All MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Models by Year (1979-Present) - Specs, Pictures & History (2024)

Updated: 24 May 2021

MERCEDES BENZ G-CLass (W464) 2018 - Present

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was not a new generation for the famous off-road vehicle. It was a completely new book that changed the whole concept of the vehicle.

For almost four decades, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (or G-Wagon) was the same rugged vehicle, with a ladder-chassis and solid axles front and rear. Over the years, some of its characteristics were improved. The basic, cloth, the interior was changed to exclusive leather. The 4-speed manual was upgraded up to a 7-speed automatic with dual-clutch and the four-banger with a carburetor was replaced to state-of-the-art V8 with direct injection and twin-turbo. But the ladder-chassis was the same. The solid axles were still in place and the three lockable differentials were installed as well.

In January 2018 the new G-Class was shown at the North-American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new G-Class was 121 mm (4.8") wider, 53 mm (2") longer and 39 mm (1.5") taller. The increase in the ground clearance was a mere 6 mm (0.23"). But there was a new ladder-type frame and a double-wishbone suspension on the front. The rear axle was kept, but with a different type of connection to the chassis. The three lockable differentials were kept and the low-gear transfer box as well.

And so, the 2018 G-Class succeeded to bring more comfort and still the same off-road abilities as the older version. At the time of launch, there were three engines available: two gasoline units and a brand new inline-six turbodiesel. These were mated to a 9-speed Speedhift MCT transmission.

MERCEDES BENZ G-Class Professional (W463) 2016 - Present

While most of the G-Class vehicles were loaded with leather interiors, sophisticated infotainment systems, and other luxury features, the 350d Professional was exactly the opposite.

In 2016, Mercedes-Benz decided to build a G-Class for those who needed the vehicle for the reasons the G-Class was built in the first place in the '70s. So, it offered a vehicle fit for purists. For those who would take the car off-road, where all the three locking differentials were activated and the low-range gear was engaged all the time. Because the G-Class was not a luxury car or an SUV. It was an off-road weapon.

The exterior looked more like the original G-Class, but without any chrome elements. The black grille and bumpers, black rubber strips on the doors and black mirror cases hanged on metallic bars were part of the car's appeal. As optional features, the 350d Professional was offered with protective grilles over the turn-signals and the round headlights. The 16” light-alloy wheels were painted in black and fitted with all-terrain tires with bigger sidewalls. The ground clearance was higher than on the rest of the G-Class range.

Inside, there were no leather seats or a fancy infotainment system. The radio with a USB port was enough. But still, it featured buttons on the steering wheel for the telephone and the on-board computer, which show its information on a screen between the tachometer and speedometer. The buttons for the locking differentials were mounted high on the center stack.

Under the hood, the G-Class Professional featured a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel. It was the same as in the regular G350d. It was mated to a 7G-Tronic gearbox and, unfortunately for the purists, a manual was not available.

MERCEDES BENZ G-Class 4x4 squared (W463) 2015 - Present

The G-Class was already a highly-valued off-road vehicle, but Mercedes-Benz thought it could do something better than that when it made the squared version.

In 2015, the German carmaker already knew that its next G-Class wouldn't have the same chassis and solid axles as the veteran G-Class. But its engineers were left to let loose their imagination, and the result was the G-Class 4x4 Squared. A behemoth off-road vehicle taller than any other G-Class ever made.

The G-Class squared was an actual hard-core off-road weapon. It didn't care about anything other than being the tallest guy in the parking lot. But its boxy-looking design penned by a child in the '70s was an evergreen in the automotive industry. This time, the carmaker enhanced it with very wide over-fenders in all corners and an aluminum shield under the engine compartment. It was metallic, not plastic. Its bumper sat high enough to knock a hot-hatch roof, and a roof-mounted light-bar could bring light into the deepest night.

