G-Klasse
Presented to the press in Toulon in February 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse was created through cooperation between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch, with early production taking place in Graz, Austria. The first 460 series combined a separate ladder frame with two wheelbases and several body styles intended for professional operators as well as private customers. From 1989, the 463 series moved the G toward greater comfort and refinement while retaining its core off-road engineering. The G-Klasse family represented in the ScanRacer library spans civilian body styles, professional and military-oriented derivatives, and highly specialized models such as the 4×4², 6×6 and Maybach Landaulet. In 2024, the G 580 with EQ Technology added an electric drivetrain to the long-running platform concept.
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Variants by year
Make: Mercedes-Benz · Model: G-Klasse
20 / 20 versions shown
2024
2023
2022
2018
2017
2015
2013
2008
2004
1996
1990
1979
Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse photos
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
Presented to the press in Toulon in February 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse was created through cooperation between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch, with early production taking place in Graz, Austria. The first 460 series combined a separate ladder frame with two wheelbases and several body styles intended for professional operators as well as private customers. From 1989, the 463 series moved the G toward greater comfort and refinement while retaining its core off-road engineering. The G-Klasse family represented in the ScanRacer library spans civilian body styles, professional and military-oriented derivatives, and highly specialized models such as the 4×4², 6×6 and Maybach Landaulet. In 2024, the G 580 with EQ Technology added an electric drivetrain to the long-running platform concept.
History
The G project began in 1972, when Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch started cooperating on a vehicle intended to work both on the road and in demanding terrain. The 460 series was presented to the press in Toulon from 5 to 10 February 1979. The initial range included the 240 GD, 300 GD, 230 G and 280 GE, with open bodies, station wagons and utility versions offered on two chassis lengths. In Austria, Switzerland and some Central European markets, technically related vehicles were also sold under the Puch name. The 460 series remained focused on durability and professional use. In September 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 463 series, developed to meet rising expectations for comfort and equipment. Both families overlapped for a time, with the 460 continuing in selected professional applications until 1992. The 461 series subsequently maintained the professional and governmental branch of the model line, while the 463 continued its move toward the luxury segment. The latter received the 500 GE V8 in 1993 and later became the basis for high-performance AMG models and other specialized derivatives. In 2024, Mercedes-Benz introduced the G 580 with EQ Technology, the first series-production G-Class with a fully electric drivetrain.
Generations
The first stage was the 460 series, produced from 1979. It was defined by a strongly utilitarian design, a broad choice of body styles and a relatively simple interior. Civilian and professional versions shared a technical foundation, although equipment and configurations could differ according to intended use and market. The 461 series, introduced in the early 1990s as an evolution of the professional models, retained a functional focus. It provided the basis for vehicles such as the Wolf supplied to the Bundeswehr, as well as derivatives for public authorities, special operations and selected professional markets. In the ScanRacer context, this branch is represented by entries including Wolf SUV, Wolf Open-Roof SUV, Wolf AGF LIV and LAPV Enok. The 463 series, unveiled in 1989, became the civilian and luxury-oriented development path. Over time it gained more sophisticated interiors, stronger engines and additional electronic systems while retaining the ladder frame and, on relevant versions, three differential locks. The modern G-Klasse remains an evolution of this architecture. In 2024, the G 580 with EQ Technology added four individually controlled electric motors, a battery integrated into the frame and dedicated off-road driving functions.
Key differences
Differences within the G-Klasse family are primarily linked to intended use. The 460 and 461 series emphasize simplicity, durability and adaptation to professional duties; their body styles can include open, utility and specially equipped versions. The 463 series is distinguished by a more luxurious presentation, continual engine development and equipment increasingly suited to road use and comfort. Special-wheelbase and special-architecture derivatives move further away from the standard model. The 6×6 adds a third axle and serves a highly specific purpose. The 4×4² versions use substantially greater ground clearance and width, with portal axles on the relevant models. The Maybach Landaulet prioritizes exclusivity and craftsmanship rather than utility. The G 580 with EQ Technology retains the ladder frame and low-range gearing but replaces the combustion powertrain with four individually controlled electric motors. These distinctions are established at the level of general architecture and vehicle purpose; exact equipment can vary by model year and market.
Photo recognition
A G-Klasse is first identified by its upright shape: a nearly flat hood, near-vertical windscreen, separate fenders and broad, flat body panels. The externally mounted spare wheel on the rear door is a common clue, as are visible door hinges, rectangular handles and front-fender indicators. Short-wheelbase, long-wheelbase, convertible and utility bodies can nevertheless alter the overall appearance considerably. For broad family identification, early 460 models generally have a simpler exterior and more functional equipment. Civilian 463 models typically use more elaborate bumpers, wheel-arch extensions and higher-grade interiors. AMG versions may be identified by generation-specific bodywork, wider wheels and side-exit exhausts on certain models. The 4×4² stands out through its portal axles, raised stance and heavily extended fenders, while the 6×6 has three axles. The electric G 580 keeps the familiar silhouette, but the lack of exhaust outlets and its specific aerodynamic or underbody details help separate it from combustion-engined versions.
Important versions
Notable versions include the 500 GE V8, which signaled the more luxurious direction of the 463 series from 1993, and the AMG models that turned the G into a high-performance vehicle. Professional derivatives such as the Wolf and LAPV Enok show another side of the program, serving military, public-service and special-operation requirements. The 6×6 and 4×4² represent the most dramatic interpretations of the G’s off-road capability. The Maybach Landaulet instead emphasizes luxury and rarity. Finally, the G 580 with EQ Technology, represented for 2024, marks a technical turning point with four individually controlled electric motors while retaining the frame and drivetrain principles required for serious off-road use.
The name “G-Klasse” follows Mercedes-Benz naming, with its rules and its exceptions. Decode a Mercedes-Benz name
References
- Die neue Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse: Eine Ikone erfindet sich neuMercedes-Benz Media
- Die neue elektrische G-Klasse auf einen BlickMercedes-Benz Media
- https://media.mercedes-benz.com/elektrische-g-klassemedia.mercedes-benz.com
- https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/de/instance/ko/G-Klasse-feiert-ihre-Premiere.xhtml?oid=4910768mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1979 - 2024.
- How many Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 73 published scans from 50 members, with the latest photo added in October 2026.
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