The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the world’s most long-lasting models. It has been on the market since 1979. But how may units were actually built in more than four decades?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has just hit a milestone of 400,000 models. A dark red Mercedes-Benz G 400 d rolled off the assembly line in Graz to mark the anniversary. The car will reach soon the parking garage of its future owner, a customer from Rhineland. He is a true G-Class enthusiast. Around 20 units with boxy features are expecting it there. “I can’t be without the G” is his motto.
“We are so proud to have produced 400,000 of these off-road vehicles. We’d like to thank our loyal customers and fans, plus our employees – not to mention our production partner in Graz, Magna Steyr”, says Dr. Emmerich Schiller, head of the Off-Road Vehicles Division and CEO of the Mercedes-Benz G GmbH in Graz, Austria.
“At present, demand far exceeds the production capacity available,” Dr. Schiller reveals. He also reminds the model enthusiasts that Mercedes-Benz is working on electrifying the series. An electric G will make its debut soon.
It will provide an experience that is luxurious, electric, technologically-advanced and sustainable. Furthermore, the Magna Steyr manufacturing center will become carbon-neutral by 2022.
The new G-Class generation hit the market in the summer of 2018, following its introduction at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Even though easier to drive and plusher, the iconic off-roader makes no compromise in terms of capabilities outside the tarmac. A special G-Mode, the DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs and the three differential looks keep raise the standard.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class year by year
- 1972 – Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria partnered up to design and build a vehicle that was to become almighty.
- 1979 – the moddel launched with a choice of four engine variants, ranging from 72 to 156 horsepower. Cabriolets with a short wheelbase or station wagon models were available.
- 1980 – a specially designed vehicle arrived in Vatican to serve as “Popemobile” for Pope John Paul II.
- 1993 – the model officially becomes the G-Class.
- 2004 – a 25th anniversary variant saw the light of day: the G 55 AMG Kompressor. It had an eight-cylinder engine with 476 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque.
- 2015 – the G 500 4×4² of 2015 came with an outstanding ground clearance of 45 centimeters an impressive off-road performance.
- 2017 – the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet arrived with a V12 and an electric fabric top. Only 99 units rolled off the assembly line.
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