G-Whizz, the G-Class is here after 32 years
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Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC
Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC
Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG
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Mercedes-Benz
11th March, 2011
It is now 32 years since production of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class
began. The Stuttgart-based car maker first unveiled this robust off-roader to the public in 1979, since then it has
delivered over 200,000 units of the G-Class to customers around the world. Its still striking appearance, which has
remained substantially unchanged throughout its 'career', plus outstanding engineering, has secured this
Mercedes-Benz off-roader 'classic' status in the automotive world.
This model family, which is acknowledged to be amongst the best in the off-road sector, bears the succinct "G"
prefix in addition to the Mercedes star, has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, has become an automotive styling icon and
represents the 'gene' pool for the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up.
Continuous model updates keep the G-Class up to the latest technological development status and guarantee a
superior drive system, but without diluting its essential 'character'. Thanks to a combination of permanent
all-wheel drive, the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, ESP®, a "low-range" gearbox and three
selectable differential locks, the G-Class is equal to any off-road challenge while ensuring the handling and safety
expected of a Mercedes on the road.
In 2009, both the comfort-oriented 463 series and the utility-oriented 461 series of the G-Class held their own
outstandingly throughout the world. There are currently no plans to bring this success story spanning three decades
to an end.
G 350 BlueTEC with state-of-the-art emission-control technology
A true classic
The latest version of the classic Mercedes-Benz G-Class off-roader, now in its 32nd year, features
state-of-the-art BlueTEC technology. The so called BlueTEC is a Mercedes- Benz-developed technology designed to
reduce diesel vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The BlueTEC version of the G-Class uses
AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution which is injected into the exhaust-gas stream. This process releases ammonia, which
converts up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water by a process of reduction in the
downstream SCR catalytic converter. Since the G-Class is often used in remote areas of the world – one of its main
purposes – the engineers have simplified matters by integrating the AdBlue® filler cap in the vehicle's outside tank
recess. One full tank of AdBlue® should suffice until the next scheduled service.
The V6 diesel engine in the G 350 BlueTEC develops 155 kW at 3,400 rpm and has a torque of 540 Nm between 1,600
and 2,400 rpm. Undercutting the limits of the EU5 standard and, in particular, reducing NOx emissions – yet still
delivers comparable performance
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Australian and New Zealand Launch
The "G" models will only be available in Australia and New Zealand as a long wheelbase Station Wagon as a G 350
BlueTEC turbo diesel or G 55 AMG model - powered by a V8 supercharged engine developing 373 kW with an impressive
peak torque of 700 Nm.
The Mercedes-Benz off-roader continues to offer a superior synthesis of high performance drive and dynamic
handling control systems. The standard specification includes the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS,
the Electronic Stability Programme ESP® and three differential locks selectable at the push of a button, alongside
the permanent all-wheel drive with off-road ratio and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission (G 350
BlueTEC only).
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Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA
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The unending story begins in 1972
The development of an off-road vehicle began in 1972, with a cooperation agreement between Daimler-Benz and
Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria. In 1975 the decision was taken to commence series production and construct
new production facilities in Graz, where the G-Class is still mainly hand-assembled to this day. When the
series was premiered in the northern spring 1979, four engine variants were available with outputs from 53 kW
to 110 kW, either as a Convertible with a short wheelbase or a Station Wagon with a short or long wheelbase.
After continuous model facelifts and further development during the first ten years, a major development step
was taken in 1989, when the G-family expanded. As an addition to the revised original model with the in-house
series designation 460, which was in future to be destined mainly for utility-oriented users, the range was
extended with the 463-series models. With new, permanent all-wheel drive, differential locks at the front and
rear axles, which now became standard equipment, and a fully lockable inter-axle differential, these marked a
new technical departure. ABS also became available as an optional extra. The completely redesigned interior
impressed with new comfort features such as new seats, interior body panels, a centre console, a new dashboard
and wood trim.
Since September 2001 the G-Class has also featured the trailblazing handling stability, traction and braking
control systems ESP®, 4ETS and Brake Assist
Technical data of the current G-Class model range
Model |
G 350 BlueTEC |
G 55 AMG |
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Engine and performance |
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Cylinder |
V6 |
V8 |
arrangement/number |
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Displacement (cc) |
2,987 |
5,439 |
Rated output (kW at rpm) |
155/3,400 |
373/6,100 |
Rated torque |
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(Nm at rpm) |
540/1,600–2,400 |
700/2,750–4,000 |
Compression ratio |
17.7:1 |
1 9.0:1 |
Acceleration |
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0-100 km/h (s) |
9.1 |
5.5 |
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Maximum speed km/h |
175 |
210 |
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electronically limited |
Power transmission
Drive system |
Permanent four-wheel drive |
Transmission |
7G-TRONIC |
5-speed automatic |
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Fuel and fuel consumption**** |
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Tank capacity/incl. reserve |
96/13 |
Fuel consumption urban (l/100 km) |
13.6 |
21.6 |
Fuel consumption extra-urban (l/100 km) |
9.8 |
12.6 |
Fuel consumption combined (l/100 km) |
11.2 |
15.9 |
CO2 emissions (g/km) combined |
295 |
372 |
Chassis and wheels
Front |
Rigid axle with electrically selectable 100% differential lock |
Rear |
Rigid axle with electrically selectable 100% differential lock |
Springs front / rear |
Coil springs/coil springs |
Shock absorbers front/rear |
Gas-pressure shock absorbers/gas-pressure shock absorbers |
Transmission |
7G-TRONIC |
5-speed automatic |
Tyres/wheels front |
265/60 R 18 |
275/55 R 19 |
Tyres/wheels rear |
265/60 R 18 |
275/55 R 19 |
Steering |
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Recirculating ball |
Front brakes |
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Disc brakes |
Rear brakes |
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Disc brakes |
Dimensions and weights
Kerb weight |
2,500 |
2,580 |
Payload (kg) |
700 |
620 |
Permissible gross vehicle weight (kg) |
3,200 |
3,200 |
Turning circle (m) |
13.6 |
13.6 |
Model Offering and Pricing*
Both Australian G-Class models are Long Wheelbase Station Wagons in 5-seater configuration only.
Cabriolet and Short Wheelbase variants will not be offered.
G 350 BlueTEC $161,680*
G 55 AMG $217,230*
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory
charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are
subject to change without notice.
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