Mercedes-Benz debuted its stripped-down, go-anywhere SUV in 1979. The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen (cross-country vehicle) was initially envisioned in the early 1970s. The goal was to develop a robust all-wheel vehicle that was easy to use and comfortable.
G-Wagon is a mid-size all-wheel-drive full-luxury SUV manufactured by Magna Styr and sold under the Mercedes-Benz brand. G-class is the one military vehicle with all the luxuries.
The G-Wagon, commonly known as the G-Class, is distinctive in its class due to its boxy design and three completely locking differentials, similar in a way to the Land Rover Defender. The 400,000th unit was constructed in December 2020, demonstrating the G-Wagon’s success.
Models
| Model | Years | Engine | BHP | Torque (lb-ft) | MPG (city/hwy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W460 | 1979-1990 | 280 GE I6 | 156 @ 5250 RPM | 167 @ 4250 RPM | 14 / 19 |
| 1979-1991 | 300 GD I5 | 87 @ 5250 RPM | 167 @ 4250 RPM | 11 / 19 | |
| W461 | 1992-2001 | 230 GE I4 | 123 @ 5100 RPM | 139 @ 3500 RPM | 12 / 16 |
| 1992-1997 | 290 GD I5 | 94 @ 4000 RPM | 142 @ 2300 RPM | 10 / 13 | |
| W463 | 1990-2000 | 500 GE 4AT | 118 @ 5200 RPM | 127 @ 3500 RPM | 14 / 19 |
| 250 GD 5MT | 94 @ 4600 RPM | 117 @ 3100 RPM | 17 / 22 | ||
| 2000-2007 | 320 V6 5AT AWD | 215 @ 5500 RPM | 221 @ 4800 RPM | 11 / 18 | |
| 270 CDI 5AT AWD | 156 @ 3800 RPM | 295 @ 2600 RPM | 17 / 24 | ||
| 2007-2008 | 500 V8 5AT AWD | 296 @ 5500 RPM | 336 @ 4000 RPM | 11 / 19 | |
| 320 CDI V6 7AT AWD | 224 @ 3800 RPM | 398 @ 2400 RPM | 18 / 24 | ||
| 2008-2012 | 500 V8 7AT AWD | 388 @ 6000 RPM | 391 @ 4800 RPM | 12 / 20 | |
| 350 CDI V6 7AT AWD | 224 @ 3800 RPM | 398 @ 2400 RPM | 18 / 24 | ||
| 2012-2018 | 500 7AT | 388 @ 6000 RPM | 391 @ 4800 RPM | 12 / 20 | |
| 300 CDI Professional | 211 @ 3400 RPM | 295 @ 2600 RPM | 17 / 24 | ||
| W463 4×4 Squared | 2015-Present | 500 7AT 4×4 | 422 @ 5250 RPM | 450 @ 4750 RPM | 14 / 19 |
| W463 Professional | 2016-Present | 350 d 7AT | 245 @ 3600 RPM | 443 @ 2400 RPM | 21 / 26 |
| W464 | 2018-Present | G 500 9AT | 422 HP @ – RPM | 450 @ 4750 RPM | 17 / 19 |
| G 350 d 9AT | 286 @ 4600 RPM | 443 @ 3200 RPM | 22 / 25 |
Cost
★☆☆☆☆
Purchasing Cost
The Mercedes-Benz G-class or G-Wagon is a premium mid-size SUV that is not within everyone’s budget. The most recent G-Wagon model has a starting price of 131,750 USD.
If we look at the G-Wagon price history, we can see that it has been quickly growing over the years, and it has always been one of the most costly lots in the category of luxury SUVs.
Militaries use the G-Wagon army version from over 50 nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Russia. It is a rugged vehicle for overland activities.
Domestically, it is sold in over 50 countries, including China, Russia, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and many more. G-Wagons are available in nearly every region via grey import.
Maintenance Cost
G-Wagon’s maintenance costs are likewise in line with its retail price. With a combined mpg of 18, which is not a good one for this category SUV, the average yearly fuel expenditure of a G-Wagon is up to $3200.
