40 years have passed since the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been defining the off-road segment. Half of that time, the iconic vehicle has been bearing the AMG badge as well. it is the longest-standing passenger car model in the company’s history.
Marking the 40-year anniversary, Mercedes-Benz offers three special models of what began in the early 1970s. It was the year Daimler-Benz AG started a collaboration with Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria.
In 1975, the G model entered series production in the new car plant in Graz, the place where it has been manufactured ever since. Statistics show that 80% of the G-Class models ever built are still in use today.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class turns 40. Happy anniversary, legend!
The three specials are available in two engine versions: the all-new diesel G 400 d with 330 hp and a maximum torque of 700 Nm at 3400 to 4600 rpm and the G 500 with a 4.0-liter V8 petrol engine of 422 hp and a peak torque of 610 Nm at 2000 to 4750 rpm and also an AMG variant. Both the two Mercedes-Benz variants and the Mercedes-AMG model of the STRONGER THAN TIME Editions, that come with the Driving Assistance Package, suspension with adaptive damping system, the Parking Package with a 360°-camera, Widescreen Cockpit and, among others, a Burmester surround sound system.
Test drive Mercedes-Benz G 500 – The brute with good manners
Here are the most important moments in the 40-year history of the model:
Milestones in G-Class history
1979 The first G-Models, the 240 GD, 300 GD, 230 G and 280 GE, are shown to the media.
1980 Pope John Paul II, visiting Germany in November 1980, is for the first time chauffeured in a “Popemobile” based on the 230 G.
1981 The cabriolet variant gets optional air conditioning, side-facing bench seats and a hard top. 22 colors are available.
1985 A facelift operated on the “G” brings differential locks, central locking and a rev counter as standard equipment.
1989 The 463 series sees the light of day with four engines: 250 GD, 300 GD, 230 GE and 300 GE. Customers can choose from a convertible, a short-wheelbase Station Wagon and long-wheelbase Station Wagon long.
1993 The first V8 shows up in the range, under the bonnet of the 500 GE. The 5.0-liter light-alloy engine of the limited special model develops 177 kW/240 hp.
1993 Starting September, the G-Models are officially known as the G-Class.
1996 The G 300 TURBODIESEL with an inline six-cylinder engine, developing 177 hp is launched.
1997 The G-Class Cabriolet makes its debut in a new variant, receiving an electrohydraulic soft top.
1998 The regular model range receives the ultra-potent G 500 with a V8 engine with 296 hp.
1999 For the first time, an AMG variant is available, with the G 55 AMG.
2001 The year brings a significantly upgraded interior as part of a model facelift. The extended standard equipment includes new dynamic control systems, the 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 new G 55 AMG with a supercharged V8 engine makes its debut as the most powerful G-Class to date: 476 hp.
2006 G 320 CDI replaces the previous diesel models G 270 CDI and G 400 CDI.
2007 The G-Class is given a new instrument cluster with four analogue dial instruments.
2008 The new 5.5-liter V8 engine with 388 hp, joins the range, accompanied by a 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 G 65 AMG gets a 6.0-litre twelve-cylinder engine, with torque of 1000 newton meters, being 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 biturbo.
2013 The three-axled G 63 AMG 6×6 comes as an extravagant and ultra-potent off-roader.
2015 The new G 500 4×42 with portal axles enters series production.
2017 The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet , with the monstrous V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment, comes as a limited edition of only 99 units.
2018 The new G-Class makes its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It keeps its ground in terms of iconic design and comes with a new suspension, the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the “G-Mode” and the three 100-percent differential locks.
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 manufaktur, customers can turn the G-Class into their own personal G.
