Know the ‘G’ in Mercedes G Class
The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen which translates to “cross-country vehicle” was first dreamed up in the early 1970s. It is also called G-Class. The intention behind this massive innovation was to create a rugged, capable, user-friendly, and readily transportable all-wheel-drive vehicle that would be as comfortable on the battlefield as it was shuttling skiers up to their alpine lodges. Through a mix of savvy marketing, outrageous pricing, limited production, and butch, rectilinear good looks, the G-Wagon became a status symbol. The vehicle garnered attention and became the choice for urbane celebrities, socialite moms, and weekend surfers.
Source – Wikipedia
The Birth & Positioning
The birth of the G class happened after the Shah of Iran, a major stakeholder in Mercedes at that time, suggested it as a military-oriented 4X4. Mercedes entered into a partnership with Steyr-Daimler-Puch to develop this vehicle. This SUV was designed to be a Military and Civilian model from the ground up. Its testing started in 1974 over the Sahara desert, over coal mines in Germany, and even in the Arctic Circle to check if it was compatible in extreme conditions. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class may be one of the most fascinating Mercedes-Benz vehicles in history. For nearly 50 years, the G-Class has simply stayed.
Evolution of Mercedes G Class
The first G-Class was being hand-built in Graz, Austria. They were available in two models. Model numbers W460 were used to authorize the civilian versions and W461 was used to authorize the military and other non-civilian versions. They were available in three different body styles: two-door convertible, two-door wagon, and four-door wagon.
In 1990, the G-Class got classy as it received its first major styling update. Though Mercedes kept the utilitarian looks, it transitioned the G toward luxury with a unique civilian-only line that starred burl wood trim, leather seats, cruise control, and anti-lock brakes, as well as running boards to make getting in and out a less intense affair. The covering was also upgraded and was named W463.
The plush G Class
1993 saw the introduction of the first real luxury G class – the 500 GE. It was powered by a monstrous V8 engine and wrapped up with real walnut wood and leather interior. Initially, the production was a limited run of 500 models. In 1994, this was renamed to G500, following the revamp of naming conventions across the Mercedes range.
The next leading upgrade in the lifecycle happened in the 1997-1998 period. The chassis was upgraded, and a host of new power plants were initiated by Mercedes during this period. They also launched a convertible model with a powered top. The mighty G 500 also saw the return during this year. Till the year 2003, periodic updates kept happening.
Introducing Model AMG
In 2003, model G55 AMG came with 18-inch wheels and featured visual tweaks such as an aluminum brush guard and exhaust vents that exited from the side.
Source – Car and Driver
In 2007 and 2008, Mercedes came up with two facelifts. The models had LED tail lamps, improved interiors with a new instrument cluster and center console, and additions such as an entertainment system with radio and CD player and an in-dash six-CD changer, navigation, rearview camera, power outlet, etc.
In 2009, Mercedes further added creature comfort options such as climatized and multi-counter seats, ambient lighting, and dashboard covered in leather, aux-in in the glove box, etc. iPod and USB support, and some new body-color choices were also introduced this year. In 2013, the insane six-wheeled G 63 AMG 6×6 shows up. More than 100 were sold out elsewhere including the Middle East but was never sold in the USA. Another crazy G-Wagon arrived in 2016. Finally, Mercedes made the G 65 available in the States. It safeguarded a 621-horsepower V-12 engine up front and quilted leather interior inside.
Source – CarsScoops
In 2017, two extreme Gs arrived. Mercedes’ upmarket Maybach sub-brand released the half-convertible also called “landaulet” G 65. It’s a limited edition with an extra-long guarantee that the valet will park out front. It also brought out the jacked-up G550 4×42, which is a G-Wagon with Tonka DNA. Its roof sits seven feet four inches high, making it the ultimate G-Wagon.
After thirty-nine years, the G-Wagon got its first all-new makeover in 2018. Though the 2018 model looks almost exactly like the original, the only parts it looks similar to that truck are the door handles and the stainless-steel spare tire cover. Now with longer, wider, more luxurious, sophisticated, stability, and the same rugged good looks, the new G is enjoyable to drive on modern roads without losing any of its automotive anachronistic appeals.
In 2019, Mercedes-Benz G-Class marked the 40th anniversary of its stubborn legacy and is showing no signs of slowing down. These days, a G-Class can be equipped with massage seats, air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and more features unimaginable in 1979.
The Legacy of Mercedes G Class
The G Class is the longest in production Mercedes ever from 1979 and the body shape has never seen any drastic changes. The car always remained true to its roots and increased its popularity and fan base. It kept the iconic body style. This is an icon, a piece of history, similar to the Land Rover or the Jeep, but with a fine balance of hand-built luxury and tough as nails reliability. And that makes the G class very special, for the people who lust one. The G-Class has evolved dramatically over the past 40 years yet still retains the classic and signature boxy profile.
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