Geländewagen is the legendary German SUV that gave its name to a whole class of modern cars. Gelendvagen, also known as G-Wagen (G-Wagen), cube, Gelik - all-wheel drive full-size off-road vehicle sold under the Mercedes Benz brand, the ancestor of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class family. Used by the armies of sixty-three countries, it is the official popemobile for the transportation of His Holiness the Pope. Not every very rich person can afford it, its appearance has remained practically unchanged throughout the history of production, it is still almost entirely assembled by hand, its off-road characteristics are unprecedented for a passenger car, and the developers deliberately do not try to reduce the sound of its running engine. not a decibel. It's over the top in every way - too big, too pretentious, too expensive. He is a legend.
The history of Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen began long before the start of mass production. In 1975, the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who at that time was one of the main shareholders of the Mercedes-Benz concern, signed a contract to create a batch of new all-terrain vehicles adapted for civilian use. The management of Mercedes-Benz offered cooperation to Steyr-Daimler-Puch, which at that time had successful experience in building all-wheel drive vehicles designed specifically for the needs of the police and military.
In February 1977 Steyr-Daimler-Puch and Daimler-Benz register a new joint venture Geländefahrzeug-Gesellschaft (GFG). Under the terms of the contract, the main production was supposed to be at the facilities of the Puch plant in Graz. Transmissions, steering, large body parts were manufactured in Germany. At the Austrian factories, a transfer case for Gelandewagen and small stamped parts were assembled. Under the terms of the agreement, 10% of the assembled all-terrain vehicles were put on the market under the Puch G brand, and the sales market was limited to Austria, Switzerland and several Eastern European countries. The remaining 90% of the produced Mercedes Gelendvagen were sold under the Mercedes-Benz G-Class brand.
In 1978, despite careful secrecy and preventive security measures, representatives of Peugeot-Citroen approached the Mercedes-Benz concern. PSA leaders offered the Mercedes to sell a license for the production of an experienced all-wheel drive SUV.
By the beginning of 1979, the Gelendvagen was ready for full-scale serial assembly. From 5 to 10 February 1979, the first official public presentation of the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen G-Class took place near Marseille at the Le Castele test site. The public was shown four versions of the Mercedes G-Class in two and four-door body styles and an open body on a short base, plus a van with a short and long base, as well as a special version adapted to the needs of law enforcement agencies. In the line of power units, four engines were offered - two diesel engines and two gasoline engines with four and six cylinders with a capacity ranging from 72 to 150 horsepower.
Nothing foreshadowed trouble, but then an Islamic revolution happened in Iran. The government that came to power, headed by the great Ayatollah Ruhollah Mostafavi Moosavi Khomeini, annulled all previous agreements, covering with a copper basin an order for 20,000 all-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles for the needs of the Iranian army. The management of Mercedes-Benz was poking around to their native warriors, but neither the government of Germany nor the government of Austria were willing to purchase a new all-terrain vehicle. There was something to fall into despair. At this moment, the proposal of the French turned out to be most welcome. PSA bought a license to produce a new Austrian-German all-terrain vehicle, but with the condition of making fundamental changes to the exterior and some structural elements. The result was a French SUV Peugeot P4 with large squares of front optics, interior trim from one of the Peugeot trucks, a French gearbox and two engines - gasoline and diesel. Unlike the Gelendvagen, the French licensed version of the all-terrain vehicle abandoned the front differential lock function.
Impressed with the results of the field tests, small batches of the Mercedes Gelandewagen were ordered by the Ministries of Defense of Norway and Argentina. After the conclusion of the Mercedes-Benz deal with the army officials of foreign countries, the native government came to its senses and offered the concern a contract for the production of a pilot batch of specially equipped Mercedes-Benz G for the border troops. Since 1994, a special version of the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen Wolf with a five-cylinder 120-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine with a volume of 2874 cm3, a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 24-volt electrical circuit that complies with NATO standards has firmly established itself in the army units of the Bundeswehr.
Small-scale specialized modifications of the Mercedes G-class were assembled under the in-house index W460. After the enthusiastic reviews of the German border guards, orders from all over the world rained down on Gelandewagen. Mercedes Benz paid special attention to the wishes of the customers. For the special forces of Indonesia, unique Gelendvagens were assembled with enlarged doorways, but without doors and a mechanism resembling giant scissors, allowing the all-terrain vehicle to easily overcome barbed wire barriers and move at unbelievable speed through the impenetrable jungle. Mercedes G-class is in service with the peacekeeping contingent of NATO and the United Nations.
All modifications of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class were based on a short (2400 mm) or long (2850 mm) wheelbase. The customer was offered two or four-door station wagons and convertible-type versions with an open awning top, and the tented long-wheelbase convertible was available only in the military version. For a long time, Gelendvagens were sold in five color options: beige, yellow-wheat, cream, red and green. At the end of 1980, a hard removable top became available for short-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz G-class convertibles. For small-scale modifications of the 300 GD and 280 GE, a new 4-speed automatic transmission, Webasto heating system, Recaro sports seats, more powerful air conditioning and metallic paintwork were offered as an additional paid option. First, on order, and in 1981, in the basic configuration, on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class they began to mount kengurins, standard optics protection, a winch, a rear wiper and a washer, additional fuel tanks in the rear fenders with a capacity of 30 liters each. Some modifications were offered not with a rear sofa, but with special side benches.
In 1980, Mercedes-Benz marketers made a qualitative breakthrough in the international automotive market. As a gift for Pope John Paul II, a Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen-Papomobil was made - on the platform of a snow-white all-terrain vehicle with the “mother-of-pearl” effect, a transparent pulpit made of bullet-proof 8-mm fiberglass was installed behind the driver. In the same year, oil on the fire of interest in the Mercedes G the United States poured in. Although the Mercedes-Benz G-Class was not officially delivered to the US, a group of several American companies organized a gray market for customers with big wallets.Gelendvagens were delivered to North America and modified to comply with local safety standards and regulations One such company, Europa International, became so successful that it first entered into an official international contract with Mercedes-Benz for the production of Gelandewagen that met American standards, and then became an intermediary between the Mercedes-Benz concern and the Pentagon. to American transport landing helicopters, in contrast to the monumental Hummer.
In 1983, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, driven by Jacky Ickx and Claude Brasseur, won one of the most grueling races on the planet, the Paris-Dakar Rally, without a single serious breakdown from start to finish with the all-terrain vehicle. Already in 1986, 50,000 copies of the Mercedes G-Class rolled off the assembly line in Austria.
