30 Years of the G-Class
Editor’s note: That the iconic, if boxy, Mercedes-Benz G-class has lasted thirty years, virtually unchanged from the exterior, is emblematic of the same sort of fanaticism that follows the 40+ year old Porsche 911. Never a fan of the SUV, the G-class holds a special place in the heart of auto enthusiasts. The true versatility of the vehicle has spanned the globe from the battlefield to the board room. Few cars can make the claim that they have “saved lives”, but between thwarting terrorist attacks and delivering food and medicine to refugee camps. Here’s to another 30 years!!!
A full profile courtesy of Mercedes follows:
The current model range
A full range for fans of the “G”
The model family currently has three body variants (short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon, Convertible), which can be combined with either an economical V6 CDI engine developing 165 kW/224 hp and 540 newton metres, or a powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine with 285 kW/388 hp and 530 newton metres. The flagship G 55 AMG available only as a four-door, long-wheelbase Station Wagon is powered by a supercharged V8-engine developing 373 kW/507 hp.
Following the final decision in 2006 to retain the model series in the Mercedes-Benz range into the future, the special “Grand Edition” model was introduced. This special edition available only with a long wheelbase and V8-engine was offered as the G 500 developing 218 kW (296 hp) or the diesel model G 400 CDI with 184 kW (250 hp). All versions could be specified with the optional special paint finish “allanite grey magno”. In contrast to conventional metallic finishes, a matt clear coat protected the paint surface and lent a particularly exclusive appearance to the “Grand Edition” models. An exclusive atmosphere also characterised the interior. Specially for this special edition – and in line with the natural charm of the G-Class – an open-pored, natural leather with no embossing was used.
In the same year the G-Class was given a new, ultra-modern diesel engine.
The G 320 CDI, which still features strongly in the model range and is regarded as one of the best “Gs” of all times by many enthusiasts, has an output of 165 kW/224 hp and features a diesel particulate filter as standard. Its light-alloy V6-engine further increased driving pleasure with its smooth torque curve – both on and off the road. The latest, third-generation common-rail direct injection with piezo-electric injectors, four-valve technology and a turbocharger with electrically adjustable vanes were just some of the advantages of this powerful engine, whose power was transferred by the standard 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. The new G 320 CDI combined the advantages of the G 270 CDI and G 400 CDI that preceded it: while delivering the low fuel consumption of the 156 hp five-cylinder model, it also impressed with a performance every bit as lively as that of the V8 diesel with 250 hp.
With the 2007 model facelift, Mercedes-Benz added new highlights to the G-Class – especially in the interior. From that model year onward, a new instrument cluster with four analogue dial instruments and elegant chrome surrounds formed the information centre for the driver. Another new design was the elegant four-spoke multifunction steering wheel, whose illuminated keys allowed information to be accessed or certain control functions to be activated by thumb pressure, without distracting the driver. All model versions also received a modified centre console with new controls and switches for the air conditioning and comfort-enhancing functions. This not only upgraded the cockpit in visual terms, but also improved operating safety with its design. The G 500 and G 55 AMG were equipped with the control and display system COMAND APS as standard, including a DVD navigation system, integrated radio, CD-player and telephone keypad. Externally this latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class now had new tail light clusters in modern LED technology.
G-Class EDITION30 and G-Class EDITION30.PUR:
Spectacular special models to mark the anniversary
The fact that the G-Class was designed for operations in the most difficult terrain right from the start is made particularly clear by the special EDITION30. PUR model based on the G 280 CDI from the G 461 series. This long-wheelbase Station Wagon pays homage to the first-generation G-Model, has been optimised specifically for the toughest assignments off the beaten track and is therefore the future dream car for world travellers, expedition leaders, confirmed fans of the “G” and customers who are in search of an automotive rarity with uncompromising reliability and the ability to go anywhere. With the optional “Off-road package 1″ or “Off-road package 2″, the G EDITION30.PUR can e.g. be equipped for any eventuality with all-terrain tyres in size 265/75 R 16 on aluminium wheels, flexible wheel arch flaring, protective grilles for the headlamps and lights, a walk-on bonnet for easier access to the optional roofrack, a towing lug at the front and a two-section rear door. In the interior there are four individual seats upholstered in hard-wearing fabric or man-made leather, rubber floor coverings in the passenger compartment, spray-protected controls and drainage apertures in the footwells. A load compartment with a wooden floor, load lashing lugs and rails is standard, as are an auxiliary heater and manually operated air conditioning to cope with any climatic zone encountered.
