Born out of military precision and royal ambition, the G-Wagon wasn’t meant to be beautiful, it was meant to be unstoppable. Its mission was clear: go anywhere, survive everything. Decades later, it hasn’t changed that much, only the price tag and the owners have.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class – 1970s

The story of the G-Class began in 1972, when Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch of Austria decided to create a new kind of off-roader — one that combined German engineering with Austrian craftsmanship. The Shah of Iran personally suggested the idea to Mercedes, envisioning a rugged yet dependable military vehicle for multiple terrains.

By 1975, a new factory was set up in Graz, Austria, dedicated to G-Wagon production. After years of testing through deserts, snow, and mud, the G finally broke cover in 1979. It debuted as the Gelandewagen (literally “terrain vehicle”) and was initially aimed at military and government contracts. But Mercedes had civilian buyers in mind too.

One of the earliest G-Class models served both on the battlefield and at the Vatican, acting as the Popemobile during Pope John Paul II’s 1980 visit to Germany. Finished in white and topped with a transparent glass canopy, it was far cry from the camouflage green military paint.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class – 1979 to 1991 (W460)

The first generation, W460, was raw, simple, and mechanical — a proper go-anywhere vehicle. Available as two-door and four-door wagons, soft-tops, and even pickup variants, it was designed for versatility above all else. Power came from a mix of petrol and diesel engines, from the frugal 240 GD to the more powerful 280 GE.

Early models were bare-bones inside. You got vinyl seats, a heater if you were lucky, and a steering wheel that felt like it belonged on a tractor. But its mechanicals were near indestructible. The W460 earned its reputation not in showrooms but in deserts, forests, and battlefields.

Over the years, Mercedes began adding creature comforts — power steering, air conditioning, and even automatic gearboxes. By the mid-1980s, the G had found a loyal following among civilians who valued its unstoppable character. In 1985, Mercedes added front and rear differential locks, making it nearly impossible to get stuck.

By the time the W460 bowed out in 1991, it had proven that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class could be both military-grade and daily drivable.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class – 1992 to 2022 (W461)

Even as luxury began creeping into the G-Class, Mercedes kept one foot in its original territory. Enter the W461, launched in 1992, primarily for armed forces, NGOs, and heavy-duty users.

It looked the same from the outside, but under the skin, it shared modern engines and suspension components with the more upscale W463. Civilian versions like the Edition.30 PUR and G-Professional appeared years later — simple, purposeful, and almost nostalgic reminders of the G’s original brief: rugged utility over refinement. The W461 outlived expectations, staying in limited production till 2022, an incredible 30-year run.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class – 1990 to 2018 (W463)

The 1990s were the decade of reinvention, and the G-Class wasn’t left behind. The W463 generation, launched in 1990, marked the G’s transformation from a tool to a trophy. Mercedes gave it permanent four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, and a much plusher cabin trimmed in leather and wood.

This was the G-Class that began appearing outside fashion shows instead of military bases. Yet despite its new luxury, it remained mechanically old-school — body-on-frame construction, low-range gearing, and triple locking differentials stayed intact.

By 1993, the 500 GE arrived with a V8 engine, hand-assembled in collaboration with AMG. That model planted the seed for what the G-Class would become — a blend of brute force and sophistication.

Then came the era of AMG: the G 55 AMG, G 63, and even the G 65 with a twin-turbo V12. Each model louder, faster, and more absurd than the last. The G-Class had become a paradox,  a box-shaped SUV with supercar power. Mercedes also pushed the boundaries with limited-run models like the G 500 4×4 squared, featuring portal axles and extreme off-road capability, and the imposing G 63 AMG 6×6, a six-wheeled behemoth that redefined what a G-Wagon could be.

Through countless facelifts, it refused to age. New gearboxes, infotainment systems, LED lights, and luxury appointments came and went, but the silhouette never changed. The G-Class had entered the league of timeless designs and joined the likes of the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-Benz SL.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class – 2018 to Present (W463A)

In 2018, Mercedes finally gave the G-Class its biggest overhaul since birth. But rather than reinvent it, they rebuilt it bolt by bolt, from scratch.

The W463A, as insiders call it, kept the classic shape but introduced a new ladder frame, independent front suspension, and a wider, more stable stance. Inside, the G transformed into a modern luxury SUV, with dual screens, massage seats, and every electronic trick Mercedes could fit in.

Under the hood, the G 63 AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 roars with 577 hp, while diesel variants like the G 450d cater to off-road segment. Despite its tech and power, the G-Class still does what it was born to do, conquer anything it’s pointed at.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Electric G

Mercedes-Benz has pushed the evolution of G-Class further with the G 580 with EQ Technology. True to the G-Wagon’s character, it combines the iconic boxy silhouette and legendary off-road capability with cutting-edge electric performance. Four electric motors produce 579 hp and 1,163 Nm of torque, allowing it to rocket from 0–60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, while the 116 kWh battery offers a range of up to 473 km.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class – In the Indian Market

In India, the G-Class is gradually but surely attaining cult status. It first arrived in 2011 in the G 55 AMG guise, immediately catching the eye of Bollywood A-listers, cricketers, and members of the elite. Over time, the next generation truly changed the game with the introduction of the G 63 AMG V8 and even the diesel G 450d, making it slightly more accessible while retaining its unmistakable presence. Today, the craze for the G-Wagon is so intense that cars are often sold out before their official launch, with waitlists stretching months, a testament to its aspirational appeal in the Indian market.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Legacy

Today, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is more than a car. It’s a statement, a cultural icon that stands for durability, power, and unapologetic presence. It’s been everything from a military truck to a luxury limousine, from the Popemobile to the unofficial Hollywood ride.

