The first generation of the now infamous Mercedes-Benz G-Class (more commonly known as G-Wagon or Gelandewagen) was introduced way back in 1979. Spanning 40 years, the G-Class currently holds the record for being the longest-run production vehicle in the German brand’s history. What’s a lot more shocking is that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has only had two different iterations between then and now. That’s an average of 20 years between each new generation of the G. However, all said and done, the Gelandewagen is one of the world’s most-recognizable and popular luxury off-roaders. Today, it stands as a testament to the immense capability and wondrous charm of a true-blue 4X4.
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For all of its fanatical glory and undefeatable off-roading prowess, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class isn’t meant for your average Ahmad. In fact, it’s so far flung from the concept of affordability, that it’s not even funny. In the United Arab Emirates, the brand-new 2019 G-Class starts at a stratospheric 600,000 dirhams. To put that into perspective, the top-of-the-range 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo comes in at a measly 582,000 dirhams, whilst the latest Range Rover long wheelbase with the supercharged V8 can be yours for 582,600 dirhams. However, the version of the new G-Class that we are talking about over here is the base G500. It comes with Merc’s mighty 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 that, in this state of tune, easily manages to put out 422 hp and 610 Nm of peak torque. This powerplant comes married to an all-new 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox, and sends power to all four without prejudice. Unless of course, you engage the G’s well-renowned three separate locking differentials. Left to its own, this engine sends the 2.4-ton G500 to 100 km/h in just under 6 seconds; as for top speed, Mercedes has had to electronically cap it to just 210 km/h. Come on, Mercedes! Who cares about aerodynamics, inertia and center of gravity, anyway?
Obviously, if you have the kind of to buy one of these, you wouldn’t really be concerning yourself with plebian factors such as mileage. Anyway, the 2019 G500 will do 11.1 L/100 km if you’re not in a hurry to reach somewhere as fast as possible. That means every time you fill your G with one liter of Super at a petrol station, you get to cover roughly 9 kilometers. Anyway, moving on… Compared to its predecessor, Mercedes-Benz has increased the length and width of the 2019 G-Class by 53 mm and 121 mm, respectively. This has had an appreciable impact on the cabin room, and the amount of useable space that goes along with it. Also made better is the quality of materials, fit & finish, and the overall look and feel of this interior. The new G-Class now gets those gorgeous, high-definition dual displays from the S-Class. However, sticking to its Gelandewagen roots, it still holds on to its old-school grab handle on the inside, pull-type door handles on the outside, and the boxy silhouette that the G-Class is so famous for. If you’re planning on surviving a zombie apocalypse, there’s nothing quite like a Mercedes G-Class, as it’s built like an impenetrable bunker.
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The latest iteration of the G-Class also improves upon the terrible handling and ride characteristics of its almost rudimentary predecessor. Mercedes-Benz has also tried to improve the new G’s NVH levels by adding additional sound-deadening materials, though there’s only so much you can do with a car that’s as aerodynamic as the mountains of Jebel Hafeet. However, I do, like many others, absolutely admire the truly undefeatable valor and capabilities of this legendary off-roader. Of course, the Kardashians would have already bought about half a dozen of these by now.