From the first day of production, Gelendvagens were assembled under the motto any whim for your money. The client could choose a two-door or four-door station wagon standard body or an open, awning convertible. The all-terrain vehicle was assembled on a short or long wheelbase. In the line of power units, 4- and 6-cylinder gasoline engines or 4- or 5-cylinder diesel engines were offered. In 1980, some private customers expressed a desire to get a Mercedes G-class with a more comfortable interior and soft suspension settings. Gelandewagen began to be ordered by senior government officials. The all-terrain vehicle began to be equipped with an automatic transmission, fuel injection system, air conditioning, leather trim. Until 1983, all modifications of the Mercedes-Benz Gelendvagen were equipped with a steering wheel and instruments borrowed from the Mercedes-Benz Transporter T1 cargo van. SUVs of the G-Class family of the 1984 model year came out with a new thick steering wheel from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W123 model, backlight keys, and new seats. Modifications of the Gelandewagen series 300 GD and 280 GE were equipped with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission at the customer's choice. The color palette has also expanded.
After some time, the demand for civilian versions exceeded the number of military orders, and the management of the Mercedes-Benz concern decided to launch a civilian version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. In the fall of 1989, at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, a presentation of the modification of the Mercedes-Benz Gelendvagen W463 took place, which has existed to this day without significant changes.
The luxury civilian version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463 differed from the base model of the W460 series with a straight radiator grill painted in the main body color, enlarged exterior mirrors, a different shape of bumpers and updated rear optics. The main changes awaited customers inside the Gelendvagens - an electric sunroof, optional leather trim, decorative wooden elements. The instrument panel had nothing to do with the cargo past - rounded shapes and a lot of electronic assistant control keys. In the center of the panel, the differential lock buttons were placed, of which there were three, next to them, for the first time in the history of Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the ABS power button was located. The installation of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) required major technical adjustments to the design of the all-terrain vehicle. For correct operation, it was necessary to abandon the mechanism for disabling the front axle, as a result of which all modifications of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463 series received permanent all-wheel drive. The customer was offered a stainless steel case for a spare wheel and wide side steps. Initially, the Gelandewagen W463 series was assembled with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A few years later, the manual was abandoned due to low consumer demand.
In 1991, Mercedes-Benz ceased production of the Gelandewagen modification of the W460 series and began to assemble specialized armored vehicles of the GUARD series, intended for government escorts, as escort vehicles. Despite this, the model did not sink into oblivion; on its basis, in 2001, they began to assemble several of the most ascetic specialized versions at once under the in-house index W461 - the legendary Mercedes-Benz Wolf military vehicle, a specialized civilian modification of the Mercedes-Benz Worker. In 2008, a version of the Mercedes-Benz Edition Pur was developed on the W461 platform, and in 2012, the Mercedes-Benz Professional.
In 1993, the Mercedes-Benz 500 GE, a four-door station wagon, went on sale. Starting with this modification, all subsequent versions of the Gelendvagens were marked according to the new system, in which the letter "G" began to denote the automobile class. The Mercedes-Benz 500 GE was equipped with an upgraded petrol 8-cylinder engine with a capacity of 241 hp and a displacement of 4973 cm3, borrowed from the Mercedes S-class family. In the standard version, buyers of the Mercedes-Benz 500 GE were offered an automatic transmission, leather combined two-tone upholstery, walnut wood elements, stainless steel side steps, a sunroof, heated front seats, a cruise control system and amethyst corporate color. In total, until 1995, 500 Gelendvagens of the 500 GE series were assembled.
From 1994 to 1998, one of the partner companies of Mercedes, the famous tuning company AMG, offered an upgraded version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 36 all-terrain vehicle equipped with a 3.6-liter 272-horsepower gasoline engine. After the Mercedes-Benz 500 GE modification was discontinued, AMG assembled a fancy extreme version of the Gelandewagen 500 GE 6.0 for a year.
Starting with modifications of the five hundredth series, Gelandewagen began to reach speeds of 180-195 km / h. Numerous tuning houses have tried to round the body corners to reduce aerodynamic noise and drag coefficient. To please customers who purchase an all-terrain vehicle for movement in the city, Gelendvagens were shod with low-profile tires and reduced ground clearance, deliberately reducing the G-Wagen's cross-country ability.
In 1997, Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen was restyled. The front part of all modifications of the Gelendvagen family received air vents in the bumper to provide more efficient air cooling. A new gasoline 215-horsepower V6 engine was added to the line of power units. All-terrain vehicles in the body version began to equip the short-wheelbase convertible with a tarpaulin top, folding with the help of a mechanical electro-hydraulic drive. The rear roof pillar has acquired a characteristic shape in the form of the letter A.
The Mercedes-Benz G500 series, produced since 1998, was equipped with electrically adjustable front seats. The salon was decorated with natural walnut inserts. Parktronic and navigator were registered in the system of electronic assistants. Among the standard equipment for the Mercedes Benz G500 series, they began to install a mobile phone. Since 2000, the Gelandewagen G500 has been produced with an updated instrument panel, which has a built-in LCD monitor and a new multifunctional steering wheel.
In 2000, Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen began to be officially exported to the North American market. The US and Canadian governments are contracting with the Mercedes concern for the supply of military versions of the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen Wolf series all-terrain vehicle based on the W461 model.
In 2001, Mercedes presented a new version of the Gelendvagen G400 CDI series, equipped with a 250-horsepower turbodiesel engine with an automatic Common Rail fuel injection system.
In 2003, the AMG tuning studio introduced an urban version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class G55 all-terrain vehicle. Charged Gelendvagen with a 354 hp V8 engine. developed a speed of 210 km / h. A year later, in 2004, the same AMG showed the world the Gelendvagen of the G55 AMG Kompressor series. The monster in the guise of an all-terrain vehicle was equipped with an engine with Linsholm rotors and a mechanical injection system, with a power of 476 hp. In 2006, the motor was improved, its power reached 500 horsepower. The Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen G55 AMG Kompressor series accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. The maximum speed was 270 km / h.
In 2007, the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen version enters the market with a new design of the instrument panel with four analog-type chrome-plated dials. In 2008, instead of thin bars of the radiator grille on all modifications of the Mercedes Benz G-Class, they began to install a new grille in the form of three wide longitudinal ribs.
In 2009, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the model, Mercedes presented a special series of Mercedes-Benz G-Professional.
In 2011 Gelandewagen broke all sales records. During the year, 6600 Gelendvagens were assembled and sold, a third of which were formatted in the AMG tuning studio.
In 2012, the upgraded Mercedes-Benz G63 all-terrain vehicle went on sale. In the official dealerships of Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen, it is offered in two standard versions of the G 350 BlueTEC and G 500, as well as in two tuned versions of the G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG. For the G 350 BlueTEC Mercedes Gelandewagen model, the price starts at 4,380,000 rubles. The G 500 version costs from 5,610,000 rubles. Charged models from AMG G 63 and G 65 cost, respectively, 7,920,000 rubles and 14,800,000 rubles. In addition to standard equipment, packages of additional equipment are offered to customers.
