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G-Whizz, the G-Class is here after 32 years

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Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC

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Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC

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Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG

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Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG

Home > News > 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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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

 

Engine and performance

 

 

Cylinder

V6

V8

arrangement/number

 

 

Displacement (cc)

2,987

5,439

Rated output (kW at rpm)

155/3,400

373/6,100

Rated torque

 

 

(Nm at rpm)

540/1,600–2,400

700/2,750–4,000

Compression ratio

17.7:1

1 9.0:1

Acceleration

 

 

0-100 km/h (s)

9.1

5.5

 

 

 

Maximum speed km/h

175

210

 

 

electronically limited

Power transmission

Drive system

Permanent four-wheel drive

Transmission

7G-TRONIC

5-speed automatic

 

Fuel and fuel consumption****

 

 

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

 

Recirculating ball

Front brakes

 

Disc brakes

Rear brakes

 

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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