Mercedes-Benz G-Class crosses 4 lakh production milestone
Mercedes-Benz has now made over 4 lakh units of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Only moving to its second-generation in 2018, the G-Class has been on sale since 1979. Originally a co-development of Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch, the current G-Class continues to be built on a bespoke production like at Magna-Steyr in Graz, Austria. The 4,00,000th G-Class is being sold to a long-time G-Class aficionado who has owned over 20 of them since 1979.
So far know for its tremendous off-road capability, Mercedes-Benz also claims to be working on making the G-Class more eco-friendly. Like its other facilities, even the Magna-Steyr plant is set to go carbon-neutral by 2022. In a more significant move, the firm has confirmed that an electrified version of the G-Class is in the works.
Notable highlights of the G-Class that have remained preserved in the current form are the boxy, functional look atop a ladder-frame chassis, the 4x4 system with low-range, a rigid rear-axle and the three differential locks. Originally intended as a military vehicle, the G-Class has been far more successful as a civilian vehicle, first as a functional tool and then later as a car to be seen in for the rich and famous. In India, the G-Class debuted in 2011 in G 55 AMG form, and was one of the mere popular AMG models in the brand's line-up for a while.
In India, the G-Class is currently available in its AMG G 63 and G 350d diesel versions. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo AMG motor powers the AMG G 63, making 585PS and 850 Nm in this application. Consequently, the G 63 gets from 0 to 100kmph in 4.5s and goes on to an electronically limited top speed of 220kmph. This increases to 240kmph when the optional AMG Driver's Package. The G 350d is powered the BSVI compliant OM 656 diesel engine which also does duty in the facelifted S-Class. This 2,956cc inline-six motor makes 286PS at 3,400-4,600rpm and 600Nm between 1,200 and 3,200rpm. Mercedes claims a top speed of 199kmph and a 0-100kmph time of 7.4s.
The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is priced at Rs 2.31 crore and the Mercedes-Benz G 350d at Rs 1.55 crore, both ex-showroom. Read our India-exclusive roadtest of the G 350d here.
Starts Rs 1.5 Crore
2925cc
Automatic
286
600
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