For 2017, Mercedes has planned to release a restyled Mercedes-Benz G-Class based on the W463 series. The press service of the automaker published a statement saying that the updates are planned so significant that the management of the automaker is thinking about giving the model its own name and bringing it into a separate model line. Through the use of aluminum materials, it is expected that the weight of the structure will be reduced by at least 200 kg. At the same time, they intend to increase the width of the all-terrain vehicle to 1860 mm (by 100 mm), which will add additional space to the cabin. The hydraulic booster will be replaced by an electromechanical booster, and the suspension will be replaced with a three-link or four-lever version. Probably, the image of the new Gelendvagen will be designed in the style of the Ener-G-Force concept, presented at the Los Angeles auto show in 2012.
The German Gelendvagen car has long been considered a symbol of the success and wealth of its owner, so many people dream of acquiring a Gelandewagen. The legendary Mercedes-Benz SUV is definitely made for serious men. With its powerful brutal look, this car is able to attract attention both in difficult off-road conditions and in the city.
Prices for the new Gelendvagen
Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen is considered a fairly popular model due to its impressive technical characteristics and solid appearance. Initially Gelendvagen was created for the movement of the military, the first release of German SUVs was in 1979. The production of class G cars was carried out in the Austrian city of Graz.
This model has long been considered a fashion model and is used mainly in the city, despite its capabilities. The main task set before the SUV was to overcome any obstacles on the way. The car of the first generation W460 / W461 serves in the armies of more than 20 countries of the world, including Switzerland, Australia. Egypt and others. How much does a new Gelendvagen cost in Russia? Official Mercedes-Benz dealers offer a wide range of different trim levels:
- G 350 d price from 6 650 000 rub. up to 8,200,000 rubles
- G 500 price from 8 350 000 rub. up to 10,800,000 rubles
- AMG G 63 price from 12500 000 rub. up to 14,000 rubles
- AMG G 65 price RUB 22,000,000
In Germany, the purchase price from the factory at the authorized dealer starts from 90 600 €.
The updated Mercedes G500 4 × 4², created on the G 63 AMG 6 × 6 platform, was presented by the manufacturer in Geneva at the motor show in 2015. The price for the new Gelendvagen model will be about 270,000 € in Germany. In Russia, the start of sales is scheduled for 2016, the price is from 18 400 000 rubles.
Gelendvagen Brabus
Brabus is one of the largest independent tuning studios in Germany. The eminent nameplate on your favorite car is the cherished dream of many motorists. Among the main object of the famous enterprise, the Mercedes-Benz brand, the legendary Gelandewagen did not go unnoticed. Despite the existing options from AMG, which significantly increase the cost of the already expensive Gelendvagen, the demand for Brabus does not fall.
For the 30th anniversary of the Gelendvagen, which is popularly nicknamed "Gelik", Brabus presented fans of this SUV with a very advanced version. The interior was trimmed with black leather, and the body and wheels were painted black. The appearance of the modified Gelik has become even more aggressive and formidable. The power of the Germans also increased: Brabus gelding began to accelerate to 100 km / h in just 4.3 seconds. As a result, the price of the 2009 Brabus G V12 S Biturbo Widestar is about 51,000,000 rubles.
The next changes in Gelendvagen took place in 2012. The object was the G 63 AMG model. Despite the more than modified gelding, Brabus representatives found something to redo. Changed both bumpers, grille, wheels and LED lighting on the edges of the wings that illuminate the steps. We increased the engine, reducing the acceleration time to 4 seconds. Prices for 2013 Brabus models are:
- Brabus G 63 AMG 17,000,000 rubles. 58,000,000 rubles.
- Brabus G800 Widestar 42,000,000 rubles.
Undoubtedly, the Gelandewagen Brabus is a car that makes a strong impression, which means that there will always be those who want to buy it. No wonder Russia occupies a leading position in sales of this model. Gelendvagens of a later year of release are no less in demand. The price of a 2014 Brabus G800 iBusiness is around 43,000,000 rubles. 2015 models - Brabus 500 4x4² PowerXtra is approx. 24,000,000 rubles, Brabus G850 Biturbo Widestar – 36,000,000 rubles.
gelendvagen bu
Fans of a solid SUV who are not able to purchase a new Gelendvagen can buy a used car, which is several times cheaper. To find out how much Gelendvagen bu costs, you need to consider in more detail the mileage and year of manufacture, on which the price depends.
- Gelandewagen, released in the late 80s with a mileage of 250,000 km, will cost 350,000 rubles.
- And the release of the 90s with mileage from 20,000 km to 400,000 km costs from 500,000 to 1,200,000 rubles.
- A car manufactured in 2000-2010 with mileage from 100,000 to 400,000 km is estimated at 1,100,000 - 3,500,000 rubles.
- Since 2011 Gelendvagen bu costs an average from 3 900 000, 2013 - 5 5000 000, 2015 - from 6 300 000 rubles.
Gelendvagen is a car for wealthy people, which means that not only the price, but also car maintenance costs its owners a substantial amount. Repair even in unofficial services will be expensive, because original spare parts cost a lot.
Gasoline consumption is approximately 18-20 liters on the highway and up to 27 liters in the city.
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The 2019 Mercedes Gelendvagen is an SUV loved by many. To some, he will seem too boring and gloomy, while others see in him classic restraint and power. But the main difference of the car is precisely that the model has excellent power parameters. That is why in the Russian market it is especially popular among residents of remote areas.
Mercedes Gelendvagen 2019 is often called a brutal car that is absolutely not suitable for girls. But recently, the fair sex can increasingly be seen driving a car. Changes in appearance made the model more representative. If earlier it was a completely militaristic style, now the model can be called a fashion model, with which you can emphasize your special status.
Updates concern both external and internal parts. But if, when thinking over the design of the case, the manufacturer pays more attention to the appearance itself, then in the cabin the main emphasis is on functionality, so that all modern features and innovations that provide a comfortable and safe ride are taken into account.
Exterior
The 2019 Mercedes Gelendvagen is a brutally restrained car. These off-road vehicles at one time were used only for transporting the military, trips to hard-to-reach areas. Now they are increasingly seen in cities.
The generation of modern cars differs primarily in functionality, although certain categories of cars also have a memorable original design. Here, everything is extremely simple.
The new Mercedes (class G) of the latest model is made taking into account the general concept of the model range. The manufacturer remained true to the general style. But at the same time, the style became a little less militaristic. Now it's just a representative car, which lacks any additional decorative elements. Simple understated elegance is what distinguishes these machines from the crowd.
The color of Gelendvagen black has already become a real classic. Although there are other colors. There are no decorations on the body, but newer models have the option of an optional panoramic roof.
The front part is very impressive, has additional protection. Wheels and disks are made of reliable material, large-sized.
Interior
The new model has many additional modifications that helped make the car not only more attractive inside, but also more reliable and safe.
In the new Gelika, interior photos can be taken from any angle, thanks to wider windows, the choice of a panoramic roof. The distinctiveness of the premium version immediately catches the eye. The leather interior fills the space with luxury.
The model has many improvements. First of all, the dashboard has become more convenient. Now there is only the most necessary, but the functionality has been expanded. The steering wheel has become more convenient and miniature.
There is enough space in the back for three passengers. The seats are separated. If necessary, they can be folded to increase the volume of the luggage compartment.
