The Mercedes-Benz G-Class or G-Wagen (as it was called from 1979 to 1994), short for Geländewagen (or cross-country vehicle), is a four-wheel drive vehicle / sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Steyr-Puch (now Magna Steyr) in Austria for German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The G-wagen is characterized by its boxy styling and body-on-frame construction. It utilizes three fully locking differentials, one of the few vehicles to have such a feature. Despite the introduction of an intended replacement, the unibodycrossover SUVMercedes-Benz GL-Class in 2006, the G-Class is still in production and is the longest produced Mercedes-Benz in Daimler's history, with a span of 32 years.[1]
The G-class was developed as a military vehicle from a suggestion by the Shah of Iran (at the time a great shareholder) to Mercedes[2] and offered as a civilian version in 1979. The G-class replaced the cheaper Volkswagen Iltis in 1990. In this role it is sometimes referred to as the "Wolf" and LAPV Enok. The G-Class has been sold under the Puch name in certain markets, and the Peugeot P4 is a variant made under license, with a Peugeot engine and different parts.
Development started in 1972, focusing on off road abilities and maximum safety and comfort; with a cooperative agreement between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria. Mercedes-Benz engineers in Stuttgart were in charge of design and testing, while the team in Graz developed the production plans. The first wooden model was presented to Daimler-Benz management in 1973, with the first drivable prototype beginning various testing including German coalfields, the Sahara Desert, and the Arctic Circle in 1974. Construction commenced on a new production facility in Graz, where the new cross-country vehicle would be assembled nearly entirely by hand in 1975, with production of the "G Model" beginning in Graz in 1979. In 1980, the Vatican took delivery of a specially made G-Wagen outfitted with a clear thermoplastic top which served as the Popemobile. The “Papa G” later took up permanent residence at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
The first major refinements were introduced in 1981, including an automatic transmission, air conditioning, an auxiliary fuel tank, protective headlamp grilles and a cable winch. Fuel injection became available in 1982, when the 230 GE was introduced in Turin,[3] along with more comfortable and supportive front seats, auxiliary heating, wider tires and fender flares. For 1985, differential locks, central door locking and a tachometer become standard and in 1986 50,000th G Models had been produced.
The G-Wagen was facelifted in 1990. In 1989, for the 10th anniversary of the G Model, a new model variant with permanent 4-wheel drive, a wood-trimmed interior and optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) debuted at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Production began the following April. For 1992, a new sub-series for professional users began production. The civilian model began to offer cruise control, a stainless-steel spare-tire cover, running boards and Burl Walnut wood interior trim. The same year, the 100,000th G Model was built in Graz. In 1994, the model line was officially renamed the G-Class. Ventilated front disc brakes and a driver’s air bag became standard. In 1996 the automatic transmission became an electronically controlled 5-speed unit. Headlamp washers, cruise control and a front passenger’s air bag were added. In 1998, the range-topping G 500 with a 296 hp V 8 was introduced for series production.
For 1999 a limited run of V 8 powered “G 500 Classic” special editions marked the model's 20th anniversary. A multifunction steering wheel was added to all models. Later in the year, the new G 55 AMG debuts as the most powerful G-Class yet, with 354 hp. The U.S. market launch of the G-Class took place in 2001. New alloy wheels, a chrome grille and body-color bumpers plus a more luxurious cabin were introduced. New dynamic control systems included the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist and the 4 wheel Electronic Traction System (4 ETS). The G 55 AMG was upgraded in 2004 with a supercharged V 8 engine developing 476 hp. In Siberia in 2006, a documentary filmmaker was the first foreigner to reach the world’s coldest region with a passenger vehicle in winter, driving a stock G 500 nearly 19,000 km without a single breakdown, in temperatures as frigid as –63˚F.