The typical cost of maintenance is between $1400 and $1500. Oil and filter changes should be performed every 10,000 miles. Air filters, brakes, and spark plugs need to be checked every year. The Five-year maintenance cost of G-Wagon might reach 129,000 USD.
Reliability
★★★★☆
The reliability of an SUV used by several nations’ military is unquestionable and also same with its off-road capabilities, the civilian version outperforms the army version in terms of elegance and comfort.
The Mercedes G-Wagon has revolutionized the SUV manufacturing process throughout the years. It has a tough and elegant appearance and structure that allows you to crash through sand and snow and glide through New York’s streets.
Though Mercedes-Benz has a mixed reputation in evaluations over the years, G-Wagon seldom appears in Dependability assessments due to its excellent reliability.
Parts
★★☆☆☆
Accessibility
G-Wagon is a vehicle for those only who can afford it. Because of the high price tag, there are not many G-Wagons on the road. This leads to a lower than normal parts demand, so suppliers usually don’t stock these parts. However, parts can be specially ordered and do not take a long time to arrive.
Aftermarket Upgrades
Because of their rich category, the G-Wagons do not have a tremendous aftermarket supply. Some businesses and manufacturers can provide you with high-tech upgrades and alterations for your G-Wagon with limited options that will enhance your vehicle for off-road activities.
Storage
★★★☆☆
The G-Wagon has very clever storage solutions. The G-Class has 1078.87 liters of space behind the rear seats and 1942.5 liters behind the front seats.
G-Class (W460/W461) (1979 – 2001)
| Overall Length | 173.4” |
| Overall Width | 66.9” |
| Wheelbase | 112.2” |
| Unladen Height | 75.6” |
| Unladen Weight | 4409 lbs |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 6173 lbs |
G-Class (W463) (1989 – 2000)
| Overall Length | 184.3” |
| Overall Width | 69.3” |
| Wheelbase | 112.2” |
| Unladen Height | 76.2” |
| Unladen Weight | 5225 lbs |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 6724 lbs |
G-Class (2000 – 2007)
| Overall Length | 184.3” |
| Overall Width | 69.3” |
| Wheelbase | 112.2” |
| Unladen Height | 76.2” |
| Unladen Weight | 5181 lbs |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 7054 lbs |
G-Class (W463) (2008 – 2012)
| Overall Length | 184.5” |
| Overall Width | 69.3” |
| Wheelbase | 112.2” |
| Unladen Height | 76.2” |
| Unladen Weight | 5390 lbs |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 7055 lbs |
G-Class (W463) (2012-2018)
| Overall Length | 184.5” |
| Overall Width | 69.3” |
| Wheelbase | 112.2” |
| Unladen Height | 76.2” |
| Unladen Weight | 5390 lbs |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 7055 lbs |
G-Class (W463) (2015 – Present)
| Overall Length | 183.9” |
| Overall Width | 73.5” |
| Wheelbase | 112.2” |
| Unladen Height | 88.6” |
| Unladen Weight | 6495 lbs |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 7694 lbs |
G-Class 4×4 squared (W463) (2016 – Present)
| Overall Length | 183.5” |
| Overall Width | 73.5” |
| Wheelbase | 112.2” |
| Unladen Height | 76.9” |
| Unladen Weight | 5758 lbs |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 7055 lbs |
G-Class Professional (W464) (2018 – Present)
| Overall Length | 181.3” |
| Overall Width | 78.1” |
| Wheelbase | 113.8” |
| Unladen Height | 77.2” |
| Unladen Weight | 5190 – 5478 lbs |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 9898 lbs |
Comfort
★★★★★
The G-Wagon has always kept up with the times to provide its clients with the best possible service. Comfortable headspace and leg space are provided, as well as leather interior and power-adjustable driving.
Cushioned, firm and spacious seats with inflated air chambers and seat air conditioning control are provided. Its comfort is also suitable for off-road travel.