The front seats have many tilt modes, adjustable in height. Additionally, you can equip them with a massager, ventilation. There are also many shelves, pockets in the cabin so that you can place the necessary things.
Options and prices
Many are often interested in the question of how much the Mercedes Gelendvagen 2019 model year costs. The reason for the increased interest is that different generations of cars have different prices, the range is large.
The average cost of a new generation model in Moscow is 8.6-9.5 million rubles. At the same time, it can reach 12-13 million if you additionally choose accessories to make the car more comfortable (improved interior trim material, additional airbags, more functional radio, ventilation and massage function for the first row seats, etc.).
Simply put, first you need to decide on the list of options that are important for you and then calculate the final cost of the car. In any case, buying a car with all the necessary options is much cheaper than then equipping it separately.
If he talks about models of previous generations, then they can be purchased for 5.5-6 million rubles. But they are less functional.
At the same time, even basic models have the necessary set of functionality and accessories:
- air conditioner;
- multimedia;
- navigator;
- front seat heating system;
- parking assistant;
- Rain sensor.
The price in different cities of Russia may vary slightly. It all depends on the dealership. Often people, trying to save money, are looking for more budget options, but this is not entirely correct. The main reason why it is better to buy a car in a branded showroom is a guarantee that only original components are used. In addition, in this case, you can be completely sure of a cheap, quick repair if any problems arise.
Specifications
The car is famous for its powerful parameters all over the world, which is why it is preferred by those who often have to drive off-road. The technical characteristics of the car look like this:
- engine capacity up to 7.2 liters;
- engine power 422 horsepower;
- the maximum possible speed is 210 km / h;
- Gas engine;
- ground clearance 23.5 cm;
- it can accelerate to a speed of 100 km / h in 5.9 seconds;
- trunk volume 480 liters, subject to folded rear seats 2200 liters;
- 11.7 liters - average fuel consumption;
- four-wheel drive;
- 9-speed automatic transmission.
Depending on the selected version, the parameters may differ slightly, but in general, the characteristic does not change.
Just a couple of years ago, the famous Gelendvagen celebrated the 38th anniversary of its production - this model produced since 1979.
You won’t surprise anyone with such a period on the assembly line - many successful cars from Japanese manufacturers are also produced for quite a long time. But in the Mercedes Gelendvagen, the main thing is different - over the years, the design of the SUV has remained virtually unchanged.
Yes, certain improvements and additions are being made to it, and in terms of decoration, the restyled model of 2015 is very different from the previous generation - but the general concept remains constant, and for an uninitiated person, distinguishing the 463rd body from the previous one will be an almost impossible task.
So, despite the somewhat outdated, according to critics, appearance and unsightly design, Mercedes-Benz does not plan to remove the G-class from production or make any radical changes to the design.
The best evidence of this is the model update that took place in 2015. Neither externally nor technically Gelik didn't get any major changes- all major improvements have affected the interior and a line of more powerful and economical power units. The photo shows the version of the G63 AMG.
Exterior
As mentioned above, there is nothing new in the guise of a restyled Mercedes Gelendvagen. All the same angular brutal-looking body, mounted on a powerful ladder-type frame, is a legacy of the off-road military past. The frame, consisting of U-shaped profiles and spars, has an additional layer of polymer protection that reliably protects the metal from premature corrosion and increases its rigidity.
The main difference between the Gelika body is reshaped front bumper, with air intakes located at the corners and new rear view mirrors. In the lower part of the body, a rounded underbody protection is installed in front.
Another difference is the new optics. The SUV received LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights integrated into the rear bumper, as well as turn signals with illumination of the near space. Fog lights installed in the front bumper now have the option of "side light".
If on the outside the Mercedes Gelendvagen gives the impression of a utilitarian all-terrain vehicle, then inside there is an atmosphere of luxury and comfort, second only to the Bentley Bentayga.
Genuine leather, wood, high-quality fabrics, polished metal and carbon fiber are widely used in interior decoration. The front comfort seats have a function of pneumatic adjustment of the supports and electric adjustment in height and inclination with memory position.
There are also three full-fledged seats at the back, but due to the design features, there is not as much space as it seems. All seats are electrically heated as standard, but their shape is far from ideal - the lack of lateral support, low headrests and flat cushions will not let you relax on a long journey. In this regard, the Mercedes G-Class is inferior to modern crossovers such as the Range Rover Velar.
The dashboard is of a classic type, with two shafts and a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The keys located on the steering wheel can not only control devices and regulate the operation of the multimedia system, but also receive incoming calls, control the on-board computer and much more.
On the center console of a somewhat archaic form there are air vents and control keys for on-board systems. Above it is installed a remote display of the latest COMAND Online multimedia system with a diagonal of 7.0 inches with an additional controller on the armrest. It includes a USB CD/DVD player, a wireless interface, an 80 GB hard drive, phone connectivity and an internet browser.
A surround sound system from Harmon / Kardon and interior lighting Ambient Lighting are already installed in the standard version of the Gelika, as is the THERMATIC dual-zone climate control.
Specifications
The main difference between the updated Mercedes Gelendvagen - new petrol and diesel engines.
- G350. This version is equipped with a 6-cylinder V-shaped turbo engine OM642 with a volume of 3.0 liters. It is capable of developing a power of 245 hp. from. and reach a torque of 600 Nm, and a maximum speed of 192 km / h, acceleration - 8.8 s.
- G500 equipped with an atmospheric gasoline engine M176 V8, having a volume of 4.0 liters. Power is 422 liters. with., and the torque reaches 530 Nm. Maximum speed - 210 km / h, acceleration - 5.9 s.
- U version G63 AMG with a bi-turbo engine M157 DE55LA with a volume of 5.5 liters, it was possible to squeeze out power of 571 hp. and reach a torque of 760 Nm. With this engine, the SUV is capable of speeds of 210 km / h.
- The most charged version is the G65 AMG. The power of the 6-liter M279 KE60LA V12 biturbo unit has been increased to 630 hp. with., and the torque is phenomenal 1000 Nm. The speed limit is limited to 230 km / h, acceleration - 5.3 s.
Despite the fact that all engines, without exception, have become more powerful by at least 7-10%, the engineers managed to achieve fuel efficiency. For example, with the new engine, the fuel consumption of the G500 is 12.4 l / 100 km compared to 17.6 l for the previous version.
Gelik is equipped two 7-speed automatic transmission options:
- Models G350 and G500 are equipped with 7G-TRONIC PLUS.
- For the top versions of the G63 AMG and G65 AMG, a more efficient AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC box is offered. Its main feature is three operating modes, one of which allows you to shift gears manually using the steering wheel paddles.
Both transmissions are equipped with a low gear and differential locks, allowing the SUV to feel confident on any terrain.
Options and prices
The price of the Mercedes-Benz G-class depends on the trim levels - they differ in power unit, transmission and a number of options.