A new version was expected for 2007, but the new GL-Class did not replace the G-Wagen, and it will continue to be hand-built in Graz, Austria at an annual production of 4,000 to 6,000 units. In February 2009, Magna Steyr, an operating unit of Magna International, announced that it signed an agreement with Daimler AG to extend the production of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria until 2015. Besides the production, the further development of the G-Class by Daimler's subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Consult Graz since 1992.[4]
For 2007 the output of the G 55 AMG was raised to an even 500 hp. Bi Xenon headlamps, corner-illuminating front foglamps and new scratch-resistant nano-particle paint finishes were offered for the first time. In 2008 more-refined instrumentation and controls were included in the G-Class cabin, along with the COMAND system with hard-drive-based navigation, a rear view camera, voice control, Bluetooth and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The Vatican receives a new white “Popemobile” based on a G 500.
2009 marked the 30th anniversary of the vehicle, with over 200,000 units having been manufactured in Graz since 1979.
The original 460-series Geländewagen went on sale for civilian buyers in 1979, after having debuted in February of that year. It was offered with two wheelbases, a short wheelbase (SWB) of 2,400 mm and a long one (LWB) of 2,850 mm. One could choose between three body styles: A two-door short wheelbase convertible, a two-door SWB wagon and a long wheelbase four-door wagon. The two wagon versions were also available as windowless two-door Vans (or Kastenwagen in German). While always assembled in Graz, the car was sold as the Puch G only in the Austrian, Swiss, and Eastern European markets.[3]
During the G-wagen's life span many a different body style was made for army and public-service clients, like the Popemobile, the pickup or the chassis/cab with a wheelbase of 2,850, 3,120 or 3,400 mm, the chassis/cab being the base vehicle for army-ambulances or communication vehicles. Because of the sheer variety of military versions, this article focuses on the more standardized civilian G-Wagen.
The 460 was popular with military and off-road enthusiasts, with more than 50,000 built in the first decade. Mercedes-Benz initially did not sell the model in the United States, but by means of "casual importation" grey-market in the mid-1980s, importers sold a number of G-Wagens which had been modified to meet the specifications by the US DOT, at about $135,000.
G-Wagen W461
Mercedes G-Classe Edition Pur
The 461 is the military models, also produced since 1979. All special ordered and military models use the 461 designation, i.e. vehicles special built for firecorps, police, army, aid corps, etc. Also the later special built, but public available, Worker model got this designation. These have also been marketed as the Professional and Greenline series. Through the years the 461 models have had their engines, gearbox and driveline upgraded as with the 460 and 463 models. The 462 designation was used in models built on licence in other countries. The Peugeot P4 had its own designations.
The G280 CDI "Edition Pur" is a special version of the 461, available to civilian buyers. This version is essentially a civilian version of the professional use 461 (incorporating many of the improvements seen on the 463) and comes equipped with a 24V starter motor and a walk-on bonnet.
W460 models
200 GE — M102E20 2.0 L I4, 109 PS (80 kW) at 5,200 rpm, (only sold in Italy and a few other markets)[5]
230 G — M115 2.3 L I4, 102 hp (75 kW), 127 ft·lbf (172 N·m/3,000 rpm)
230 GE — M102E23 2.3 L I4, 125 PS (92 kW) at 5,000 rpm, 141 ft·lbf (192 N·m/4,000 rpm)
280 GE — M110E 2.8 L I6, 156 hp (115 kW), 166 ft·lbf (226 N·m/4,250 rpm)
240 GD — OM616 2.4 L Diesel I4, 72 PS (53 kW) at 4,400 rpm, 101 ft·lbf (137 N·m/2,400 rpm)
250 GD — OM602 2.5 L Diesel I5, 84 hp (62 kW), 113 ft·lbf (154 N·m/2,800 rpm)
300 GD — OM617 3.0 L Diesel I5, 88 PS (65 kW) at 4,400 rpm, 126 ft·lbf (172 N·m/2,400 rpm)
W461 models
230 GE — M102E23 2.3 L I4, 125 hp (92 kW), 140 ft·lbf (192 N·m/4000 rpm)
The chassis was significantly revised for 1990, and resulted in the new W463 G-Class. Equipped with anti-lock brakes, full-time 4WD and a trio of electric locking differentials. The interior was totally upgraded, finished with wooden accents and optional leather upholstery. The 463 features a larger choice of engines, with the V8-powered 500 GE added in 1993. The 500 GE was produced in limited numbers for just two years. All 463 G-Wagens began using Mercedes-Benz's new letter-first naming scheme in 1994.