But apart from the rugged, mean exterior, the interior was luxurious and carefully crafted by the German carmaker. Its sport bucket seats featured a mix of leather and Alcantara. In front of the passenger, Mercedes installed a grab handle, very useful in tricky off-road situations. The car could cope, but the occupants had to survive as well. A metallic mesh separated the cabin from the trunk area. Thanks to that detail, the car could have been registered as a utility vehicle in Europe.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a bi-turbocharged V-8 gasoline engine paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the rest of the G-Class, the Squared version featured portal axles both front and rear. These allowed the vehicle to sit higher on the ground, increasing the ground clearance up to 450 mm (17.7"). Just a quick reminder: it was the highest ground clearance for a production car. Did I mention that it had three locking differential and a high-low transfer case? Well, it had.

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W463) 2012 - 2018

In 2000, a new generation of G-Class was launched. It wasn't such a big change from the design point of view. In 2007, and 2012, underwent two other facelifts.

In 2005, the G-Class was close to being axed from the assembly line after 26 years of production. There were few considerations to be taken into account regarding the future registration norms such as pedestrian protection and exhaust emissions. After the vote, the MB board decided to keep the vehicle in its lineup.

In 2006 some changes were made to the engines and transmission systems so the car could get the Euro 4 badge for its diesel versions. The gasoline units were already compliant with the emission norm. The 2012 facelift introduced a completely redesigned interior with a free-floating 7” display. A TFT display found its place inside the new instrument cluster, between the round, chromed, dials. The customers were not very pleased with the column-mounted gear-selector for the automatic transmission, so it was brought back on the floor.

The new, Euro6 engines, brought more power and cleaner emissions for the big, boxy G-Class. The base version featured a 3.0-liter turbodiesel, while the top version was powered by a 5.0-liter turbocharged V8. Both versions were mated to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission. For those who wanted a G-Class as a workhorse and off-road duties, a special version named G300 CDI Professional was available with less power and fewer options. The top model was the G65 AMG, which was the most powerful 4x4 vehicle in the world.

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W463) 2008 - 2012

In 2000, a new generation of G-Class was launched. It wasn't such a big change from the design point of view. In 2007, the G-Class underwent another facelift.

In 2005, the G-Class was close to being axed from the assembly line after 26 years of production. There were few considerations to be taken into account regarding the future registration norms such as pedestrian protection and exhaust emissions. After the vote, the MB board decided to keep the vehicle in its lineup.

In 2006 some changes were made to the engines and transmission systems so the car could get the Euro 4 badge for its diesel versions. The gasoline units were already compliant with the emission norm. A facelift was designed and introduced in 2007. The chromed rings on the analog dials created a fresh feel. A new multifunction four-spoke design for the steering wheel was introduced. It was wrapped in leather for the G320 CDI and in leather/wood for the G500 and G55 AMG. New controls and switches found their way on the center console. More important, on the outside, there were LED taillights and a back-up camera.

In 2009 new seats were installed for better lateral support and new infotainment unit, that featured AUX-in, iPod and USB devices. The Bluetooth was already standard-fit. Moreover, the entire engine lineup was updated to the Euro 5 emission norms.

The 2008 facelift was important since it started the change of the vehicle from a rugged off-road machine to a classy, luxurious vehicle with great off-road abilities.

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W463) 2007 - 2008

The 2007 G-Class received major upgrades for the old chassis and a completely new interior, to match the technical evolution. It wasn't 1979 anymore and the buyers were looking for comfort.

The first generation of G-Class was named G-Wagen and it wasn't until 1990 when the rugged off-road vehicle was renamed G-Class and received a new designation chassis number, W463 instead of the W461 as the original model. The W463 suffered many facelifts until the complete change-over in 2018.

The 2007 model styling kept the same tank-in-a-tux appearance. The on-fenders turn-signals and the round headlights were kept. Those were already a brand image for the vehicle, but they were pushed back inside a protective housing. In the rear, the same barn-door with exposed hinges and the spare-wheel mounted on it was kept. The taillights received a new LED-look. There were new options for wheels and, in 2007, it was already officially imported to the U.S.

Inside the vehicle, there was a new instrument cluster. It was the same as in the facelifted C-Class model with four round dials and two displays in the middle, between the speedometer and the tachometer.

