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What began in the early 1970s as a collaboration has become the stuff of which automotive legends are made.

By far the longest-standing passenger car model series built by Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class is the forefather of all SUVs that carry the three-pointed star. It has become the standard against which others are measured in the off-road-vehicle segment: around 80% of all the G-Class vehicles ever produced are still in use, which is testament to its outstanding quality and durability.

At launch in the spring of 1979, the G-Class came with a choice of four engine variants, ranging from 53 kW to 115 kW. 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, and since 1993, the model has borne the name G-Class.

To mark its 40th anniversary in 2019, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a range of highlights for G-Class fans, starting with the special STRONGER THAN TIME model – including the exclusive G 400 d, J40 Edition offering the most powerful (243 kW/ 700 Nm)  and efficient 8.9-l/100 km) inline six-cylinder diesel engine yet.

The G 400d comes in AMG Line guise, with flared wheel arches over black 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG design elements in the bumpers and an exterior protective strip. Brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering and the standard-fit Night Package give the special model darkened lights as well as outside mirrors, a spare wheel ring and design elements in the bumpers in obsidian black and tinted rear windows. Painstaking attention to detail is showcased at night: the surround lamp projects the G logo and the lettering ‘STRONGER THAN TIME’ onto the road.

The Mercedes-Benz Editions are available in two looks. Traditionalists will be delighted by a variant whose interior is characterised by black nappa leather with golden topstitching as well as trim elements in open-pore black ash. There are several paint and interior options available to those wanting a particularly exclusive G-Class.

With around a million combination options, G-Class vehicles could theoretically be produced for several decades in Graz without any two of them being identical. Customers can choose from a wide colour palette for the nappa leather on the steering wheel, instrument panel and seats, and for the topstitching and seat belts. For the exterior, 4 paint colours offer a choice for every taste – and the spare wheel ring is now also available in the vehicle colour.

Milestones in G-Class history

1979

The first G-Models - the 240 GD, 300 GD, 230 G and 280 GE - are launched to the media.

1980

During his visit to Germany in November 1980, Pope John Paul II is 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 line in a 280 GE.

1985

The G is significantly upgraded with 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, and long-wheelbase Station Wagon.

1993

The 500 GE offers the first V8 model. The 5-litre light-alloy engine develops 177 kW/240 hp. From September the G-Models are officially known as the G-Class.

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

The G-Class’ 20th birthday in 1999 sees the first AMG variant, the G 55 AMG. Sporting a 5.5-litre eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with three-valve technology, it achieves 260 kW and is limited to a maximum speed of 210 km/h.

2001

The G-Class is given a considerably upgraded interior as part of a model facelift.

2002

The G 63 AMG sets new standards with a 12-cylinder engine, boasting a 6.3-litre V12 naturally aspirated engine with an output of 326 kW and a 620 Nm of torque.

2004

The G Class marks its 25th anniversary with the G 55 AMG Kompressor. Boasting an eight-cylinder power pack (350 kW, 700 Nm torque), it sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Its sidepipes, which end obliquely in front of the rear wheels, are style-forming.

2006

The G 320 CDI, regarded as one of the best Gs of all time by many enthusiasts, is launched. With an output of 165 kW, its light-alloy V6 engine offers driving pleasure in abundance, with its smooth torque curve both on and off the road.

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

The G 65 AMG launches, 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 and electronically limited 1000 Nm maximum torque. Also new is the G 63 AMG, which is driven by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo (400 kW, 760 Nm). With 40 percent of sales, the G 63 AMG becomes the most popular variant within the G-Class family.

2013

The G 63 AMG 6x6 stuns the world with 400 kW, six driven wheels and new levels of interior comfort.

2015

For the first time, the individualisation range offers exclusive, unique colour and material compositions both inside and out. In addition, the new G 500 4x42 with portal axles enters series production.

2017

With a superlative V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet is launched. Only 99 units are built.

The summer of 2017 sees the 300,000th G-Class roll off the assembly line in Graz – a Mercedes-Benz G 500 in Mauritius blue metallic with black leather seats and contrasting white topstitching. G-Class fans around the world determine the vehicle specification by voting for their favourite equipment and appointments on the official G-Class Facebook page.

2018

The new G-Class celebrates its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, setting new 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-percent differential locks enhance performance, ride comfort and agility on any surface.

2019

The G-Class turns 40, and the AMG variant celebrates its 20th birthday. Mercedes celebrates its off-road icon with three special models. Thanks to the new individualisation range G manufaktur, customers can turn the G-Class into their own personal G.

15 kilometres south of Graz, the G-Class Experience Centre opens. On this 100,000 m2 site, 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.

Pricing

G400d Stronger Than Time R2 892 840

AMG G63 R3 366 480

Service and Warranty

The G-Class comes standard with a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.

www.mercedes-benz.co.za