1997
The range was refreshed again in 1997, including the introduction of a power-topped convertible and two new engines, the 2.9 L Turbo Diesel and the V6-powered (M112 motor) G320 — previous years' G320s were outfitted with the M104 I6. The V8 G-wagen returned with a new engine in 1998 as the G500, with official sales beginning in the United States in 2002 at $75,000. The 349 hp (260 kW) G55 AMG cemented the vehicle in the American market, becoming a vehicle of choice for many celebrities.
2005
Mercedes-Benz considered that 2005 would be the last year they would export the Geländewagen to the USA market; however, with an order placed by the U.S. Marine Corps for 157 Mercedes-Benz units to replace their archaic Desert Patrol Vehicle with a more modern and militarized Interim Fast Attack Vehicle, the manufacturer continued to offer the vehicle in the US market. To celebrate the supposed end of US market Geländewagens, 300 examples of the "Grand Edition" model were made available. Also new for the 2005 model year was the first G55 AMG model, boasting a 469 hp (350 kW) V8 engine. So equipped, an original G55 AMG is able to achieve 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.4 seconds.
The new G550 has a 32-valve 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 engine, while the current G55 AMG has a 500-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine. The G550 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while it takes the G55 AMG 5.2 seconds.
Brabus G V12 Biturbo
Various automobile tuners such as AMG, Brabus, Lorinser, Carlsson, A.R.T., and RENNtech have all modified the engine, interior, and exterior.
It was rumored that, with military contracts for the G-Class completed, production of the old G-wagen in Graz, Austria would cease in 2006. However, reports state that production of the current G-wagen will continue for the foreseable future, alongside its once-intended replacement, the GL-Class (X164). An outcry among enthusiasts who admired the G-Class for its tremendous off-road potential showed that a market still existed for such a vehicle. Although the average G-wagen rarely sees anything but asphalt, Mercedes-Benz elected to continue G-Class production for the hardcore off-road market, while the larger 3-row GL-Class would be marketed as a competitor for the likes of the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.
2006
In July 2006, Mercedes-Benz announced a late-availability 2006 model year G-Class on its website.[6]
The company showed a facelifted 2007 model at the Paris Auto Show in September 2006[7] and increased the power of the G55 AMG version from 476 to 500 hp (370 kW). Mercedes-Benz at the same time also announced that it will continue to manufacture the G-Class through 2015 on the continuing demand worldwide for the model by military and civilian buyers.
2008
Minor upgrades.
Mercedes G 55 extralong version
2009
The 2009 G500 and G55 AMG are offered for sale at the 30-year anniversary of the G-Class. Both models with cosmetic upgrades most noticeable with the new grill, rims and telematics. The G-Class available with two different engines: a new-for 2009 382-hp (an increase of 90-hp) 5.5-liter V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission in the G500, and a 500-hp (an increase of 7-hp) 5.5-liter supercharged V8 with five-speed automatic transmission in the AMG-tuned G55. Loaded with standard luxury features such as a leather interior, premium wood trim, rear parking assistance with camera, rapid HDD navigation system with aerial view, bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, heated/cooled power driver and passenger seats with memory, to name a few. Standard safety equipment includes Mercedes' Tele Aid system, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control and side-curtain airbags. In addition to engine upgrades, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been given a fresh look incorporating a new front grille design and grille guards. The new COMAND infotainment system includes a 40-gigabyte hard drive, in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD player, GPS navigation, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, harmon/kardon surround-sound system, in-dash memory card reader, high-definition digital radio, and satellite radio with real-time traffic service. The G55 features new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, a new Alcantara headliner and a redesigned wood/leather selector lever.