With the special EDITION30 model based on the G 463 series, Mercedes-Benz is once again demonstrating the possibilities of the G-Class with respect to comfort and prestige. Externally, this long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon is distinguished by a designo platinum black paint finish, specially designed light-alloy wheels and EDITION30 lettering on the wings. The interior of this G 500 impresses with designo leather in the colour “chablis” and designo trim in anthracite poplar wood.
The two special models can be ordered from mid-February 2009. The “EDITION30.PUR” from the 461 series costs from 59,381 Euro incl. VAT, while the “EDITION30″ based on the long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon is priced from 97,461 Euro incl. VAT.
Awards
The outstanding qualities of the G-Class and its timeless design have earned the classic Cross-Country Vehicle a raft of awards over the years, some examples of which are listed below:
- • The readers of German motoring magazine “auto motor and sport” have voted the G-Class the world’s best off-roader on 13 occasions.
- • In 1983, the Australian trade magazine “bushdriver” crowned the G-Model the “4×4 off-roader of the year”.
- • In 1993, the readers of the French publication “Magazine 4×4” voted the G 350 TURBODIESEL “off-roader of the year”.
- • In 1995, the readers of German specialist watersports magazine “Boote” named the G-Class “best towing vehicle”.
- • In 2001, 2003, 2006 and 2007 “Off Road” magazine voted the G-Class
“off-roader of the year”. - • In 2003 and again in 2007, the readers of “Motor Klassik” magazine voted the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a “classic of the future”.
- • After a reader vote, the off-road magazine 4Wheel Fun declared the “G” to be the “2007 Superstar” in the luxury category.
Start of production and market launch: a new class takes to the stage
Under the terms of their basic cooperation agreement concluded in 1973, the two partner companies had established that the G-Class would be built using new production facilities on the premises of Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG in Graz. The decision to begin series production of the G-Model in 1975 was also the signal to commence planning of the 40,000 square-metre production facility in Austria. To this day, the full range of the vehicle’s components is still hand-built by specialists at the plant.
By February 10, 1979 the preparations were complete and production of the G-Class could begin. The same month, the Cross-Country Vehicle celebrated its world premiere at a press launch in the south of France, making an extremely positive all-round impression on the notoriously hard-to-please journalists.
When production initially got underway, customers had a choice of four engine variants – available under the bonnet of a short-wheelbase Convertible or a Station Wagon or panel van with a short or long wheelbase. The range also included an open-top three or five-door military version with a long wheelbase and a canvas roof:
- • Mercedes-Benz 240 GD
four-cylinder diesel with 53 kW/72 hp - • Mercedes-Benz 300 GD
five-cylinder diesel engine with 65 kW/88 hp - • Mercedes-Benz 230 G
four-cylinder petrol engine with 75 kW/100 hp or 66 kW/90 hp - • Mercedes-Benz 280 G
six-cylinder petrol engine with110 kW/150 hp - The G-Class was launched under two different designations. In Austria, Switzerland and the COMECON countries it was sold under the “Puch” badge, while in all other countries it came with the Mercedes three-pointed star on the radiator grille. The situation remained the same after a 1981 restructuring programme at the Stuttgart-based company saw the G-Class produced in Graz under contract, with Mercedes assuming full responsibility for product development. It is only since 2000 that the G-Class has been marketed under the Mercedes-Benz brand worldwide.
Engineering and equipment: only the best will do
Although all models of the Mercedes-Benz off-roader produced in 1979 were fitted with a four-speed manual transmission, a four-speed automatic variant was made available as an alternative for the 280 GE and 300 D models a short while later. The G-Model was already making a name for itself, with the driver able to engage or disengage the four-wheel drive, off-road ratio and locks while on the move. The manually selectable 100-percent differential locks for the front and rear axles (optional) were only available together as an optional extra.
