The Gentleman Magazine Issue 7 | February 2018 | Page 39

The wide transmission ratio not only makes driving quieter
and more comfortable especially at low engine speeds, it
simultaneously also contributes to reducing fuel consumption.
As direct as possible, as indirect as necessary
As standard the G-Class is now fitted with electromechanical
rack-and-pinion steering, which now allows driving
assistance systems such as Parking Assist to be implemented.
In addition, the electromechanical steering uses less energy
than a hydraulically assisted steering system. Depending on
the driving mode, one of three sets of steering characteristic
lines, namely Comfort, Sport and Off-road, comes into effect.
This ensures a comfortable or sporty steering feel on the road,
but also straightforward and precise feedback in unpaved and
demanding terrain - always paired with sufficient steering
power assistance. In a nutshell: as direct as possible, as indirect
as necessary.
Stronger than time
The G-Class is the top model among luxury off-road vehicles.
It is not only the passenger car model series with the longest
production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz by far, but also
the forefather of all SUVs to bear the three-pointed star – this
is why all Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G
in their name.
What began in 1972 with a collaboration agreement between
then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the
Austrian city of Graz is now a story peppered with superlatives
and significant milestones. The first concept to be developed
was already different. The team designed a vehicle which
impressed with superior off-road capability, while at the
same time appealing to customers as a full-featured and safe
vehicle suitable for recreational purposes. All-wheel drive and
100-percent differential locks have also been part of the “G”
since that time, as has the robust ladder-type frame.
At the time of its market launch, in the spring of 1979, it was
available with a choice of four engine variants from 53 kW/72
hp to 115 kW/156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet
with a short wheelbase or Station Wagon models with short
or long wheelbase. In 1989 the vehicles of the model series
463 marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the
off-roader that was not just about keeping pace with technical
progress.
It was an evolution that also brought a steadily expanding fan
base and emphasised its character as an exclusive vehicle for
any occasion. And, since 1993, a vehicle with an official name:
the G-Class.
The G-Class models used for the “Popemobile” are famous
world. The Mercedes-Benz 230 G painted in mother of pearl
with a special transparent body accompanied Pope John Paul
II on numerous journeys from 1980.
The 25th anniversary of the G-Class was marked by the arrival
of a very special model on the market, honed by Mercedes-
AMG: the G 55 AMG Kompressor. Its eight-cylinder power unit
(350 kW/476 hp, 700 Nm of torque) gave the robust off-roader
an unprecedented level of performance and demonstrated the
tremendous potential of the G-Class.
The G 500 4x4² of 2015 added not only a luxurious interior
to the equation, but also a ground clearance of 45 centimetres
and impressive on-road performance. Since 2015, the designo
manufaktur range has been providing customers with the
option to take a G-Class and make it their own individual
“G” – with exclusive equipment variants that are perfectly
coordinated with each other.
Thanks to the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the iconic
G-Class reinvented itself once more in 2017. With its V12
engine (fuel consumption, combined: 17.0 l/100 km, combined
CO2 emissions: 397 g/km), portal axles, electric fabric top and
exclusive appointments in the rear compartment, this very
special all-terrain vehicle, which is limited to 99 units, meets
the expectations of customers who demand the very highest
standards of their vehicle and is arguably the most exclusive
form of open-air driving pleasure.
The summer of 2017 saw the 300,000th G-Class roll off the
assembly line in Graz – a Mercedes-Benz G 500 in designo
Mauritius blue metallic with black leather seats and contrasting
white topstitching (combined fuel consumption: 12.3  l/100
km; combined CO2 emissions: 289 g/km). Equipped with a
range of off-road features including all-terrain tyres mounted
on black 16-inch rims and a sturdy roof rack, the anniversary
vehicle embarked this summer on new adventures. G-Class
fans around the world determined the vehicle specification by
voting for their favourite equipment and appointments on the
official GClass Facebook page. You can also follow the future
road trips of the 300,000th G-Class on social
The Gentleman Magazine | 39