The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is among the most iconic models of the brand. The model, which has not experienced major changes in its design since it was first produced in 1979, still continues to reflect the spirit of 1979. The model, which has recently appeared with an electric version, has many cases. In today’s article, we will talk about the history of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which offers magnificent features in every case according to its period.
First G-Class: G460 – G461
Development of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class first began in 1972 in Graz, Austria. In 1973, the first prototype of the iconic model appeared. The first prototype went through a long and arduous test, and mass production began in 1979, 6 years later. The first models G460 and G461 went on sale in 1979.
There were differences between the G460 and G461 models. There were also differences in the case types of the models, which were offered as two options with a wheelbase of 2,400 and 2,850 mm. In the years when it was first introduced, the vehicle was available with 2-door convertible, four-door SUV and only two-door options.
Approximately 50,000 units of the first G460 model were produced. Almost all of the cars produced were handmade. Apart from the normal, the G-Class also took part in the army as a military ambulance and communication vehicle. In addition, the vehicle was also used by the Pope. The 1980 model G-Class, known as the Papa-G and designed as an open top, is on display at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart.
Papa G-Class
Although the vehicle’s off-road capabilities were very advanced, the vehicle was positioned as a luxury car. For this reason, the company has offered features such as automatic transmission and air conditioning in the car since 1981. In 1982, the fuel injection system was included in the vehicle. After that, it got a sportier version called the 230 GE.
1985 – 2007
Central locking system and differential lock were added to these innovations in 1985. In 1989, the facelift G463 was introduced for the 10th anniversary of the vehicle. With the makeover, a permanent 4-wheel drive system, ABS and electronic differential locks and cruise control were added to the vehicle. The G463 appeared before users with many different engine options.
1985 G-Class
In 1993, 500 GE models were added to the family. This car had an 8-cylinder engine and was available with a change in steering design. In 1994, the vehicle was officially named G-Class and a built-in steering wheel airbag was added to the vehicle. In 1996, headlight washers and front passenger airbags were offered to users.
In 1997, the iconic car was renewed and two new engine options were added. In 1999, the G500 Classic model was launched for the 20th anniversary. With the coming of 2000, the G-Class got the G55 AMG model, which can produce 354 horsepower. With the new model, ESP and four-wheel drive control system were added to the vehicle.
G500 Classic
2002 – 2012
In 2002, the G63 AMG model appeared before us. The G63 could accelerate from 0-100 km / h in 5.9 seconds thanks to 470 horsepower. In 2005, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class got its first supercharged version of the G55 AMG. Thanks to this model, more power could be obtained without changing the liter of the engine.
2005 G-Class
In 2007, the new version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class was introduced. With the new model, a 6.5-inch multimedia screen, rear camera, Harman Kardon sound system and a display screen with tire pressure information were included in the vehicle. In 2008, navigation, Bluetooth and voice control were added to the multimedia screen. In 2010, the iconic car got diesel engines.
2012 – 2021
In 2012, the vehicle was made up and the interior was completely renewed. DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning system and improved rear camera have been added to the vehicle. In 2013, the most famous model of the series was launched.
2013 G-Class
In 2013, the G63 AMG 6X6 was released. This version had 6 wheels and its design was quite different from other vehicles. Thanks to its 5.5-liter V8 engine, it could produce 536 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque. When we arrived in 2015, the company stopped production of the 6-wheel version.
In January 2018, the new generation G-Class was introduced. The vehicle emerged as the most comfortable G-Class ever produced. Especially in the interior, large multimedia screens that we see in the new generation Mercedes-Benz models were used and many safety equipment was integrated into the vehicle. This allowed the vehicle to be driven semi-autonomously.
2018 G-Class
Mercedes-Benz EQG
In 2021, the company introduced the electric concept version of the iconic model. The electric car with the lines of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class was liked by many with its innovative design. The vehicle, which is thought to have a range of 480 km, has the latest generation MBUX multimedia system.
EQG
So what are your thoughts? What do you think about the features and design of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which has been with us for many years? Don’t forget to give your feedback in the comments section and on the SDN Forum.
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