For the engine department, new Euro 4 diesel units were installed, including the 3.0-CDI V6 unit. The top-model was equipped with the 5.0-liter V8 gasoline unit taken from the Mercedes-Benz SL500 re-tuned for beefier low-end torque production. The solid axles were kept, but the road holding was enhanced by the introduction of the ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse 2000 - 2007

The G-Class is one of the most iconic vehicles in the world and it has a special status in the Mercedes-Benz range of vehicles. In 2000 it received a major facelift. Some called it a new generation.

In September 2000, at the Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz stand was crowded and the G-Class was unveiled. First, it was a shock, since the "new" vehicle was, pretty much, the same vehicle. But it wasn't. The exterior look indeed had the same boxy design, with exposed hinges for the doors and flat surfaces that made it look like it was an armored vehicle. New headlights and new mirrors with turn-signal indicators were the most obvious changes. Also, there were new 8-inch light-alloy wheels with high-sheen hub caps and cross ribs in the radiator grille.

But the big changes were inside, where the vehicle received a nicer interior and better equipment. Also, a softer suspension was installed, for a softer and more comfortable ride. The dashboard, the door panels, and the seats were redesign. All for the comfort of the occupants. Also, the climate control system has received a new unit and a powerful dust/pollen filter.

But underneath all the luxury offered, there was still the same rugged chassis with live axle front and rear. It had the three lockable differentials. And, for the first time, a 4.0-liter V8 turbodiesel was installed. It was mated to a 5-speed gearbox and a transfer case with low range gear.

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W463) 1989 - 2000

In 1989, when the communist countries started to fall apart, Mercedes-Benz started a new era for its well-known G-Class. Even if it was just a facelift, its modifications were ample.

The demands for more luxurious cars left the G-Class behind. The car was not comfortable by Mercedes-Benz standards and its features were far from what the German car-maker customers expected from it. On the other hand, it was the only 4x4 vehicle built by Mercedes-Benz and the rising star on the market was the Range Rover.

The car was upgraded from the inside out. They started with the technological sides. The car was fitted with an all-wheel-drive system instead of the older 4x4 on-demand one. To keep the same rugged all-terrain abilities, the car was fitted with three locking differentials, a system that made a difference between the G-Class and most of the other off-road vehicles on the market.

The interior was redesigned starting with an empty shell. Some ideas were carried over from the other Mercedes-Benz models such as the E-Class (W124). More comfortable seats with seatbelts for all five passengers were included. Power windows were added for all four doors. To add a touch of luxury, the leather upholstery was complemented by wood grain on the dashboard and the center console.

The engine lineup was improved with the introduction of better engines and newly developed automatic gearboxes. The base model offered a mere 94 hp from a 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine while the top version featured a 5.0-liter V8 gasoline unit.

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) 1979 - 2001

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the all-time classic vehicles that became iconic in the car industry. There are only a handful of cars that could go into that “hall-of-fame” territory. And it all started in 1979.

The Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was one of the significant stake-holders of the Mercedes-Benz and he suggested making a civilian version of the military vehicle G-Wagen. The project started in 1972 and Mercedes-Benz and the Austrian special vehicles manufacturer Steyr worked together for this. In February 1979, the first G-Wagen rolled out the factory.

The brick design of the G-Class was easier to manufacture. The door hinges were exposed and the overall vehicle looked like it was built from flat sheets of metal. But that was the idea, to look sturdy and rough. It started with four engine- and five-body variants and two wheelbases and lengths. But the most important feature that made the G-Class so popular was not the shining bodywork. It was the reliability and go-anywhere capability.

The body-on-frame construction allowed a lot of improvements over time. But, from the start, it had live solid axles front and rear and three lockable differentials, which was something unique on the market.

The first series, the W 460, was produced up to 1992 when the new W 461 came along. It wasn't a significant change on the look of the vehicle, but more engines and newer technologies were installed. Up until 2001, more luxurious features were added, including the automatic transmission and even a few AMG versions.