Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Australian pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz Australia has just re-launched the G-Class for the local market. Literally, too, as the image above shows. There’s two models on offer, the G 350 Bluetec ($161,680*) and the G 55 AMG ($217,230*).

The G 350 is powered by a 3.0 turbo diesel and is good for 155kW/540Nm, while the mad-as-a-cut-snake G 55 AMG is forced along by a supercharged 5.4 litre V8 which produces a staggering 373kW/700Nm.

It’s around 32 years ago since the G-Class was first released, although it’s been missing from the Australian line up for almost 20 years. It’s okay, though, because not a lot has changed on the outside in that time.

The G-Class is an icon in the all-wheel drive world. It’s near-on bullet proof, or actually is in the Pope’s case, and is as dependable as an old blue heeler, albeit somewhat more expensive.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a fantastic range of images to re-introduce the mighty G-Class and we have fished out 60 of the best pics to go with their press material.

The Longest-Serving Series-Production Car Over 30 Years Young: The G-Class

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 cult status in the automotive world.

This model family, which is acknowledged to be the best in the off-road sector, bears the succinct “G” prefix in addition to the Mercedes star, has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, is a means of transport considered fitting for the Pope, has become an automotive styling icon, continues to emerge victorious in reader votes and represents the gene pool for the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.

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. 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 percent 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 3400 rpm and has a torque of 540 Nm between 1600 and 2400 rpm. Undercutting the limits of the EU5 standard and, in particular, reducing NOx emissions – yet still delivers comparable performance.

Australian and New Zealand Launch

The “G” models will only be available in Australia and New Zealand as a longwheelbase 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 highperformance drive and dynamic handling control systems. The standard specification includes the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, the
Electronic Stability Program 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).

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 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 had offspring. 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 exotic 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.

Model Offering and Pricing*

Both Australian G-Class models are Long Wheelbase Station Wagons in 5-seater configuration only. Cabriolet & Short Wheelbase variants will not be offered.

• G 350 BlueTEC –  $161,680
• G 55 AMG – $217,230

*The prices detailed are current Manufacturer’s List Prices (MLPs). The MLP includes GST and any LCT applicable to the base / standard specification model but EXCLUDES DEALER DELIVERY AND ALL ON ROAD COSTS such as, for example, registration fees, stamp duty, CTP and the like.

Downloads

• G-Class press release with technical data (86kb PDF)
• G-Class pricing and options (1.1mb PDF)