2010
Minor updates, added newly developed front seats and a new rear bench, and a choice of black or gray fabric upholstery or leather seats in either black, gray or chestnut as well as new ‘climatised’ multicontour seats. Other interior changes include the addition of an Aux-in socket in the glove compartment and a new ignition key and outside the new G-Class gets a modified spare wheel cover and two new paint options: “palladium silver metallic” and the “designo platinum magno” matte finish. In the US, the 2010 G-Class is offered with either a 224 hp V6 diesel (G 350 CDI) or two gasoline V8 engines producing 388 hp in the G500 and 507 hp in the G55 AMG model. Manufacturing contracts with Daimler AG have been renewed for the continued production of Mercedes-Benz's G-Class at Magna Steyr's facilities in Graz, Austria, until 2015.
2013
In June 2012, the G-Class received some minor modifications to the specification and engine range. The significant changes outside are that the updated G-Class gets LED running lights; second, there are turn indicators in its side mirrors; and third, the AMG gets a new bumper and grille. The majority of the G-Class’s upgrades reside under its hood and behind its doors: a new interior, more modern amenities. Interior changes include a re-sculpted dashboard and centre console, with relocated COMAND screen, and a new colour multifunction screen to the gauge cluster. The latest mbrace2 telematics system also is on board and now come standard with Distronic adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and updated Parktronic backup sensors and rearview camera, together with a revised the stability control to enable trailer stabilizing functionality.
The previous G55’s supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 is replaced by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8. Power is up by 44 hp to 544, and torque is an equal 44 units, to 560 lb-ft. Like other AMG Mercedes-Benz models with the new downsized V-8, the G63’s “63” nomenclature bears no connection to its actual engine displacement. The G63 also gets a new “Eco” engine stop-start system. Mercedes also fitted a seven-speed automatic transmission in place of the G55’s five-speed. For many export markets, Mercedes-Benz introduced a new G65 AMG powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12. The engine puts out 604 hp and gives a huge 738 lb-ft of torque.
Previous models
200 GE — M102E20 1,997 cc I4, 109 PS (80 kW) (only sold in Italy) - later rebadged G 200
230 GE — M102E23 2,299 cc I4, 125 PS (92 kW), 140 ft·lbf (192 N·m/4000 rpm)- later rebadged G 230
300 GE — M103 3.0 L I6 - later rebadged G 300, 168 hp (125 kW) at 5,000 rpm, 173 ft·lbf (235 N·m/4500 rpm)
250 GD — OM602 2.5 L Diesel I5, 94 hp (69 kW), 116 ft·lbf (158 N·m/2600 rpm)
300 GD — OM603 3.0 L Diesel I6 - later rebadged G 300 Diesel, 111 hp (83 kW/4600 rpm), 141 ft·lbf (191 N·m/2700–2900 rpm)
350 GD Turbodiesel — OM603D35A 3.5 L Diesel I6 (turbocharged), 136 hp (100 kW), 244 ft·lbf (330 N·m)- later rebadged G 350 Turbodiesel
In 2007, Mercedes-Benz won a contract to provide 1,200 G-Class vehicles to the Australian Defence Force.[9] The vehicles will include 4×4 and 6×6 models, with Australia being the first military customer to receive 6×6 vehicles.
