Mercedes Class G: 40 years of tradition

Mercedes The Class G is here to stay. The most iconic model of the brand Mercedes celebrates its 40th anniversary. Four decades of tradition, innovation and constant development to keep a fresh and up-to-date range

In 1969, Joachim Zahn, of Daimler-Benz, and the car manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Ouch came up with the idea of jointly building a vehicle that would combine extreme capabilities both off-road and on-road, the “Geländewagen” (cross-country vehicle).

They had the project so clearly defined that by 1974 they already had the first prototype. At the same time, both designers and engineers were already coming closer together on the design of what would become the Class G. A model finally decided on by Mercedes Benz Design.

Mercedes G55 AMG (1999)

Years of consolidation of the Class G

Between the 1980s and 1990s, the new model produced by Mercedes had to surprise all users and prove its potential against rivals such as the Land Rover Defender. Nevertheless, during those years the Class G left a good impression.

• 1979:
• It was presented to the public after a long development period
• Three body styles to choose from: Open top, Soft top or Closed top
• Three petrol engines (2.0 or 2.3-litre V4 and 2.8-litre V6) and three diesel engines (2.4-litre V4 and 2.5 or 3.0-litre V5)
• 2 wheelbase lengths
• Four-wheel drive and differential locking

• 1983:
• This year saw a truly curious event that gave the model an even greater prestige. The final test of the most demanding competition in the world: The Dakar Rally
• The victory of the Frenchman Jacky Ickx in his Mercedes 280 GE, and the strong showing of this model with 7 vehicles among the first 15 finishers earned it a very meritorious distinction.

Mercedes G63 AMG 6X6 (2013)

Mercedes Class G: Its prodigious decade

However, as we move into the 90s, the Class G came full of additions and novelties. Undoubtedly, the decade in which it grew the most and made a great name for itself throughout history.

• 1990:
• The most important decade, the arrival of the Mercedes Class G “463” introduced larger engines such as the 6.3-litre V12.
• On the other hand, they also focused on the interior with more luxurious elements such as Recaro seats or fine wood trim, which brought it closer to more discerning audiences

• 1999:
• The success was such that they added a high-end model to the 463 series, the G55 AMG.
• A revised version of the 1990 model but with the addition of ABS, AWD and electronically controlled differentials

Mercedes Maybach G650 Landaulet (2017)

From 2000 to today: surprises and improvements

Finally, the decade from 2000 to today has been a process of renewal and innovation to achieve high-performance vehicles. Its fourth decade, in which it masters all challenges successfully.

• 2004 – 2013:
• In 2004 the success of these high-performance vehicles began, the first being the G55 AMG Compressor.
• After this, we jump straight to the year 2012 with the G 63 AMG and the G 65 AMG.
• However, the surprise came in 2013, when they launched the Mercedes G63 AMG 6X6, or in other words, a 6-wheeled beast with 544 CV of power.

• 2015 – 2017:
• In these two years, we saw exclusive versions. First, the G500 4×4² arrived, another milestone of this Class G. An off-roader considered the ultimate off-road vehicle, with portal axles of the 6×6 and three differential locks it sat a considerable distance from the ground.
• Secondly, in 2017, the Mercedes Maybach G 650 Landaulet arrived with 630 CV of power. A version of which only 99 units were built, and which was auctioned for 1.2 million euros.

• 2018:
• Finally, the most recent generation of the 463 series has brought us models such as the G500, the AMG 63 and the G350d with the modern OM 656 engine.
• In recent years, Mercedes has reinvented itself in technical details such as the axles and the chassis but surpasses its predecessor in many respects, while nevertheless keeping the DNA of the G from 1979 that lets us recognise it at a glance.