touch. Several markings, such as V8 on the side of the SUV, or G500 on the back are all separate pieces, tastefully finished in chrome. The chrome running boards are absolutely superb - you've got to see 'em to believe it. Windshield wipers are well done, with nice shape and none of that flimsiness that you see so often. The spare wheel cover is probably my favorite part of the design, just for its immense chrome ring around the sides. I was pleased to see that Autoart did a really good job on it. The Mercedes-Benz markings on the spare tire are finished in chrome and are separate pieces. Rear lights are very well done and look terrific. The lower lights located on the rear are realistic though one can see that Autoart's process of applying them wasn't the most sophisticated possible. Overall, the model looks absolutely amazing - just those light application problems that need to be sorted out.
23/25
Interior Features, Quality:
Enter the most impressive part of the model, and be astonished. Well, not all of it is perfect, but it's darn near perfect. The dash is looks very realistic, with very defined switches and buttons, which are colored and even labeled, extremely realistic wood patterns, and nicely done shifter. The steering wheel is padded and has a Mercedes-Benz logo that is a sticker, unfortunately. The interior is, of course, carpeted and the texture of the carpet is just fabulous. The seats, which look soft and have nice detailing, are hard, like in many of Autoart's models. My favorite part of the interior, and the real revolutionary thing here is the textured cloth-like finish to the ceiling, which is unlike that of any other model I've ever reviewed. It is just like a real car's, and I had to check out mine to compare. Autoart was dead on with the feel. Impressive. There is a fire extinguisher that is located directly under the front driver's seat, and it is accurately detailed, reminding me of Exoto's Shelby Cobra Daytona model. Last but certainly not least are the seatbelts, which are by far the most realistic I've ever seen. The fabric quality is impressive and the buckles look terrific.
24/25
Features:
The G500 features an opening hood, doors, and tailgate. The hood opens up more than 90º, which is a bit strange, but at least it holds at that position. The hinges are almost inexistent, which makes for an extremely realistic looking engine compartment. The engine is nicely done, although no modern-day Mercedes-Benz engine is particularly exciting to look at. The G500's engine is particularly impressive because of its precision and detail. Although there is no wiring to be seen, it is plumbed and marked. The door hinges are also tiny and very realistic, and I much appreciate the fact that the doors have windows instead of cut-outs. The tailgate has a mini-lock, which makes it a bit difficult to open, but once again, it doesn't disappoint. The same type of hinges is used again. The carpeting here is superb, covering all of the rather large trunk. The finished ceiling material extends to the trunk and makes for a fantastic space to both see and feel. One issue here is that the tailgate light is a sticker, although it's tiny and almost unnoticeable.
24/25
Value:
In short, the value offered here is simply amazing. Sure, it's not cheap, but it's nowhere near the stratospheric price range of Exoto and CMC models, with detail not far off that of the very best from the latter and former modelmakers. The G500 has just been released by Autoart, in Black and Brilliant Silver Metallic, as part of the Millenium Division. The Millenium Division represents the very best of Autoart's models, and thus, Millenium Division models command a $10 or so premium over common Autoarts. However, you do get better packaging and more interesting subject matter through the Millenium Division. At this point, Autoart is the first modelmaker to replicate the G500 in 1/18 scale, with no other G-Class 1:18 scale models planned. However, due to the popularity of the real truck, that could change, although I doubt that Autoart would be beaten detail-wise, when considering the fantastic job they did here. While it is unlikely that the 1:18 G500 will become rare, it has superb value because of its superb detail, and is rightly deserving of its price.
24/25
Overall:
Although it's not the best Autoart I've got, it's certainly one of the most unique. The G500 is an excellent subject to replicate, as its awesome design simplicity and astonishing technological and off-road prowess are legendary. What better modelmaker to replicate the G500 in 1/18? Few I can think of could do a better job on this truck than what Autoart has done. The G500 model is impressive in several ways, especially with its interior and features, including superb realistic hinges, excellent carpeting and texturing and almost unsurpassed realism and detail. Yes, there are shortcomings here, but there are shortcomings in most models, and it's almost impossible to create a perfect model in the Premium price range. Thus, Autoart's G500 model is at the forefront of its model price class, and it's darn impressive in person. It's a must for any car lover, as the subject matter alone is worth the asking price. An excellent model, highly recommended.
