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When it comes to the appeal of high-end cars, many lure in buyers with magnetizing performance capabilities, some with jaw-dropping looks, and others with ultra-luxurious hotel-like interiors. Then there are vehicles that draw their desirability from other, more unorthodox sources that are pretty much impossible to replicate, and the Mercedes-Benz G-class is one of those such machines.
Otherwise known as the G wagon, the Mercedes G-class SUV is universally viewed as a symbol of high status and repute, and those with the means to do so opt for the boxy six-figure rock crawler more for its historic value than its actual features – though that doesn’t mean that the G wagon isn’t extremely capable.
After a complete redesign for the 2019 model year, Mercedes-Benz only further cemented the G-class’ desirability, and it’s an extremely popular choice among movie stars, athletes, political figures, and even sultans. Here’s the complete story of the G wagon’s rise to fame.
How The Mercedes-Benz G-class Was Born
Back in 1973, Mercedes (known at the time as Daimler-Benz), began to develop a smaller vehicle that could replicate the capabilities of the brand’s all-terrain Unimog truck, motivated by a special request made by the Shah of Iran, who wanted several units for military use. Even though Shah was later displaced by the Islamic revolution before he could see his request come to fruition, Mercedes delivered regardless, and the first G wagon (or Gelandewagen at the time) was born in 1979 as the W460. With specific military intent in mind, the utility vehicle wasn’t initially sold to civilians, but fared extremely well within multiple international militaries.
The Vatican Helped The G Wagon Gain Popularity
In 1980, the Vatican asked Mercedes to manufacture a special version of the G wagon that would serve as the Pope’s transport for public appearances. The company based the modified version on the four-door 230G G-Wagon, and it featured a clear thermoplastic box in the rear, which afforded the Pope more visibility whenever he gets driven by. The Popemobile G wagon helped the model gain worldwide fame, and limited-production civilian versions were also manufactured shortly after, with new implementations such as air conditioning and an automatic transmission.
A Major 1990 Update Added Luxury To The G-class
For the 10th anniversary of the G wagon, Mercedes unveiled a new facelifted version of the model at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. In addition to exterior updates, the newest G-class also featured a variant with permanent four-wheel-drive, optional ABS, and a leather interior with wooden trimming. Just a couple of years later, Mercedes would also grace the G wagon with cruise control, running boards, ventilated front disc brakes and a driver’s airbag. Little by little, with each passing year, the former utility vehicle was becoming a capable off-roader with a stacked and luxurious interior, maximizing its appeal to the public, and after building the 100,000th model, it officially received the G-class name.
It’s also worth mentioning that the G-class – which was previously sold solely in Europe, finally began to reach U.S. borders after a company called Europa received special permission to import them. However, Europa had to modify the G-class heavily to comply with national standards, which resulted in a six-figure retail price that granted the boxy SUV the exclusivity and appeal that it maintains to this day. Previously, the only G wagon units to reach America were gray market specialists imports brought in through regulation loopholes, but the practice ended after tightened restrictions.
The G-class Gets A V8
In 1998, Mercedes finally unleashed a V8-powered version of the G500 range-topping trim, which made 296 horsepower, granting the G-class the only thing it lacked: power. Additionally, just one year later, AMG would join the party as Mercedes introduced the G55 AMG with 354 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of torque, and by 2001, all versions were officially being sold in the U.S. through Mercedes’ own dealerships.
Sales in the U.S. began to skyrocket with each passing year, and Mercedes continued to grace the demanding market with increasingly crazy models, including the GL-class six-row SUV, the 6-wheeler G 63 AMG, and the gigantic 4×4². Well before these, the G wagon had already fully established its title as one of the most desirable high-class SUVs in the world.
The Current 2022 G-class Lineup Is Insane
As of today, the Mercedes-Benz G-class is still going strong, and the current lineup consists of two extremely competent models, the first of which is the G 550, featuring a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 that pumps out 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, with a sticker price of $139,000. Next up is the bonkers Mercedes-AMG G 63, which hosts a handcrafted 4.0-liter biturbo V8 that makes 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, allowing the monster SUV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
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