A total of 1,159 vehicles have been ordered by the Canadian Army beginning in late 2003.[10] An armoured kit can be fitted (or removed) in 8 hours by three soldiers. Their light armour has been criticised for leading to loss of life in Afghanistan, however it is considerably better than the Iltis predecessor.[11]
Delivery of these vehicles to Reserve units has also begun. They will be deployed in armoured reconnaissance units. It is in the final stages of fully replacing the Iltis in most units as the armoured reconnaissance vehicle in use LFCA. Other units will replace the Iltis with a militarized Chevrolet Silverado known as the MILCOTS (or colloquially as the "Milverado".) For the most exposed missions in Afghanistan 75 RG-31 Nyala built by BAE Land Systems OMC, South Africa, will be used.[12]
Croatia bought 300 to 320 vehicles for needs of Croatian army and for operations in Afghanistan additional 30 RG-31 vehicles were delivered. Croatia uses mix of 4×4 vehicles in peacekeepings operations and the G-Class is a very popular choice within the Croatian Army. G-Class is supplemented by Land Rover Wolf and Iveco LMV.
The Danish military bought the 240 GD (/24, /28 and /34 variants) to supersede the M151A1, the Volkswagen 181 ("Jagdwagen") and the Land Rover 88.[13] First deliveries of the 240 GD were in 1985 and later the 290 GD (/24 and /28 variants) where also introduced. More than 1.300 have been put in service. A few 300 GE's have also been used — mainly by the Danish army EOD-services.[14] Currently the Danes are taking delivery of over 2.000 270CDIs in several variants, starting in 2003.[15]
The Egyptian Army uses the G 320 (4 × 4) armoured personnel carrier has been designed as a private venture by the Kader Factory for Developed Industries and is based on the chassis of the commercial German Mercedes-Benz MB 320G (4 × 4) light vehicle. This vehicle is based on the long-wheelbase version of the German Mercedes-Benz G 320 4 × 4 with the chassis frame being modified by a heavy-duty suspension which has been designed to withstand the additional weight imposed by the armour package.[16]
The German Armed Forces uses the G-Class under the name "Wolf". Over 12,000 vehicles have been delivered in over 50 versions, ranging from ambulance vehicles to armored vehicles used by the German special forces. In the 1970s the cheaper Volkswagen Iltis was preferred; now the Iltis is replaced by the "Wolf" and the armoured variant LAPV Enok.
The Greek Army as well as Air Force, Navy and Police have several versions of the Geländewagen, manufactured by ELBO the Hellenic Vehicles Industry.[17]
The Hungarian Ground Forces have 233 of G-270 CDI BA 10, which is mounted with UMF light-machine gun platform, and 5 of G-280 CDI BA6 C+R SSA FB6. More will be purchased between 2010 and 2013.
Paspampres (Indonesian Presidential Security forces) are using G-270 CDI for their fleet with SIRINA lights, Gunner Roof Mount, Bullbar, Black Grill, Roof and Rear View Mirror Handles. New model of G300 CDI in 2010 acquired not less than 30 units for presidential and vice-presidential escort purposes. The Paspampres uses black G300 CDI with the Military Police in white and ensigns with Indonesian MP insignia.
Locally build by DEFTECH as G-Wagon, acquired in 2001 in the Malaysian military with an initial batch of 32 G-Wagons mounted with Browning M2 machine guns for a total of 10.8 million Malaysian ringgit with another batch of 34 G-Wagons mounted with AGL weapons for 11.5 million Malaysian ringgit and 18 G-Wagons with ATGM weapons for 6.1 million Malaysian ringgit,[18] and used along with Land Rover Defender as light transport of Malaysian Army.
The Mexican naval defense secretary (SEMAR) announced in 2008, a contract to purchase large numbers of Mercedes-Benz military vehicles for the Mexican Marine corps. As of May 16, 2009 The SEMAR has received 20 of the 84 G-Class vehicles in order.[19][20]
The Royal Netherlands Army uses various versions of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, mostly 461 290GD and 290GD TD models with manual gearbox. The Dutch police and Koninklijke Marechaussee also use the G-Class. Most of the police versions are armored 463 models.
The Norwegian Army bought 240 GD to replace Volvo and Land Rover 4×4 vehicles in the mid-1980s, and 300 GD to use as ambulances. The 300GD is also used to transport the launch control station and optical sensors for the NASAMS Air-defense system. During the 90's 290 GD's where bought, and in the first half of the 00's a small number of armoured 270 CDI's were put into service. Today the Defence Forces operates a total of 3000 vehicles.
