The G-wagon is characterized by its boxy styling and body-on-frame
construction. It uses three fully locking differentials, one of the
few vehicles to have such a feature. The G-Class is one of the
longest produced Mercedes-Benz in Daimler's history, with a span of
35 years.
Development started in 1972, focusing on off-road abilities and
maximum safety and comfort; with a cooperative agreement between
Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria. Mercedes-Benz
engineers in Stuttgart were in charge of design and testing, while
the team in Graz developed the production plans. The first wooden
model was presented to Daimler-Benz management in 1973, with the
first drivable prototype beginning various testing including German
coalfields, the Sahara Desert, and the Arctic Circle in 1974.
Construction commenced on a new production facility in Graz, where
the new cross-country vehicle would be assembled nearly entirely by
hand in 1975, with production of the "G Model" beginning in Graz in
1979. In 1980, the Vatican took delivery of a specially made
G-Wagon outfitted with a clear thermoplastic top which served as
the Popemobile. The "Papa G" later took up permanent residence at
the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
The G-class was developed as a military vehicle from a suggestion
by the Shah of Iran to Mercedes and offered as a civilian version
in 1979. In this role it is sometimes referred to as the "Wolf".
The Peugeot P4 was a variant made under license in France with a
Peugeot engine. The first military in the world to use it was the
Argentine Army beginning in 1981 with the military model 461.
It was not available from Mercedes-Benz in the United States until
2002, although this was preceded by a grey-market where even basic
models commanded six-figure prices in the 1990s. It was launched in
2002 as the Mercedes-Benz G500 with a V-8 petrol engine and
achieved 3,114 sales that year. This eventually tapered down to
less than 1,000 models sold in some years. However, in the 2010s,
sales began to increase again surpassing the 3,000 mark in 2014 and
in 2015, it sold more than during its launch year; with 3,616 sold
that year. In 2016 this increased to 3950 in the United States.
Many iterations of the G-Wagon have been produced, most recently
the G550 4X4 Squared.
4�4� was an earlier concept vehicle brought into production in
2015. The vehicle was fitted with 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol
engine delivering 416 bhp and 450 lb ft of torque. The model
combines the body of a regular long-wheelbase Mercedes G-wagon with
the portal gear axles of the much larger Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6.
This version also has a wider track compared to regular model.
G500 4�4� has three differentials and seven-speed automatic gear
box with a ground clearance of 410mm. The car was launched at the
Geneva motor show 2015. The name of the show car G 500 4�4� version
was Extreme-G, and the positive response to this concept helped
endorse the development of the production version.
Although exact production numbers have not been officially
released, it is estimated that 500 units were produced world wide
with approximately 300 units coming to the US, making this and
extremely rare vehicle.
This Black on Black, one owner, clean Carfax 4�4� has 980 Miles and
is absolutely stunning. Included is a transferable Road Hazard
Warranty for Wheels, Tires and Windshield and the remainder of the
factory warranty. There is nothing quite like this on the road.
Great lease rates and Financing also available on any of our
inventory!
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