G350d
The base is the G350 d with a 3-liter turbodiesel and 7G-TRONIC PLUS - it will cost the buyer the price from 6.7 million rubles.
G500
A more powerful version of the G500 with the same transmission and a 4-liter petrol engine will cost from 8.38 million rubles For these two models, an additional Life Style package of options worth about 1 million rubles is offered. chrome package.
G500 4x4
Separately, it is worth noting the G500 4 × 4 package. This is an off-road version of the Gelika G500, equipped with a modified lifted suspension.
The ground clearance of the car is increased to 450 mm, three mechanical differential locks, extended arches, full metal underbody protection, adjustable shock absorbers and huge wheels with a diameter of 22 inches are installed. The price of an extreme SUV is 19.24 million rubles Withdrawn from sale.
AMG
Charged versions of AMG will cost an order of magnitude more expensive. The G63 package with a 5.5-liter bi-turbo petrol engine and a powerful AMG 7G-TRONIC transmission costs 11.6 million rubles It also includes 20-inch wheels, a stainless steel exhaust and body kit, improved interior trim, more powerful brakes and upgraded suspension with coil springs and dampers.
G65
The most expensive is the G65 package - it will cost 21 million rubles For this money, the buyer receives a chrome package, which includes lining on the body, bumpers and exhaust pipes, decorative aluminum trim with branded nameplates, a unique leather interior with carbon fiber and natural wood inserts, a number of options, an Alcantara ceiling and much more.
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Mercedes Gelandewagen, conceived as a utilitarian SUV, a carrier of soldiers, over 36 years of its glorious history has become a real Rolls-Royce among all-terrain vehicles. And its simple functional design, which was once accused of a certain worker-peasant primitiveness, is now called nothing more than a classic.
The date of birth of the car is officially proclaimed February 10, 1979. On this day, a new car was presented to the public for the first time and the production conveyor was launched. But 1979 is just a conditional date, a symbol. The history of the Mercedes-Benz G-class began much earlier ...
Gelendvagen is a living legend in the off-road world. This car is in the garage of the Pope and in the fleet of the President of Russia. But, few people know that the history of Gelandewagen (translated from German as “off-road car”) began back in 1926, when an experimental Mercedes-Benz G1 was created, equipped with a second rear axle, designed to improve the vehicle’s cross-country ability.
The prototype G1 and the subsequent modifications of the G2 and G3 did not go into the series: the production of Mercedes-Benz SUVs began only in 1934, when a small-scale assembly of the G4 model was organized. This six-meter three-axle car, equipped with engines from the Mercedes-Benz 500K and 540K sports models (but without a compressor), was used by the top of the Third Reich.
For three years, only 57 copies of the Mercedes-Benz G4 were assembled, after which the company launched a new version of the SUV into the series - the army model G5.
This outwardly unremarkable car with a small body and a weak engine had one unique feature: a system for turning the wheels of the rear axle. That is, the G5 was not only all-wheel drive, but also all-wheel drive, which provided it with fantastic maneuverability.
The last model was produced from 1937 to 1941 and sold 378 copies, but in terms of fame it was significantly inferior to the giant Mercedes-Benz G4.
The latest history of Gelandewagen dates back to 1972, when the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, as part of a joint project with Mercedes-Benz, began work on an SUV codenamed H2. According to the terms of reference sent by the Mercedes-Benz marketing department to the Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG design office, it was supposed to be a universal vehicle, equally suitable for military needs and for use by private owners.
The Austrians worked quickly: a full-size model of an SUV, made in the old fashioned way from wood, was ready by the spring of 1973, and a year later sea trials of the prototype of the future Gelandewagen had already begun.
However, it is not known how the further fate of this model would have developed if exactly 40 years ago, in 1975, a landmark event had not occurred that gave a new impetus to the work on the project.
It was then that Daimler-Benz agreed with Steyr-Daimler-Puch (Austria) on the joint production of SUVs. The choice of location and partner was not accidental. Firstly, they initially planned to produce a car in a relatively small series - about 10 thousand per year. There was no point in loading production facilities in Germany for the sake of such a quantity. Secondly, Steyr by that time could boast of extensive experience in the design and production of all-wheel drive vehicles. The Pinzgauer and Haflinger wagon-type cars, created by a team of engineers led by Erich Ledwinka, the son of the legendary engineer Hans Ledwinka, who worked for Tatra for a long time, have already rolled off its conveyors.
It is not surprising that the design of the future joint SUV was entrusted to Ledvinka. The first H2 prototype (i.e. Haflinger 2) with a gasoline engine and gearbox from a Mercedes-Benz passenger car was ready in record time. Since the car was designed primarily as an army car, the body was emphasized in a simplified form, with flat panels and a folding windshield for an open model. It was possible to distinguish the experienced H2 from the future serial Geländewagen only by a simplified front end. The famous grille with recessed round headlights would not appear until 1976 on the Expedition prototype.
Prototype 1975.
The very design of the H2, especially when compared with other creations of Erich Lendwinka, looked very conservative. Conventional ladder frame, lever-spring dependent suspension of all wheels, disc brakes at the front, drum brakes at the rear. Naturally, with an amplifier. At the same time, the future off-road star could boast of permanent all-wheel drive with locking central and rear differentials. And no spinal frames, like on Steyr SUVs, steerable rear wheels and fully independent suspension, like on the pre-war Mercedes-Benz G5.
Already in 1974, prototypes began to wind kilometers in the most severe places: at the Steyr-Daimler-Puch mountain range - the Schöckl track near Graz, in a coal mine, in Scandinavia beyond the Arctic Circle, in the sandy and rocky deserts of North Africa, on the Arabian Peninsula, as well as off-road Argentina.
Prototype "Expedition" 1976.
However, no one was in a hurry to launch the series. A major impetus for the project was a large order for 20,000 vehicles for the Iranian army. Already in February 1977, Daimler-Benz AG, together with Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, created a joint venture GFG (Geländefahrzeug-Gesellschaft). It was decided to establish production at the plant in Graz, owned by Steyr-Daimler-Puch.
Under the terms of the agreement, the engine, transmission, axles, steering and large body parts were made in Germany. The Austrians were responsible for the smaller stamped parts, as well as the transfer case. Curious were the conditions for the division of markets. Most of the produced all-terrain vehicles had to wear the Mercedes-Benz star on the grille, and only 10% of the total production was sold under the Puch brand. According to the terms of the agreement, their implementation was allowed only in Austria, Switzerland, as well as in the countries of Eastern Europe.
It is often said about the gelendvagen that it was created by order of the Bundeswehr - hence its solidity, endurance and reliability. However, the truth was that the market was originally the civilian sector, not the military. In the seventies, the Bundeswehr, however, planned to purchase new all-wheel drive vehicles, but entered into an agreement with the governments of France and Italy regarding the general development under the working title "European Jeep". According to the specifications, the vehicle was supposed to be floating, and the Geländewagen did not live up to the expectations of the German military. However, this project was closed in 1976 and the Bundeswehr announced a tender for the supply of 8800 off-road vehicles, missing the buoyancy requirement. Daimler-Benz put up a prototype of its all-terrain vehicle for the competition, but for some reason the army chose the Volkswagen VW 183, better known as the Iltis.