Should Norway get invaded the Norwegian army has a right to requisition all civilian G-class vehicles for use in national defense.
The escort company of the Norwegian Royal Guard employs a black G500 AMG with police lights on the roof.
Police, state security units, military and governmental agencies are using the G-Class. Mostly civilian versions in black. Security escort vehicles for both the President and Prime Minister are black G-500 and G55 AMG.
The Serbian Military currently uses Puch 300GD model. They also uses the following models in 300GD33, 300GD6 and 300GD10 variants, for transport of VIP persons in 300GD3-LUX and 300GD6-LUX and Special Forces Brigade is use modified version designed for access to combat zone.
The Singapore Army bought the 270 and 290 versions as secondary military transport. It is used in soft-top truck configuration and is known as a 1.5-tonner or simply "MB" to its users. And also some were used also for patrolling in a "jeep" form. The Army also deploys the extremely short-wheelbase, soft-top version for its Colonels, Battalion COs, Brigade and Division Commanders as personal field transports.
The Swiss Army uses the 230 with soft top as the primary general purpose carrier, and a hardtop version as mobile radio access point. It is in service since 1985 and gradually replaced Willys Jeeps, Haflinger light transports and Pinzgauer medium transports in the liaison and transport role. All versions in Swiss Army use are unarmed.
The British Army used a number of these vehicles in Iraq during operation Telic, particularly around the Baghdad and Rustamiyah areas.The British Commanders'-in-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany (BRIXMIS) also used a small number.
Police, state security units, military and governmental agencies are using the G-Class. Mostly civilian versions in black. Security escort vehicles for both the President and Prime Minister are black G-500 and G55 AMG.
USMC IFAV The USMCInterim Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV) is a modified version of the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen 290. It replaces the modified M-151A21⁄4 ton truck (MUTT jeep) used by the Marines as an FAV in the 1990s. The U.S. Marine Corps acquired 157 of the IFAVs distributed as follows:
(I) Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Camp Pendleton, CA (33);
(II) MEF Camp Lejeune, NC (25);
(III) MEF on Okinawa, Japan (27);
(IV) 17 Force Recon, Afghanistan (22);
(V) 3 Force Recon Bn, Iraq (23);
(VI) 1st Provisional DMZ Police Company, Korea (15); and
The government of the Vatican City owned two converted Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which are known as the "Popemobile". One is on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
Body Styles
Very early, carburetted 230 G Cabriolet
Code
Bodywork
Wheelbase
Note
1
Convertible with fixed windshield
2400
Only civilian types: 460 & 463
2
Van
2400
Only 460/461 and military types
3
Station Wagon
2400
All types except Professional and Greenline military types
4
Van
2850
Only 460/461/Professional/Worker and military types
5
Pick-up
2850
Only 460/461 types
6
Station Wagon
2850
All types
7
Convertible with folding windshield
2400
Only military types
8
Code unused
N/A
N/A
9
Chassis Cab
3120
Only 460/461 and military types
9,1
Chassis Cab
3400
Only 460/461/Professional and military types
10
Convertible with folding windshield
2850
Only military types
11
Chassis Double Cab
3120
Only 460/461 and military types
11,1
Chassis Double Cab
3400
Only 460/461 and military types
11,2
Chassis Double Cab 6×6
3400
Only Greenline military types
Mercedes-AMG Chairman Volker Mornhinweg claims that one third of all G-Class vehicles sold to civilians are the G55 AMG model. The largest markets for G 55s are California, USA (in black and silver color mostly), and the United Arab Emirates with Dubai (in white color mostly) [28]
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Denmark
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Indonesia
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
Mongolia
Netherlands
North Korea
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Russia
Serbia
Singapore
Slovenia
Slovakia
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Ukraine
United States
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Vatican City
