The
Mercedes-Benz G-Class or
G-Wagen, short for
Geländewagen (or cross-country vehicle), is a four-wheel drive vehicle / sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Designed to be a durable, reliable, and rugged off-roader, 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.
Mercedes-Benz secured military contracts for the vehicle in the late 1970s and offered a civilian version in 1979. A major reason to start development was the need of the German Army for a light military vehicle. Without any joint test the cheaper Volkswagen Iltis were chosen, but since 1990 it is replaced by the G-Class "Wolf" and LAPV Enok. After a design change to a civilian cross-country vehicle in co-operation with the Austrian car manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch,
production of the G-Class began in 1979 with the 460 Series models.
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.
Despite the introduction of an intended replacement, the unibody crossover SUV Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in 2006, the G-Class is still produced and is expected to continue in production until 2015.
2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. In July 2006, Mercedes-Benz announced a late-availability 2006 model year G-Class on its website.
2007 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The company showed a facelifted 2007 model at the Paris Auto Show in September 2006
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 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Minor upgrades.
2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 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.
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. The 2010 G-Class is offered with either a 224HP V6 diesel (G 350 CDI) or two gasoline V8 engines producing 388HP in the G500 and 507HP in the G55 AMG model. The G-Class is scheduled to remain in production until 2015.
The Ultimate G - The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G55 G V12 S Biturbo The world’s most powerful G off-roader is modified by the tuner BRABUS. It is built on the latest Mercedes G-Class. The SUV is powered by a BRABUS SV12 S displacement engine. Like all special models of BRABUS - recognized by the German Vehicle Registration Agency as a vehicle manufacturer - the BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo comes with a comprehensive luxury package. The ultra-powerful 4×4 starts at 379,000 Euros.
The BRABUS SV12 S engine is based on the V12 Bi-turbo engine from Mercedes S 600. Before being implanted in the engine bay of the G-Class, displacement of the three-valve per cylinder engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cubic inches) using a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinders and larger bore. In addition, the cylinder heads are re-machined and fitted with revised camshafts.
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. The G-Class is produced in three, five-door, convertible and in custom versions. The Magna International division in Graz has made about 200,000 vehicles over 30 years.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class  |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Production | 1979–present |
| Assembly | Graz, Austria |
| Class | Mid-size sport utility vehicle |