Then as now, the robust basis for the G-Class was provided by a high-strength frame consisting of closed longitudinal sections and cross-members to ensure exceptional bending and torsional stiffness. The frame supports robust, rigid axles with large coil springs and long spring travel. Both these features are useful elements on rough terrain, maintaining a constant, pre-programmed ground clearance – one of the key factors underpinning the G-Class’s outstanding off-road qualities. These include an ability to scale gradients of up to 80 percent and preserve directional stability at a 54-percent tilt, allowing the vehicle to tackle even the toughest contours with ease. Ground clearance of 21 centimetres, an angle of approach of 36 degrees and an angle of departure of 27 degrees give the Mercedes cross-country star an extra edge off-road.
At the same time, the G-Class chassis has always provided convincing handling back on the tarmac, thanks to precise wheel location. Even more importantly, the vehicle’s original engineers disconnected the wheel location from the springs – and the extra development work paid dividends, the G-Model displaying virtually neutral handling as a result and allowing comparatively high cornering speeds. Uneven road surfaces, meanwhile, were negotiated with an effortless ease previously out of the reach of off-road vehicles with rigid axles.
Model history
The evolution of the “G”
A cooperation agreement doubles as the birth certificate of the long-serving Mercedes-Benz G-Class. In 1973, Daimler-Benz AG in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG based in Graz, Austria put pen to paper for an accord aimed at co-developing a light all-wheel drive off-roader for private use. With this type of vehicle enjoying nothing like the huge popularity it does today, the Stuttgart-based brand had hesitated before moving into a previously unexplored market segment. Although sales forecasts were less than conclusive, the two companies nevertheless decided to take the plunge and set to work on the new
G-Class.
The partners eventually agreed on a concept which constituted a striking departure from other all-wheel-drive vehicles of the time. Flying in the face of prevailing trends, the development team spurned both the idea of a Spartan “purely cross-country vehicle” and that of a four-wheel-drive passenger car for the road. Instead, after exhaustive deliberations surrounding various different concepts, the product planners, designers and engineers settled on a vehicle which was to offer an unprecedented spectrum of capabilities. On the one hand, they set out to achieve the reliability, robustness and virtually limitless off-road ability – even on the toughest terrain – which would allow the vehicle to rise to the challenges of day-to-day industrial, municipal and military use. And on the other, they were aiming to produce a fully equipped, comfortable and above all safe model for carrying both people and goods on normal roads, and one that would also appeal to customers looking for an exclusive leisure vehicle.
In short, there was no room for cutting corners. This was to be a cross-country vehicle which did justice to the name, and which would genuinely hold its own in the most unpromising conditions, and that meant opting for 100-percent differential locks rather than the less sophisticated locking differentials fitted on other cross-country vehicles. Another special feature of the design was the development of an all-synchromesh transfer case which could be engaged while on the move. Likewise, drive to the front wheels could also be manually selected when the off-roader was being driven on the road – a considerable advantage on snow and ice.
In the conception of the “G-Model”, Mercedes-Benz also focussed on how the vehicle would be used in various regions of the world – from the freezing conditions of the Arctic to the sweltering heat of Africa, from South America all the way to East Asia and Australia. This explains why the construction and body of the new vehicle was deliberately designed to be relatively uncomplicated and functional. That way, the body could also be manufactured in countries lacking a state-of-the-art infrastructure and having to depend on outdated metalworking machinery, while the costs generated by repair work and servicing would be kept within limits. In addition, where technically feasible, the development engineers set out to use series-produced assemblies and components from Mercedes-Benz’s own range of light trucks.
As it turned out, it was in the military arena that the G-Model scored its initial successes. In 1975, for example, the Shah of Iran – a major Daimler-Benz shareholder – showed considerable interest in a military cross-country vehicle “made by Mercedes-Benz”, and placed an order for 20,000 units. However, the contract was cancelled by Iran’s new post-revolution government before production could get underway. Regional police forces in Germany and the country’s customs officers took up some of the slack with an order for 400 units of the new cross-country vehicle, and this was followed by further requests from the Argentinean and Norwegian military. Later, the Swiss army joined the fray with an order for 4000 vehicles. Over the course of its lifespan, though, a far greater number of civilian-trim Mercedes-Benz G-Class models have rolled off the assembly line than military versions.