The choice of the Bundeswehr was determined, first of all, by the delivery time - Volkswagen announced that the first cars would be delivered before the end of 1978 - and also by the price. Daimler-Benz was defeated. In 1976, the Geländewagen was still a prototype, with a lot of tweaks and improvements to be made. In addition, the choice was also due to political motives - in the previous tender, the Bundeswehr had already concluded an agreement on the supply of Unimog, and refusal at that time to the state-owned Volkswagen would have meant giving full advantage to Daimler-Benz.
There is no doubt that the interest in the car from the side of the army awakened the ambitions of Daimler managers. The analysis of the civilian market was not too optimistic, and only a large order of any country for its army could guarantee the payback of products. When Geländewagen participated in the Bundeswehr tender in 1976, the decision on its future had already been decided - analysts stated that the production would be profitable.
Already in 1978, a pre-production model with a soft quick-release top was ready, which was now called Geländewagen (i.e., a car for rough terrain). However, the new Iranian government, which came to power in 1979 after the famous Islamic revolution, canceled such an important order. The German army, on which the partners had high hopes, showed no interest in the new machine. Fortunately, the situation improved somewhat due to the border guards of the FRG, as well as the armies of Argentina and Norway.
What allowed Geländewagen to overcome all the difficulties encountered? To a large extent, we can say that the case.
In the seventies, one of the main customers of Daimler was the Iranian royal family. The ambitious Shah Reza Pahlavi wanted to make his country the third military power after the USA and the USSR. With huge incomes from oil exports, he could afford it. One of the ideas that accompanied the dream was the idea of buying 20,000 four-wheel drive vehicles for the Iranian army. In 1975, it was Mercedes that received such an order.
It was like the wind in the sails after a complete calm. In February 1977, Daimler-Benz AG, together with Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, formed an alliance with the name GFG (Geländefahrzeug-Gesellschaft), in which both companies contributed half of the contributions. The new company was called upon to develop, implement and further improve the design of the Geländewagen, as well as to promote the sales of the model. The engine, gearbox, axles were to be produced by Daimler, and the transfer case by Steyr-Daimler-Puch. Everything else could be supplied by other companies. The products were planned to be manufactured at a plant in Graz, 100% owned by Steyr-Daimler-Puch.
One of the conditions between the partners was the division of the market. In the domestic Steyr market in Austria, Switzerland, as well as the countries of the then "eastern bloc", including Poland, Geländewagen was sold under the PUCH brand. In other countries, the car was sold under the Mercedes-Benz brand. Accordingly, in the first case, the “PUCH” emblem flaunted on the radiator grill, and “Mercedes” on the rest.
Stone laying for the construction of the Geländewagen assembly pavilion in Graz.
On March 11, 1977, Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky personally laid the stones for the construction of a new pavilion for the enterprises of Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG in Graz-Thondorf, whose area exceeded 40,000 square meters. The GFG took full control of the project at the end of 1978 - but a few months later Shah Reza Pahlavi imposed martial law on Iran. In mid-January, the Islamic Revolution forced him to flee the country. It became clear that the order for 20,000 cars was gone with him, but the flywheel of production was already unstoppable.
The Geländewagen assembly line in January 1979.
Successful premiere
Although the managers of Mercedes-Benz didn't have much to celebrate, the premiere of the Geländewagen was a success. Journalists spoke about the new car, if not enthusiastically, then positively.
The Mercedes-Benz G-class conveyor was put into operation in pavilion No. 12 of the Graz plant on February 1, 1979, and the first presentations of the car with the W460 body to the public followed from February 5 to 10, 1979. Also for the press near Marseille in southern France at Le Castellet were shown four models in two versions - short wheelbase and long wheelbase, as well as five body styles. Two of them - 230G and 280G were equipped with gasoline engines, and the other two - 240GD and 300GD - with diesel engines. All cars were equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox and plug-in front-wheel drive. Depending on preferences, the buyer could choose a short-wheelbase convertible covered with a tarpaulin, or short-wheelbase or long-wheelbase closed versions. For the military, the opportunity was given to order a long-wheelbase model of both three-door and five-door versions covered with a tarpaulin. The color palette was limited to five shades: white cream (Crèmeweiß), yellow wheat (Weizengelb), beige (Coloradobeige), red (Karminrot), and green (Agavengrün).
But most of all, the Mercedes G-class stood out from other models - connecting the front-wheel drive without the need to stop. The same applied to the differential lock system. At the premiere, it was announced that in the near future the G-class will be available with a four-speed automatic transmission. In the future, time will tell that the start of serial production will give only a small respite to the managers and engineers involved in the Geländewagen project.
Within a short time after the debut of the Mercedes G-class, the market gave the car its own assessment. And she was no longer as enthusiastic as the first reviews from journalists invited to France.
No one disputed the Geländewagen's unique all-terrain properties, which feel comfortable both on the track and on rough terrain. It was too early to assess the endurance of the structure, but the applied solutions in the form of a steel frame with a body fixed on it, bridges and a transfer case, it would seem, guaranteed reliability. In addition, the car's designers revealed that for five years the Mercedes G-class prototypes were subjected to deadly tests at the Steyr-Daimler-Puch test site, the Schöckl track near Graz, in a quarry gorge between Kolonią and Aachen, in Scandinavia above the Arctic Circle, sandy and rocky deserts of North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, as well as off-road Argentina.
Alarm bells rang out about the quality of individual equipment. The project management was aware of a number of systematic failures, but the problem lay primarily with the parts suppliers who were unable to deliver the ordered parts to Mercedes-Benz quality specifications.
The market has brought out the basic principles of positioning the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Geländewagen was not meant to be just a reliable vehicle and a comfortable all-wheel drive vehicle. The task that was entrusted to the designers was complicated: it was necessary to build a car with possibilities not seen before. On the one hand, it had to be characterized by reliability and endurance in different geographical conditions - to meet the expectations of the forest services, agriculture, energy, and the military; on the other hand, it should be a comfortable, well-equipped and, most importantly, a safe vehicle. The most interesting thing is that such a car was built with the difference that it was difficult to satisfy two opposing groups of buyers at once.
In 1979, Graz's production capacity was 10,000 all-terrain vehicles per year, with 1,000, 5,500 and 6,000 vehicles respectively to leave the factory in the first three years. These figures turned out to be underestimated, because in the first year 2,801 units were produced, and in the subsequent years, respectively, 7,533 and 6,950 units. The overfulfillment of production plans was ensured by the orders of the German services - the border troops and the local police. The lost Bundeswehr tender was fully compensated. An interesting detail is that several copies sold to Argentina returned to Europe in the form of English trophies after the end of the Falklands War in 1982.