It has survived political shifts, oil crises, and countless trends, all while staying true to its blocky roots. In 2023, Mercedes celebrated the 500,000th G-Class, a tribute painted in the same Agave Green as the first 1979 model. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class defies the passing years, perfectly living up to its tagline, “Stronger than Time”.

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• Four individual motors
• 360 turn on spot capability 
• 587HP, 1164NM 

Mercedes-Benz has launched the G580 with EQ technology in India at a price of Rs. 3 crore(Ex-showroom). The electric G Wagon gets impressive figures with four electric motors and a full turn-on-spot capability.

Mercedes Benz G580 EQ: Design & Interior

According to Mercedes-Benz, the G580 EQ retains the classic styling of the G Wagon. It does get a few changes such as a slightly raised bonnet and flared rear wheel arches with air curtains. It also gets cladding on the A-pillar and a lip spoiler on the roof edge. A unique touch to the G580 EQ is the optional black panel grille carried over from the EQG concept.

Inside, it remains similar to it’s fossil fuel-powered version with features such as dual 12.3 inch screens, an 18 speaker Burmester music system with Dolby Atmos, MBUX with AR for navigation, 64-colour ambient lighting, transparent bonnet and more. Exclusive to the electric version is G-Roar which mimics exhaust sounds while approaching the car.

Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ: Performance & Price

Mercedes has given the G580 EQ four individual electric motors for each wheel giving it an astonishing 587HP and 1164NM of torque. This power is derived from a 116kWh battery with 200kW DC fast charging capabilities which juice it up from 10-80% in just 32 minutes. According to Mercedes, this powertrain can deliver 473Km of range (WLTP-cycle) and sends it from 0-100Kmph in just 4.7 seconds.

There are a few more neat tricks up the G580 EQ’s sleeves. The much touted G-Turn can rotate the car on the spot twice in one go by getting the motors to turn left and right wheels in seperate directions. You also get software activated virtual diff locks, off-road cockpit, an off-road crawl mode which acts like low range 4×4 and more.

As for pricing, Mercedes-Benz will be launching the G580 EQ exclusively in the Edition One trim priced at Rs. 3 Crore (Ex-showroom) before options. It competes with other super luxury electric SUVs such as the Lotus Eletre.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450 launched

At the event, Mercedes-Benz also launched the 450 variant of the EQS SUV which will sit below the 580 variant launched a few months back. While both variants will share the equipment list, the 450 will be available only as a 5 seater and gets a lower powered motor making 360HP and 800NM torque- down by 184HP and 58NM respectively. Due to this, the range has also slightly increased by 11Km to an MIDC-claimed 820Km. The EQS SUV 450 has been priced at Rs. 1.28 Crore (Ex-showroom)

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• Available in G400d trim only
• 3.0L six-cylinder diesel
• India-specific Adventure Edition

Mercedes-Benz has launched the diesel variant of their iconic SUV, the G Class. The car is available in the G400d variant at a price of Rs. 2.55 Crore (Ex-showroom). This now replaces the G350d version that was available prior to BS6 Phase II norms coming to effect in April. The AMG-tuned G63 remains unchanged.

Mercedes-Benz G400d Powertrain

Compared to the G350d, Mercedes has updated the powertrain which now consists of a 3.0L inline six-cylinder diesel producing 330HP and 700NM of torque. Codenamed the OM656, Mercedes also claims it to be the most powerful diesel engine made by them. The engine is paired to a 9 speed torque converter automatic transmission which sends the G400d from 0-100Kmph in just 6.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 210Kmph.

The SUV will also come with 4×4 with low range as standard along with many off-road gizmos such as three differential locks, adjustable chassis damping, 700mm water wading capabilities and a 241mm ground clearance among else.

Mercedes-Benz G400d Variants

Mercedes-Benz is offering the G400d in two distinct variants- AMG Line and Adventure Edition. The AMG Line receives a sportier persona with elements such as 20 inch silver alloys, Burmester sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting and Nappa Leather upholstery.

Talking of the India-exclusive Adventure Edition, it gets additions such as a roof rack with rails, removable ladder, 18-inch 5 spoke alloys, Professional line exterior package and more. Moreover, it will also get 4 new colour options making a total of 25 colour options. These four special G Manufaktur colours include- Desert Sand, Vintage Blue, Travertine Beige Metallic and South Seas Blue Metallic.

Mercedes-Benz G400d Rivals

Before options, the G400d has been priced at 2.55 Crores (Ex-showroom) for both the variants. Mercedes has also said that first preference would be given to existing Mercedes-Benz owners. The booking amount has been kept at Rs. 1.5 Lakhs for now with deliveries slated to begin in early Q4 2023.

The Mercedes-Benz G400d will rival other high-end SUVs such as the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser.

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