For 40 years the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been the measure of all things in the off-road-vehicle segment, and for 20 years as an AMG model, too, with an extra portion of the performance. This makes it by far the longest-standing passenger car model series built in Mercedes-Benz history and thus the forefather of all SUVs with the three-pointed star. To mark this anniversary there are no less than four highlights for G-Class fans. Firstly: three attractive STRONGER THAN TIME special models. Secondly: on request, the special model is exclusively available at the G 400 d (combined fuel consumption: 9.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 253 g/km)* in the most powerful expansion stage of the efficient inline six-cylinder diesel engine. Thirdly: the new individualisation range G manufacturer, with which customers can select from their own personal G. And fourthly: the new G-Class Experience Centre, where customers from all over the world can test the impressive skills of the off-road icon in extreme terrain not far from the G-Class production site in Graz.

“40 years ago the combination of on- and off-road properties was a revolutionary concept. The current G-Class continues this tradition. Its top technological performance today forms the basis for its status as an automotive icon”, says Dr Gunnar Güthenke, Head of the Off-Road Vehicle product unit at Mercedes-Benz. “We are celebrating this exceptional status with lots of highlights for our customers and fans. I am convinced that, for the G-Class, it is just the beginning.”

40 years of G – with attractive editions

What began in the early 1970s with a collaboration agreement between the then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz is now a unique piece of automotive history. The concept for the new off-road vehicle was in itself unusual: it combines superior off-road capability with fully-fledged roadworthiness and safety. All-wheel drive and 100-per cent differential locks have also been part of the “G” since that time, as has the robust ladder-type frame.

In 1975 the decision was also made to commence series production of the G-models. At the same time, it was agreed to construct a new plant in Graz, where the vehicles have been manufactured ever since, mainly built by hand. 80 per cent of all the G-Class vehicles ever produced is still in use – a testament to the outstanding quality of the off-road legend.

At the time of its market launch, in the spring of 1979, it was available with a choice of four engine variants covering a performance range from 53 kW/72 hp to 115 kW/156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet with a short wheelbase and Station Wagon models with a short or long wheelbase. In 1989 the vehicles of the model series 463 marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the off-roader that was continually keeping pace with technical progress. Since 1993 the model has borne the name G-Class.

In numerous special-purpose versions, the off-roader also showed its versatility in operation with the police, fire service and rescue services. The G model is also known the world over as the “Popemobile”. The Mercedes-Benz 230 G off-road vehicle painted in mother of pearl with a transparent special body accompanied Pope John Paul II on numerous journeys from 1980.

20 years of off-road performance

The 20th birthday in 1999 was also the beginning of a highly successful chapter in G-Class history: the first AMG variant entered the market in the form of the G 55 AMG. Prior to that, the G-Class was only available from AMG as individual specimens. The 5.5-litre eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with three-valve technology achieved 260 kW (354 hp); the maximum speed was electronically limited at 210 km/h. The maximum torque worked flat out: 525 Nm at 3000 rpm. It was not only the engine which received extensive modifications; the 5-speed automatic transmission, the chassis, the brakes and the exhaust system were also adapted to the higher output.

In 2002 the G 63 AMG set new standards. This was the first time a twelve-cylinder engine had been installed in the G-Class, and the number 63 here stands for a 6.3-litre V12 naturally aspirated engine with an output of 326 kW (444 hp) and a generous maximum torque of 620 Nm. The most powerful G-Class to date was made in single-piece production in the AMG Manufaktur (today the AMG Performance Studio) on exclusive customer request in Affalterbach.

In 2004 the G 55 AMG Kompressor followed to mark the 25th anniversary. The eight-cylinder power pack (350 kW/476 hp, 700 Nm torque) sprinted from zero to 100 km/h in merely 5.6 seconds. Its side pipes which ended obliquely in front of the rear wheels were style-forming.

In 2006 the G-Class was given a new, state-of-the-art diesel engine. The G 320 CDI, regarded as one of the best “Gs” of all time by many enthusiasts, had an output of 165 kW (224 hp) and featured a diesel particulate filter as standard. Its light-alloy V6 engine offered driving pleasure in abundance with its smooth torque curve – both on and off the road.

In addition, on its 30th birthday in 2009, the G-Class was given new equipment features, which increased interior comfort and exclusivity in particular. The ergonomically optimised front seats offered more support, while new designs and climatised seats made the off-road icon even more luxurious.

In 2012 the G-Class was enhanced yet further thanks to a significantly extended equipment range, an even higher-quality interior, gentle exterior modifications as well as new safety and comfort features such as DISTRONIC Plus and the parking assistance system PARKTRONIC. For the first time AMG provided the G 65 AMG with the legendary 6.0-litre V12 biturbo – at that point in time the most powerful off-road vehicle in the world, with an output of 450 kW (612 hp) and electronically limited 1000 Nm maximum torque. Also new was the G 63 AMG, which was driven by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo with an output of 400 kW (544 hp) and maximum torque of 760 Nm. With 40 percent of sales the G 63 AMG developed into the most popular variant within the entire G-Class family.