A serious strategic error was soon discovered. Instead of the short-wheelbase model with an open body, which Daimler management put on, the long-wheelbase closed W460 enjoyed the greatest popularity. To cope with the flood of orders, it was necessary to quickly change priorities - adjusting business plans and ordering spare parts from suppliers. The unfortunate consequences of the mistake were dozens of already made, but not sold, convertibles.
Planning errors that arose due to unidentified market needs and expectations also affected the interior of the vehicle, additional equipment, as well as the engine. Subsequently, it will become clear that the error is drawn from specialists, to whom the parameters of the comfort of the driver and passengers seemed more important than engine power. Of the four types of engines presented on the Mercedes-Benz G-class market, weak ninety-weight 2.3-liter gasoline-free engines, as well as 2.4-liter diesel models, were produced in large numbers. Buyers were also looking for Mercedes with a 2.8-liter gasoline engine. (150 hp), as well as three-liter diesel models with 88 hp.
In advertising booklets in 1979, in the name of a model with a 2.8 liter engine. the letter "E" was indicated, indicating electronic injection. True, such until the end of 1981 were almost never supplied due to a lack of spare parts. In general, Mercedes at that time suffered from a lack of M110 engines. In fact, their distribution began only in the second half of the 80s, when the 280 GE model went on mass sale.
Making minor changes to the appearance and equipment of the car has become a regular feature that accompanies the G-class to this day. If in 1979 the military complained about too low engine power, then private customers complained about too spartan interior, lack of automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a small range of body colors. It was these comments from customers that led, after a short respite, which arose due to the launch of a new product series, the continuation of the work of designers. The first changes to the G-class took place in the second half of 1981. Now it was possible to order a car with an automatic transmission, a mechanical winch, and a fuel tank increased by 16 liters. The long-wheelbase version offered side benches in the trunk. In the spring of 1982, the Geländewagen received a steering wheel from the W123, while the petrol versions of the G230 and G280 waited for the installation of electronic injection, which entailed both the removal of restrictions on sales of the 280 GE and the start of production of the 230 GE model. The M102 engine used in the E 230 models in the W123 and W124 series replaced the M115 carburettor engine used in the 230 G models from 1979. However, the production of the latter was not completed; it was withdrawn from offers for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, but was delivered to the rest of the countries until mid-1986.
In response to the wishes of potential buyers, new improvements to the G-Class were made in 1983. First of all, this affected the expansion of the range of colors - now 4 additional metallic colors were offered for selection. In addition, a manual transmission has become an option. In the fall of 1983, new illuminated switches were added, and the keys that turned on the fans were replaced with a rotary knob. The third facelift took place in September 1985.
The standard was the installation of mechanical differential locks on both axles and a reinforced front bumper equipped with a system for towing a car. Inside, there was a new upholstery of the seats, rear sofa, ceiling and doors. In a new way, pointers on the dashboard are located. As an option, a central lock appeared, as well as rubber expanders that hide the installation, if necessary, of non-standard tires.
In September 1987, the 240 GD was replaced by the 250 GD with a manual transmission, and the rest of the models were given their fourth facelift. The most significant change was the installation of a steel gas tank, the capacity of which was increased from 70 to 81.5 liters. Now it was possible to order the G-class with electric windows and even a retractable antenna.
Initially, the business plan of the Geländewagen project assumed that the car would be produced within 10 years. In July 1986, the 50,000th car was built, and the next year the question arose of what to do next. For eight years, on the one hand, the design of the car was finalized, on the other hand, it was obvious that further improvements and investments were needed. If ten years earlier the idea of a car, equally in demand by the military and families with children, had at least some justification, now it seemed completely devoid of meaning. People who use the car on a daily basis needed more comfortable seats, interior air conditioning, a more solid instrument panel and a stereo system. A rapidly growing segment of civilian buyers was waiting for a significant change in comfort, which was already available in other passenger cars.
Under these conditions, a new decision to modernize the G-class followed, namely the creation of a new model focused exclusively on civilians. The line with the W463 index was intended to offer comfort on a par with other passenger models, using ready-made solutions. As with the W460, the W463 project was shrouded in mystery. This time, the work was entrusted to the Stuttgart car department.
The new G-class was presented during the IAA exhibition in Frankfurt in September 1989. The car made a splash. Outside, it differed only in some details - a plastic radiator grill, side mirrors, a new front bumper with integrated fog lights, a rear bumper with PTF, enlarged taillights, an exhaust pipe moved to the left side and a fuel tank placed on the right. Very revolutionary changes have taken place with the interior. It was a completely different car - a redesigned instrument panel and center console, air conditioning, leather upholstery, elegant seats, an audio system and finally an electric roof. The range of additional options has been significantly expanded. The new model was also equipped with an airbag and ABS, which is the standard for passenger cars.
When designing, it turned out that for the ABS to work correctly, it was necessary to change the type of drive - now the W463 is characterized by permanent four-wheel drive with a central center differential lock. Structural changes also affected the frame and bridges. Like the W460 series, the G-class W463 series was equipped with differential locks, with the difference that they were now activated by a button on the center console.
At the start of W463 sales, an interested buyer had a choice of four models - two petrol: 230 GE (126 hp) and 300 GE (177 hp) and two diesel: 250 GD (94 hp) and 300 GD (113 hp). All of them were equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, although a manual gearbox could also be ordered as an option.
Already in the first months of sales, the Mercedes G-class used solutions that have survived to this day. The desire of Daimler managers to cater to two different groups of customers in terms of expectations and needs at once resulted in several years of work, but in the end found a happy ending.
As a consequence of the bright advertising campaign of the new W463 series, the W460 sales declined. Before the premiere of the W463, several more changes were made to the W460 models. This is a plastic tank with a volume of 96 liters, replacing the previous metal one, as well as an 8 horsepower more powerful 300 GD engine. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the G-class, a limited run of 300 230 GE "Classic" models were released, featuring a dark blue metallic finish and a range of chrome details. However, it was clear that with the introduction of the W463 series, the future of the W460 would change. And so it happened.
230 GE Classic Toy Model
In 1991, the modernization of the old G-class line with the W460 index was announced and it was replaced by the W461. When the successor was shown the following year, it turned out that the "modernization" consisted largely in depriving the car of all the innovations that the W460 series was endowed with - based on demand from civilians. The seats turned out to be rubberized, the palette of available colors was reduced, the interior decoration received an ascetic look as opposed to comfort and aesthetics.
From that moment on, the Mercedes G-class began to develop series in different directions, taking into account the needs of target groups of buyers. Models of the W461 series became the typical workhorses demanded by various government services and the armed forces, while the W463 series began to evolve towards the luxury all-wheel drive class.
Built in less than three years, the Mercedes W463 was not free from problems with the quality of parts received from suppliers. When in April 1990 - six months after the premiere - the new car ended up in showrooms and received thousands of orders - customers were forced to wait for long months, while hundreds of vehicles stood on the Graz factory site, waiting for the replacement of defective components.
