The Mercedes-Benz G-Class turns 40 and wants to celebrate it in style

If we think of a legendary vehicle, one of those that has been among us since time immemorial and that the passage of time has not dented, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class comes to mind without a doubt. The off-roader from the German brand has been enjoying success since its first appearance in 1979, the moment that marked a before and after in the history of Mercedes. Forty years have passed since then, along with numerous updates to the G-Class, a model that remains faithful to its essence and that has wanted to celebrate its birthday in style.

20 years after its debut, the G-Class received the AMG badge for the first time, a masterstroke by the brand with the star. This gave birth to another legend that would be tied to the 4×4 for life, and that over the following two decades would offer different variants capable of bringing out a much more sporty and wild side of the Mercedes G-Class.

In 1999 the G 55 AMG made its debut with its impressive 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 producing 354 CV and 525 Nm of torque, figures that allowed it to reach a top speed of 210 km/h. It took only three years for the German firm to introduce the 63 designation into the G family, and with it came the V12 engines.

However, Mercedes also wanted to offer a more restrained variant, which is why the G 320 CDI was added to the options list in 2006. It was a V6 capable of delivering 224 CV and was presented as the ideal companion for tackling the most demanding terrain, which is also why it is considered one of the best G-Classes in history.

There was also room for some of the most impressive G-Classes, such as the 6×6 or the 4×4², two variants that caused a sensation thanks to their astonishing and extravagant tuning. Pope John Paul II also used the German off-roader as his Popemobile, an event that also helped further enrich the history of the Mercedes G-Class.

With its latest update, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has not only managed to keep its essence intact, but also to combine it with the brand’s latest technologies. Without a doubt, this is a clear sign that the 4×4 from the brand with the star will remain true to its principles for many more years, during which we hope its distinctive styling remains unchanged.