Okay, I went to the dealership to see this thing last week and will finally put my thoughts down.
Firstly, I LOVE the G-Wagen. Don't mind the Element. Hated the Aztec.
On the exterior design - I like the front - don't mind the rear - the stretched side takes some getting used to. In an autoshow or in the dealership it looks okay. On the street when I saw one, I thought it really stood out and looked pretty good. I was more impressed seeing on in wilds of the street. Certain colours of it are really attractive and grab your attention.
BUT, this vehicles falls apart inside. I could not fit into the driver's seat... the seats do not go back far enough and my knees are truely jammed against the dash. The pillars are HUGE. I mean gosh darned HUGE. Rear access is a bit of a joke - worse than trying to get to 3rd row in a minivan and the handles are too far into the door, and once back there legroom isn't all that great. This vehicle feels tall, but not very spacious inside, tho it is wide. The rear hinged door has a powerful shock to help you fling it open. I have to question how well that'd work in Winter, but like another vehicle I saw recently (Grand Vitara?) it really springs open quick and firm and is easy to close.
Still, I can't help but feel that not enough function followed the form. It really really has the look, thankfully is capable off-road (which is the most important critera IMO), but is a tad too retro for me and I bet too 'out there' for many. California may love it, but with the fuel economy, an XTerra looks a whole lot more appealing to me. I think sales will really tail off, and this will be a questionable success of a vehicle, depending on the the particular market.