Despite the temporary difficulties regarding the start of sales of the W463 models, the beginning of the 90s entered the history of the G-class sales. 12,103 G-class units were produced in 1990 and 11,540 units the following year. These results were due not only to the huge interest of customers in the W463 models, but also to large parallel deliveries for the troops. At the end of the 80s, serious contracts were signed, including with the Bundeswehr, which ordered 12,000 vehicles of various types, as well as the Swiss army, which purchased 4,000 vehicles. In addition, CKD kits were produced in Graz, intended for production in the Greek ELBO enterprise in Thessaloniki of the so-called W462 series for the needs of the Greek army and police.
W462 line
Not surprisingly, the production of the first 50,000 units of the Mercedes-Benz G-class took 8 years, while the construction of the second 50,000 from 1987 to 1992 took only 5. But the production of the third symbolic 50,000 took almost 10 years.
Like the W460 in the 80s, the W463 series required constant upgrades in the 90s. Not even a year passed, as one or the other component was replaced with a more modern one and various additional options were offered. The premieres of new models were characterized by the demonstration of ever more advanced technologies and more powerful engines.
Already in May 1992, the Mercedes-Benz 350 GD was released with a 136 hp turbocharged engine and a four-speed gearbox. It replaced all previous diesel models produced since 1990.
1993 brought a change of names in modifications of the W463 series. Now the letter "G", indicating the class of the car, has been rearranged in front of the digital designation. The 300GE became known as the G 300, while the turbocharged 350 GD became the G 350 TD.
However, before the new model naming principle was introduced, a limited edition of 500 units of 500 GE with a V8 engine and a power of 241 hp was released to the market, which had previously been installed on the Mercedes 450 SE passenger car. The car was equipped with an automatic transmission and a catalytic converter, the interior was characterized by heated leather seats, a woodgrain trim on the center console, and an electric roof. The special Amethyst blue body paint and stainless steel side sills completed the impression. An interesting detail is that the 500 GE was equipped with only two differential locks (center and rear).
In 1994, the G 320 was released, replacing the G 300 produced since 1990, still offered outside of Germany. The car was equipped with a 210 hp six-cylinder petrol engine, previously installed on E- and S-class cars, as well as a four-speed automatic transmission.
500 GE vehicle
Offered since 1992, the G 350 TD was replaced in 1996 by the G 300 TD (177 hp), which featured a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission for the first time.
In 1997, the straight-six fitted to the G 320 was replaced by a more modern V6, which came with the five-speed automatic transmission previously tested on the G 300 TD.
Car G 300 TD Cabrio
The continuous improvement of the Mercedes-Benz G-class and the application of new technological solutions were required to keep the sales volume at a constant level, ensuring the payback of the products. If the first half of the nineties could be called the "golden years" of the G-class, then the second half was characterized by a decline in interest. In 1997, the issue reached an alarming 3,791 pieces. The strategy of installing new engines and small changes in appearance was no longer effective. A new approach to the development of the G-class was required.
Three years after the end of sales of the limited series 500GE, in 1998 a new "500" was demonstrated. This time the model was marked with the G 500 index, and the installed engine had a power of 296 hp, i.e. 55 horsepower more than its predecessor. The G 500 became the first G-class Mercedes to break the speed limit of 200 km/h. This model was the first to use electrically adjustable seats, as well as white direction indicators. In 1999, the twentieth anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz G-class came and the release of the limited G 500 Classic series, shown at the Frankfurt exhibition, was timed to coincide with this date.
In 2000, the G 300 TD model was replaced by a new one - the G 400 CDI, with which the Gelendvagen entered the age of 21. The four-liter diesel engine had a power of 250 hp. and worked on modern common rail technology, which is direct fuel injection, providing not only the best technical performance, but also low noise, emissions, and low fuel consumption. The COMAND system appeared in the cabin, which controls audio and video devices, as well as GPS navigation.
COMAND 2.0 system
The new millennium could not be opened otherwise than by the presentation of a new model. This time it was the G 270 CDI, which in 2001 completed the G-class range with Common Rail engines. However, not all market niches have been filled yet.
It's hard to believe, but for over twenty years the Mercedes-Benz G-class has not been officially sold in North America. No one would have paid attention to this if in 2002 the G-class had not been imported into US and Canadian car dealerships. The reason lies in the fact that earlier the Gelendvagen did not meet the requirements of the American market, so the M-class was supplied for customers from the USA. It was unofficially rumored that the premiere of the G-class for
The Atlantic has been associated with tenders for a multi-purpose vehicle issued simultaneously by the US and Canadian armies. Already in 2000, the American naval forces received 100 Mercedes G-class adapted to their needs, and in October 2003 it was announced that Daimler was the winner of the tender for the supply of over eight hundred G 270 CDI vehicles for the Canadian army. It is no secret that the growth in product sales in 2002-2003 was due to the start of sales in the United States, with over 6,500 units sold.
Warrior G 270 CDI
Another weapon of Mercedes was the AMG brand, which was taken over by Daimler in 1999. In 1998, the G 55 AMG was shown - the fastest, most reliable and luxuriously equipped G-class car in history. Its heart was the 354 hp V8 engine already used in other AMG models, thanks to which the car accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and with a top speed limit of 209 km/h. It's hard to imagine, but the G55 AMG retained all the solutions, including all-wheel drive, that characterize the W463 series. Closed models were available in long and short body styles, as well as a convertible equipped with an electro-hydraulic roof opening and closing system. In the spring of 2004, at the Geneva Motor Show, the premiere of the G 55 AMG with a 476 hp compressor took place. with acceleration to 100 km / h in 5.6 seconds. Thus, the G-class occupied a not very large, but fashion segment of luxury sports cars.
G55 AMG Kompressor
In 2004, it seemed that the twenty-fifth anniversary would draw another line. Many asked the question: how long can this car model be produced? For the new anniversary, a batch of "Classic 25" was released. Five years later, when the Gelendvagen enters its 31st year of life, this issue will still be relevant.
The characteristic angular features of the G-Class remain unchanged, as does the design of the car itself, which consists in simply attaching the body to a massive frame, springs, differential locks and the presence of a transfer case. Distinguishes the G-class of 2009 from its ancestor incommensurable comfort, generations of new engines and automatic transmissions, security systems like ESP and 4ETS.
In 2001 (and in 2014 - author's note) The W461 series was officially excluded from the Mercedes catalogs. In fact, its production never stopped - it remained available for large government orders. For 30 years, she has not met competitors in tenders for the supply of vehicles for the armed forces. And if “Mercedes” lost somewhere, then the reason for refusal was rather the price, since no one ever disputed the reliability and endurance of the car.
W461 Professional Series
The most famous armored Mercedes-Benz G-class was the “popemobile”, made in 1980 for Pope John Paul II: a bulletproof glass dome was installed in the rear of this car. Well, in Russia, this model was honored to become close to the "throne", replenishing the presidential fleet.
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