30 Years of the Mercedes G-Class: A Timeline
1973
The first wooden model of the future Mercedes cross-country vehicle is presented in April.
1974
The first ready-to-drive prototype is sent out for testing.
1975
A second feasibility study confirms the prospects of success for a Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicle.
Start of the construction work for a new production shop in Graz.
1979
In the south of France, the G-Model is presented to the press for the first time. Production gets underway on February 10, 1979 with the 240 GD, 300 GD, 230 G and 280 GE first off the assembly line.
1980
An enclosed van-type model with short or long wheelbase is added to the model range.
1981
The first facelift: automatic transmission, air conditioning, longitudinal bench seats for the load area, an additional fuel tank, a “tropical roof”, protective headlamp grilles, a cable winch, a hardtop for the Cabriolet and a mechanical power take-off are all available as options for the 280 GE and 300 GD. Customers can choose from a total of 22 different paint colours, up from the previous five.
1982
The new 230 GE with mechanical fuel injection and 92 kW/125 hp replaces the 230 G with a carburettor engine.
Recaro seats, auxiliary heating, wide-base tyres for the light-alloy wheels and wheel arch flaring can be ordered as options.
1983
The 230 GE is optionally available with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The second facelift sees four new metallic colour shades and a five-speed transmission added to the list of equipment.
Jacky Ickx and Claude Brasseur win victory in the Paris–Dakar Rally at the wheel of a 280 GE.
1985
Differential locks, central locking and a rev counter are added to the list of standard equipment as part of the third facelift.
The Cabriolet is fitted with a folding soft-top in place of the simple tarpaulin.
1986
The petrol models 230 GTE and 280 GE become available with closed-loop catalytic converter.
In July, the 50,000th G-Class rolls off the assembly line.
1987
The fourth facelift brings new optional extras: power windows, an automatic aerial and a combined luggage cover and retaining net for the load area.
The chassis with cab and 3.12-metre wheelbase is added to the range.
The 250 GD developing 62 kW/84 hp replaces the 240 GD.
Planning begins for the later 463 series.
1988
The driver’s and front passenger’s seats are fitted with armrests.
1989
The 230 GE Classic limited-edition model is presented to mark the10th birthday of the G-Class. A total of 300 units are built.
The new 463 series with permanent four-wheel drive, an exquisite wood interior and optional ABS is presented in September at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt.
1990
The 463 series is launched in April in the shape of the 230 GE, 300 GE, 250 GD and 300 GD models. Customers can choose from three body variants.
End of production of the 460-series 280 GE and 300 GD.
1992
G-Class production begins in Greece, with the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) vehicles delivered in separate parts to the assembly site.
Market launch of the 461 series for professional users – a revised version of the previous 460 series.
The model range comprises the 230 GE and the new 290 GD, which replaces the previous 250 GD.
First model facelift of the 463: cruise control, a spare wheel cover of stainless steel, running-boards, a luggage compartment cover and burr walnut trim are available on request.
The new 350 GD TURBODIESEL is unveiled in May.
In June, the 100,000th G-Class off-roader leaves the assembly line.
1993
A chassis with cab and 3.40-metre wheelbase is added to the 461-series range.
The eight-cylinder 500 GE special-edition model is unveiled, offering luxurious equipment and trim levels and limited to 500 units. Its V8 engine develops 177 kW/241 hp.
The “G” prefix is introduced: the G-Models are now officially called the G-Class, with model designations such as G 230, G 300, G 350 TURBODIESEL etc.
1994
The second facelift of the 463 series sees the introduction of internally ventilated front disc brakes and a driver airbag as standard.
The 155-kW/210-hp G 320 model replaces the outgoing G 300.
1995
All G-Class models are fitted with remote-controlled central locking and an immobiliser.