Mercedes keeps you linked to your automobile via your smartphone, from monitoring the fuel level to locking it. The G-Wagon is outfitted with the most up-to-date infotainment options.
Safety
★★★☆☆
The NHTSA and IIHS have not conducted any crash tests on the G-Wagon, but they have done so on other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, which have received ratings of 5/5 and 90% average safety, respectively. Thus the safety of the G-Wagon may be predicted based on these figures.
According to European testing center studies, the G-Wagon is a safe premium sports utility vehicle.
G-Wagon also comes in an armored variant with a rating of A9/B6+. This model is resistant to M80 ball bullets, 5.56×45, and 7.62mm lead core bullets, as well as two DM51 hand grenades.
Off-Road
★★★★☆
Though the G-Wagon is recognized for its luxury vehicle status on city roads, it is also a champion in off-roads; those who have never taken their G-Wagon off-roads will never know what they are missing.
This vehicle was initially designed for off-road use when the Shah of Iran recommended to Mercedes that they create a military vehicle. Because of its three locking differentials, it offers the best traction control.
The G550 is said to be the best G-Wagon for off-roading. The angles from the previous 5-year models are shown in the table below.
| Basis | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Break-over Angle (°) | 14 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 28 |
| Approach Angle (°) | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30.9 |
| Departure Angle (°) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29.9 |
| Min. Ground Clearance (inch) | 8 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
Mercedes Benz G-Wagon Overland Build Example
Equipment
- Roof Rack: Mercedes G-Wagon K9 Roof Rack Kit
- Tent: Roof Top Tent Package for Mercedes G-Wagon
- Fridge: Dometic CDF 11
- Compressor: ARB CKMP12
- Water Storage: RotopaX RX-2S
Drivetrain
- Tires: BFG All Terain T/A KO in LT285/55R20
- Wheels: Mercedes-Benz G-Class Wheels (18-Inch, 8-spoke)
- Suspension: Adjustable Shocks for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class by Öhlins
- Rear Differential: Standard G-Wagon Rear Differential
Armor
- Front Bumper: AFN – WINCH BUMPER MERCEDES G CLASS
- Rear Bumper: W463 G-Wagon All-Steel Recovery Rear Bumper
- Rock Slider: Rocksliders for Long Wheelbase (LWB) W463 G-Wagon
Recovery
- Recovery Boards: Nordic Universal Anti-skid Recovery Tracks
- Winch: G-Wagon Truck Winch Mount by THOR Motorworks
- Jack: Wagenheber 4t Off-Road AIR JACK
- Shovel: Nakatanenga Equipment Outdoor Off-Road Shovel
- Recovery Kit: Letech Recovery Kit for G Class
- Tire Deflator: Staun Automatic Tire Deflators
- Tire Repair: ARB Orange Speedy Seal Tire Repair Kit
Lighting
- Light Bar: Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Carbon Fiber LED Roof Light Bar
- Rock Lights: Vision Tantrum
- Reverse Lights: Mercedes G-Class LED Backup Reverse Lights
- Camp Lights: Absima Multifunction strip light
- Interior Lights: Banggood Interior LED Dome Light
Electrical
- Power: Extreme Tackle Powerkick800 Outdoor
- Solar: SunCase Solar Powerpack 50Wp 48Ah
- Battery: Banner Running Bull AGM 59201
Conclusion
The Mercedes G-Wagon (G-Class) is a legend in the off-road SUV world because of its shape and luxury. The original all-wheel drive with three locking differentials and a ladder frame did not require a large engine to tackle off-road challenges.
The most recent model is one of the greatest, with incredible power. The G-class has never lost its attractiveness, even after a significant shape makeover in 2018. It is still in a box shape, which is the primary reason for its popularity.
The huge price tag might put some people off. The old shape Land Rover Defender is a somewhat comparable vehicle with a smaller price tag, although that is also rapidly increasing in price.
If you are looking for a luxury overlanding vehicle that is very capable off-road, the G-Wagon would be hard to beat.
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