Versatile icon

The G 63 AMG 6×6 was especially spectacular, stunning the off-roader world in 2013: with 400 kW (544 hp), six driven wheels, off-road reduction in the transfer case, portal axles for more ground clearance, five differentials lockable during the journey and a tyre pressure control system the G 63 6×6 AMG systematically met all the topographical and meteorological challenges at which other vehicles had thus far failed. And the high-quality, refined interior with individual rear seats guaranteed its driver and passengers optimum high-class comfort, even in extreme off-road use. There was similar performance in 2015 as part of a package suitable for the city in the G 500 4×4² derived from that model. Not only did it bring a luxurious interior; it also boasted ground clearance of 45 centimetres and impressive on-road capabilities.

Milestones in G-Class history

1979

The first G-Models are presented to the press. Production start-up of the 240 GD, 300 GD, 230 G and 280 GE.

1980

During his visit to Germany in November 1980, Pope John Paul II is for the first time chauffeured in a “Popemobile” based on the 230 G.

1981

Optional equipment available for the cabriolet now includes air conditioning, side-facing bench seats and a hard top. There is a choice of 22 colours.

1983

In the Paris-Dakar Rally, Jacky Ickx and Claude Brasseur are first across the finishing line in a 280 GE.

1985

The “G” is significantly upgraded by a model facelift. Standard equipment now also includes differential locks, central locking and a rev counter.

1987

Further facelift with power window lifts, an automatic antenna and a larger tank.

1989

Launch of the 463 series with superior equipment and four engine variants: 250 GD, 300 GD, 230 GE and 300 GE. There is a choice of three body versions: Convertible, short-wheelbase Station Wagon long-wheelbase Station Wagon long.

1993

The 500 GE appears as the first V8 model of the off-roader. The 5-litre light-alloy engine of the limited special model develops 177 kW/240 hp. from September the G-Models are officially known as the G-Class. The model designations are G 230, G 300, G 350 TURBODIESEL etc.

1994

Second facelift for the 463 series, with internally ventilated front disc brakes and a driver airbag.

1996

The G 300 TURBODIESEL with an inline six-cylinder engine (130 kW/177 hp) is launched.

1997

The G-Class Cabriolet makes its debut in a new variant with an electrohydraulic soft top.

1998

The G 500 with a V8 engine (218 kW/296 hp) is added to the regular model range.

1999

With the G 55 AMG, an AMG variant is part of the official sales portfolio of the
G-Class for the first time.

2001

The G-Class is given a considerably upgraded interior as part of a model facelift. The extended standard equipment now including new dynamic control systems is presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in September. These include ESP®, Braking Assist BAS and the new electronic traction system ETS.

2002

The G 63 AMG is the first G-Class with a twelve-cylinder engine.

2004

The world premiere of the new G 55 AMG with a supercharged V8 engine. The most powerful G-Class to date has an output of 350 kW (476 hp).

2006

Bi-xenon headlamps with a cornering light are featured in the G-Class as standard. The G 320 CDI replaces the previous diesel models G 270 CDI and G 400 CDI.

2007

Further updating: the G-Class is given a new instrument cluster with four analogue dial instruments.

2008

Introduction of the new 5.5-litre V8 engine with 285 kW (388 hp). Modified radiator grille with three louvres.

2012

Completely redesigned dashboard and centre console, with the modern infotainment system COMAND Online on board as standard. The Group’s subsidiary from Affalterbach sends the G 65 AMG into the running, powered by a 6.0-litre twelve-cylinder engine with a carbon-fibre/aluminium cover. With a torque of 1000 newton metres, the G 65 AMG is the world’s most powerful series production off-road vehicle; its top speed has to be electronically limited to 230 km/h. The G 63 AMG is also launched with a 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo.

2013

The three-axled G 63 AMG 6×6 demonstrates superior off-road capabilities.

2015

For the first time, the design individualisation range offers exclusive, unique colour and material compositions both inside and out. In addition, the new
G 500 4×42 with portal axles enters series production.

2017

With its superlative V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment, this Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, which is limited to 99 units, meets the expectations of customers who demand the very highest standards of their vehicle.

2018

The new G-Class celebrates its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. With its unmistakeably edge exterior and fundamentally restyled interior, it sets technological standards yet again. On-road the G-Class reinvents itself – with modern assistance systems, outstanding handling and optimum safety. Off-road it surpasses itself: the new suspension, the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the “G-Mode” and the three 100-per cent differential locks enhance performance, ride comfort and agility – on any surface.

2019

The G-Class turns 40, the AMG variant celebrates its 20th birthday this year. Mercedes celebrates its off-road icon with three special models. Thanks to the new individualisation range G manufacturer, customers can turn the G-Class into their own personal G. Around 15 kilometres south of Graz the G-Class Experience Centre opens: on the site of over 100,000 m2 customers and fans can drive the G-Class for themselves in extreme conditions on two off-road sections, the G-Rock with various approach ramps and an on-road area.

* The stated figures were determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring method. They constitute the “NEDC CO2 values” pursuant to Article 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated based on these figures

SOURCE:https://brandspurng.com/2019/06/14/anniversary-for-the-mercedes-benz-g-class-40-years-of-the-g-class-rocks/

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