The Iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Turns 40

It’s still hip to be square.

Roughly a year after the debut of the all-new and modernized second-generation version, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 40 years of the legendary G-Class. The boxy G-Wagon has been built mostly by hand in Graz, Austria, since its official launch in 1979.

The extreme off-roader is at home on the world’s most difficult trails, although it is more than likely to be seen climbing the steepest of parking-garage ramps here in the U.S. It’s built like a tank and the previous generation G-class drove like one as well. It’s popular with power brokers, professional athletes, celebrities, and even a few Popes—the first Popemobile built in 1980 for Pope John Paul II was based on the G and featured a Plexiglas dome over the rear compartment, while later versions included bulletproof glass. More recent and extra-ridiculous versions of the G include the G 63 AMG® 6×6, the G 550 4×4 Squared, and the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Laudaulet.

The G was initially designed as a military vehicle and thus featured a modest interior (Recaro seat upgrades didn’t start until the early ’80s), and it was available to civilians as a convertible, with a fixed roof, and as a sort of panel van. The G-Wagon was first fitted with an all-wheel-drive system that featured a single center differential lock, with lockers on the front and rear axles first being optional and eventually made standard in 1985. The chassis featured solid front and rear axles and recirculating-ball steering, and it stayed that way until, well, the arrival of the new G-class. It still has a rigid rear axle but now features an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. It can still bash boulders with the best of them, but its on-road refinement and handling aptitude have increased immensely.

Over the years, gas and diesel powerplant options have included six, eight, and even twelve cylinder variants, and, in 2017, the 300,000th G-class rolled off the line. An increasing number of those have been the insane AMG® models, with tons of power and brasher aesthetics. The latest Mercedes-AMG® G 63, for example, packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that offers 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque and can power the big box to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Happy birthday, G—you’re still great by us.

Performance, Safety, Style, and Luxury 

Mercedes-Benz embraces “the best or nothing” when it comes to designing, engineering, and building our vehicles.  The emphasis placed on the performance, safety, style, and luxury of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles is apparent from the moment you see the vehicle to the second the engine is started.  

The performance of Mercedes-Benz engines is felt immediately upon the first tap of the accelerator pedal regardless of whether the vehicle includes AMG® performance upgrades.  

From Brake Assist to DISTRONIC to Pre-Safe to Lane Keeping Assist, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are masterfully engineered to maximize the safety of the driver and passengers.  

With a variety of stunning interior and exterior color options, added design features, and so much more, you can customize the style and appearance of your Mercedes-Benz to be the vehicle of your dreams.  

Finally, regardless of which model you’ve selected, the luxury of Mercedes-Benz is apparent in all of our vehicles with the design, technology, and performance.  

Visit Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown on 630 Middle Country Road in St.James today to speak with a Sales Consultant about driving off in the Mercedes-Benz of your dreams.  Call us today at 631-265-2204 to schedule your appointment.  Visit our website to learn more about our inventory of new and pre- owned vehicles such as the A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLA Coupe, CLS Coupe, C-Class Cabriolet, E-Class Cabriolet, GLA SUV, GLB SUV, GLC Coupe, GLC SUV, GLE Coupe, GLE SUV, GLS SUV, G-Class SUV, and so many more.