One of the most iconic vehicles ever sold by Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class has crossed the 400,000 mark… and it only took them 40+ years!
That’s because the G-Class has gone from being iconic off-roader to luxury status symbol. In Malaysia, the G 350 d retails for nearly a million Ringgit.
Even though 400,000 units in 40+ years seems to imply about 1,000 of these are made each year, it’s clear they’ve started to ramp things up over the years.
Back in 2016 alone, the company produced over 20,000 units. Of course, these were the older, simpler models. The new model is a much more advanced machine even though it does retain the boxy, classic look.
For a brief history of the G-Class, check out the press release below.
PRESS RELEASE
The history of the G-Class
The G-Class is the top model among luxury off-road vehicles. It is not only the passenger car model series with by far the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all SUVs bearing the three-pointed star – this is why all Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G in their name.
What began in 1972 with a collaboration agreement between then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz is now a story peppered with superlatives and significant milestones. The first concept to be developed was already different. The team designed a vehicle which impressed with superior off-road capability, while at the same time appealing to customers as a full-featured and safe vehicle suitable for recreational purposes. All-wheel drive and 100-percent differential locks have also been part of the “G” since that time, as has the robust ladder-type frame.
At the time of its market launch, in the spring of 1979, it was available with a choice of four engine variants covering a performance spectrum of 53 kW/72 hp to 115 kW/156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet with a short wheelbase or Station Wagon models with short or long wheelbase. In 1989 the vehicles of the model series 463 marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the off-roader that was not just about keeping pace with technical progress. It was an evolution that also brought a steadily expanding fan base and emphasised its character as an exclusive vehicle for any occasion. And, since 1993, a vehicle with an official name: the G-Class.
The G-Class models used for the “Popemobile” are famous around the world. The first of these representative cars for the head of the Catholic Church was the Mercedes-Benz 230 C off-road vehicle, featuring a mother-of-pearl finish and a special glass construction. It accompanied Pope John Paul II on all kinds of trips from 1980 onwards.
The 25th anniversary of the G-Class was marked by the arrival of a very special model on the market, honed by Mercedes-AMG: the G 55 AMG Kompressor. Its eight-cylinder power unit (350 kW/476 hp, 700 Nm of torque) gave the robust off-roader an unprecedented level of performance and demonstrated the tremendous potential of the G-Class.
The G 500 4×4² of 2015 added not only a luxurious interior to the equation, but also a ground clearance of 45 centimetres and impressive off-road performance.
Thanks to the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the iconic “G” reinvented itself once more in 2017. With its superlative V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment, this very special all-terrain vehicle, which is limited to 99 units, meets the expectations of customers who demand the very highest standards of their vehicle. Arguably the most exclusive form of open-air driving pleasure.
