Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
Segment: Premium SUV
Production years: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
There are not many cars in the world that achieve icon status, such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class that the German automaker introduced in 1979 and built in several shapes and sizes.
In the early ‘70s, the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, needed a sturdy vehicle for its army. Since he was an important stakeholder in Mercedes-Benz, he persuaded the carmaker’s board to develop one. At the same time, in the UK, Land Rover was riding the high tides with its Series III and the Range Rover lineups. As a result, work started on the Gelandewagen (all-terrain vehicle in German). To build it, Mercedes-Benz partnered with the Austrian manufacturer Steyr, and the result was the 1979 G-Class. The SUV was initially available in with a short or a long wheelbase, five types of bodywork, and four engines. One of the first large orders came from the Shah of Iran, but the Islamic Revolution happened before the cars were delivered. That didn’t stop the German automaker from producing the vehicle and selling it everywhere. The car got the internal coding of W460.
Mercedes-Benz’s engineers used wood instead of clay to shape the vehicle since that material better suited their intentions. They wanted the vehicle to look rugged, with flat surfaces. As a result, even the front fascia was flat. A black grille dominated it, and on its upper sides, the automaker placed the headlights. To protect the turn signals, these were mounted on the upper side of the front fenders, flanking the hood.
The five-door version was the one that aimed at those looking for a recreational vehicle. Since the G-Class could tackle any kind of terrain, it was ideal for camping and going into the woods without fearing getting stuck that easily. Mercedes-Benz made the vehicle with flat side panels so they could be better protected. The only elements that were wider than the bodywork were the door handles and mirrors. Its exposed front doors’ hinges remained a trademark of the vehicle. At the back, the SUV featured a side-hinged door that also supported the spare wheel.
Inside, Mercedes-Benz created a cabin that was far from the rest of the luxurious vehicles it made. The fabric upholstery and the squared-looking dashboard were closer to an LCV than to an expensive, luxurious SUV. But still, customers loved it thanks to the ease of use. Fronting the driver was a small instrument cluster that featured three dials. The one on the left was the speedometer, while the one on the right was filled with the gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. Between them, on the upper side, the automaker installed the rev counter. Depending on the options, the center stack housed the stereo, an analog clock, the heater controller, and an ashtray. Between the front seats, Mercedes-Benz installed the gear stick, the transfer case lever, and two plungers to lock the front and rear differentials. In the back, the bench seat was wide enough to host three adults, while behind them was the trunk.
But the most significant part of the vehicle was its chassis, which made the G-Class so famous around the Globe. The transmission featured a transfer case with a 50:50 torque distribution between the front and rear axles. While that was an advantage in off-road situations, it was less suitable for on-road applications since the SUV didn’t have a center differential. That was added later.
ENGINE SPECS - 200 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (118 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1997 cm3 |
Power: | 87 KW @ 5200 RPM 118 HP @ 5200 RPM 117 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 127 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 172 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 173.4 in (4404 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Turning circle: | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4409 lbs (2000 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6173 lbs (2800 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 200 GE 4MT AWD (122 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1997 cm3 |
Power: | 90 KW @ 5100 RPM 122 HP @ 5100 RPM 121 BHP @ 5100 RPM |
Torque: | 131 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 178 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 173.4 in (4404 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.54 |
Turning circle: | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4409 lbs (2000 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6173 lbs (2800 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 230 G 4MT AWD (109 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2299 cm3 |
Power: | 80 KW @ 5300 RPM 109 HP @ 5300 RPM 107 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 128 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 174 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 173.4 in (4404 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 76.8 in (1951 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.54 |
Turning circle: | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4387 lbs (1990 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6173 lbs (2800 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 230 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (122 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2299 cm3 |
Power: | 90 KW @ 5100 RPM 122 HP @ 5100 RPM 121 BHP @ 5100 RPM |
Torque: | 139 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 188 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Mechanical Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 94 mph (151 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 173.4 in (4404 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 76.8 in (1951 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.54 |
Turning circle: | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4409 lbs (2000 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6173 lbs (2800 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 230 GE 4MT AWD (125 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2299 cm3 |
Power: | 92 KW @ 5000 RPM 125 HP @ 5000 RPM 123 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
Torque: | 142 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 192 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Mechanical Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 94 mph (151 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 173.4 in (4404 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 76.8 in (1951 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.54 |
Turning circle: | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4409 lbs (2000 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6173 lbs (2800 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 280 GE 4MT AWD (156 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2746 cm3 |
Power: | 115 KW @ 5250 RPM 156 HP @ 5250 RPM 154 BHP @ 5250 RPM |
Torque: | 167 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM 226 Nm @ 4250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Mechanical Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 98 mph (158 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 173.4 in (4404 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.54 |
Turning circle: | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4552 lbs (2065 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6173 lbs (2800 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 240 GD 4AT AWD (72 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2399 cm3 |
Power: | 53 KW @ 4400 RPM 72 HP @ 4400 RPM 71 BHP @ 4400 RPM |
Torque: | 101 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM 137 Nm @ 2400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 71 mph (114 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 173.4 in (4404 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 76.8 in (1951 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.54 |
Turning circle: | 37.6 ft (11.5 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4453 lbs (2020 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6173 lbs (2800 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
Combined: | 19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 315 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 250 GD 5MT AWD (84 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L5 |
Displacement: | 2497 cm3 |
Power: | 62 KW @ 4600 RPM 84 HP @ 4600 RPM 83 BHP @ 4600 RPM |
Torque: | 114 lb-ft @ 2200-2800 RPM 154 Nm @ 2200-2800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 78 mph (126 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 173.4 in (4404 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.54 |
Turning circle: | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4519 lbs (2050 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6173 lbs (2800 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 290 GD 5MT AWD (95 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L5 |
Displacement: | 2874 cm3 |
Power: | 70 KW @ 4000 RPM 95 HP @ 4000 RPM 94 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 142 lb-ft @ 2300 RPM 192 Nm @ 2300 RPM |
Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 82 mph (132 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 25 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 175.8 in (4465 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 76.6 in (1946 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.54 |
Turning circle: | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4640 lbs (2105 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6393 lbs (2900 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 290 GD Turbodiesel 4AT AWD (120 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L5 |
Displacement: | 2874 cm3 |
Power: | 88 KW @ 3800 RPM 120 HP @ 3800 RPM 118 BHP @ 3800 RPM |
Torque: | 207 lb-ft @ 1900-2300 RPM 280 Nm @ 1900-2300 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 17.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 175.8 in (4465 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 76.6 in (1946 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.54 |
Turning circle: | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4640 lbs (2105 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6393 lbs (2900 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 19.6 mpg US (12 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 254 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 300 GD 4MT AWD (88 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L5 |
Displacement: | 2998 cm3 |
Power: | 65 KW @ 4400 RPM 88 HP @ 4400 RPM 87 BHP @ 4400 RPM |
Torque: | 127 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM 172 Nm @ 2400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 16.9 gallons (64.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 81 mph (130 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 173.4 in (4404 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 76.8 in (1951 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 8.3 in (211 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.54 |
Turning circle: | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4828 lbs (2190 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6173 lbs (2800 kg) |