1996
The G 300 TURBODIESEL with 130 kW/177 hp and an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission is presented. It replaces the G 350 TURBODIESEL.
Model facelift and upgraded standard equipment, with a headlamp cleaning system, cruise control and a front passenger airbag.
1997
The G-Class Convertible with an electropneumatically powered soft top is presented.
The G 320’s V6 engine replaces the six-cylinder in-line power unit in the 463 series.
The electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard in the G 320.
The 290 GD TURBODIESEL with 88 kW/120 hp replaces the 290 GD with naturally aspirated diesel engine in the 461 series.
1998
Fourth facelift: The range-topping new 500 (218 kW/296 hp) joins the G 320 and G 300 TURBODIESEL in the G-Class family.
1999
In March, the exclusive G 500 Classic special-edition model is presented to mark the 20th anniversary of the G-Class. Production is limited to 400 vehicles.
The multifunction steering wheel is added to the list of standard equipment for the G-Class.
The G 55 AMG takes to the stage. Its V8 engine delivers 260 kW/354 hp.
The Mercedes-Benz G 500 Guard appears in three different special-protection versions.
2000
The new 2001 models are unveiled at the Paris Motor Show – with a new interior offering further enhanced levels of comfort.
The new diesel model G 400 CDI with a new V8 diesel engine (184 kW/250 hp) replaces the G 300 TURBODIESEL.
The V8 models are fitted with new light-alloy wheels, a chromed radiator grille and bumpers in the body colour.
2001
From the autumn the G-Class is presented with new dynamic control systems. These include the Electronic Stability Program ESP®, Brake Assist and the Electronic Traction System 4ETS.
The G-Class is launched in the USA.
2002
The new G 270 CDI makes its debut powered by a 115-kW/156-hp five-cylinder diesel engine.
2003
Indicator repeaters are integrated into the exterior mirrors of the G-Class.
2004
World premiere of the new G 55 AMG with a supercharged V8 engine developing 350 kW/476 hp at the Geneva Motor Show.
The G-Class celebrates its 25th birthday.
2006
The G 55 AMG now has an output of 368 kW/500 hp. Bi-xenon headlamps, foglamps with cornering lights and new, more scratch-resistant nano-particle paint finishes are offered for the first time. The G 320 CDI replaces the diesel models G 270 CDI and G 400 CDI. At the same time the G 320 is discontinued.
2007
The final development stage of the G 55 develops an output of 373 kW/507 hp. A new instrument cluster with four analogue dial instruments, a modified centre console with new controls and switches, and a new four-spoke steering wheel form the control centre from this model year onward.
The control and display system COMAND APS with a DVD navigation system, integrated radio, CD-player and telephone keypad becomes standard equipment (optional for the G 320 CDI). New tail light clusters are given brilliant LED technology. New optional extras include a reversing camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system and the “ARTICO” interior package with robust man-made leather.
2008
The G 500 receives a new 5.5-litre V8-engine with 285 kW/388 hp and a torque of 530 Nm. From the autumn of this year the G-Class features a modified radiator grille in a 3-louvre design. At the same time the new-generation telematics with fast HDD navigation, a Bluetooth interface for mobile phone operation and LINGUATRONIC voice control are introduced.
2009
The G-Class celebrates its 30th birthday.
Mercedes-Benz presents the special EDITION30 and EDITION30 G.PUR models to mark the anniversary.
Technical data of the current G-Class model range*
* Figures may vary depending on the equipment line
** Figures apply to the short-wheelbase Station Wagon *** Figures apply to the long-wheelbase Station Wagon
**** The figures shown for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions were determined according to the prescribed measuring method (Directive 80/1268/EEC in the currently valid version). The figures do not apply to any individual vehicle.
***** Kerb weight figures are in accordance with Directive 92/21/EC, version 95/48/EC (mass in ready-to-drive condition, fuel tank 90 % full, with driver weighing 68 kg and luggage 7 kg) for vehicles with standard equipment. Optional extras and accessories usually increase this figure, with a corresponding reduction in payload.
Sources: Daimler