Mercedes-Benz G-Class - G-Class 463

G-Class 463

The chassis was significantly revised for 1990, and resulted in the new 463 G-Class. Equipped with anti-lock brakes, full-time 4WD and a trio of electric locking differentials. The interior was totally upgraded, finished with wooden accents and optional leather upholstery. The 463 features a larger choice of engines, with the V8-powered 500 GE added in 1993. The 500 GE was produced in limited numbers for just two years. All 463 G-Wagens began using Mercedes-Benz's new letter-first naming scheme in 1994.

1997

The range was refreshed again in 1997, including the introduction of a power-topped convertible and two new engines, the 2.9 L Turbo Diesel and the V6-powered (M112 motor) G320 — previous years' G320s were outfitted with the M104 I6. The V8 G-wagen returned with a new engine in 1998 as the G500, with official sales beginning in the United States in 2002 at $75,000. The 349 hp (260 kW) G55 AMG cemented the vehicle in the American market, becoming a vehicle of choice for many celebrities.

2005

Mercedes-Benz considered that 2005 would be the last year they would export the Geländewagen to the USA market; however, with an order placed by the U.S. Marine Corps for 157 Mercedes-Benz units to replace their archaic Desert Patrol Vehicle with a more modern and militarized Interim Fast Attack Vehicle, the manufacturer continued to offer the vehicle in the US market. To celebrate the supposed end of US market Geländewagens, 500 examples of the "Grand Edition" model were made available. All "Grand Edition" are marked with external Grand Edition badging on the front fenders as well as silver plaque with specific series number "xxx of 500" on the interior of the vehicle. Also new for the 2005 model year was the first G55 AMG model, boasting a 469 hp (350 kW) V8 engine. So equipped, an original G55 AMG is able to achieve 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.4 seconds.

The new G550 has a 32-valve 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 engine, while the current G55 AMG has a 500-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine. The G550 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while it takes the G55 AMG 5.2 seconds.

Various automobile tuners such as AMG, Brabus, Lorinser, Carlsson, A.R.T., and RENNtech have all modified the engine, interior, and exterior.

It was rumored that, with military contracts for the G-Class completed, production of the old G-wagen in Graz, Austria would cease in 2006. However, reports state that production of the current G-wagen will continue for the foreseable future, alongside its once-intended replacement, the GL-Class (X164). An outcry among enthusiasts who admired the G-Class for its tremendous off-road potential showed that a market still existed for such a vehicle. Although the average G-wagen rarely sees anything but asphalt, Mercedes-Benz elected to continue G-Class production for the hardcore off-road market, while the larger 3-row GL-Class would be marketed as a competitor for the likes of the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

2006

In July 2006, Mercedes-Benz announced a late-availability 2006 model year G-Class on its website.

2007

The company showed a facelifted 2007 model at the Paris Auto Show in September 2006 and increased the power of the G55 AMG version from 476 to 500 hp (370 kW). Mercedes-Benz at the same time also announced that it will continue to manufacture the G-Class through 2015 on the continuing demand worldwide for the model by military and civilian buyers.

2008

Minor upgrades.

2009

The 2009 G500 and G55 AMG are offered for sale at the 30-year anniversary of the G-Class. Both models with cosmetic upgrades most noticeable with the new grill, rims and telematics. The G-Class available with two different engines: a new-for 2009 382-hp (an increase of 90-hp) 5.5-liter V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission in the G500, and a 500-hp (an increase of 7-hp) 5.5-liter supercharged V8 with five-speed automatic transmission in the AMG-tuned G55. Loaded with standard luxury features such as a leather interior, premium wood trim, rear parking assistance with camera, rapid HDD navigation system with aerial view, bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, heated/cooled power driver and passenger seats with memory, to name a few. Standard safety equipment includes Mercedes' Tele Aid system, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control and side-curtain airbags. In addition to engine upgrades, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been given a fresh look incorporating a new front grille design and grille guards. The new COMAND infotainment system includes a 40-gigabyte hard drive, in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD player, GPS navigation, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, harmon/kardon surround-sound system, in-dash memory card reader, high-definition digital radio, and satellite radio with real-time traffic service. The G55 features new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, a new Alcantara headliner and a redesigned wood/leather selector lever.

2010

Minor updates, added newly developed front seats and a new rear bench, and a choice of black or gray fabric upholstery or leather seats in either black, gray or chestnut as well as new ‘climatised’ multicontour seats. Other interior changes include the addition of an Aux-in socket in the glove compartment and a new ignition key and outside the new G-Class gets a modified spare wheel cover and two new paint options: “palladium silver metallic” and the “designo platinum magno” matte finish. In the US, the 2010 G-Class is offered with either a 224 hp V6 diesel (G 350 CDI) or two gasoline V8 engines producing 388 hp in the G500 and 507 hp in the G55 AMG model. Manufacturing contracts with Daimler AG have been renewed for the continued production of Mercedes-Benz's G-Class at Magna Steyr's facilities in Graz, Austria, until 2015.

2013

In June 2012, the G-Class received some minor modifications to the specification and engine range. The significant changes outside are that the updated G-Class gets LED running lights; second, there are turn indicators in its side mirrors; and third, the AMG gets a new bumper and grille. The majority of the G-Class’s upgrades reside under its hood and behind its doors: a new interior, more modern amenities. Interior changes include a re-sculpted dashboard and centre console, with relocated COMAND screen, and a new colour multifunction screen to the gauge cluster. The latest mbrace2 telematics system also is on board and now come standard with Distronic adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and updated Parktronic backup sensors and rearview camera, together with a revised the stability control to enable trailer stabilizing functionality.

The previous G55’s supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 is replaced by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8. Power is up by 44 hp to 544, and torque is an equal 44 units, to 560 lb-ft. Like other AMG Mercedes-Benz models with the new downsized V-8, the G63’s “63” nomenclature bears no connection to its actual engine displacement. The G63 also gets a new “Eco” engine stop-start system. Mercedes also fitted a seven-speed automatic transmission in place of the G55’s five-speed. For many export markets, Mercedes-Benz introduced a new G65 AMG powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12. The engine puts out 604 hp and gives a huge 738 lb-ft of torque.