Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Parent company	Daimler-Benz (1979-1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998-2007) Daimler AG (2008-present)
Production	1979-present
Assembly	Graz, Austria
Class	Mid-size sport utility vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class or G-Wagen, short for Geländewagen (or cross-country vehicle), is a four-wheel drive vehicle / sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz. It was borne by proposals for a military vehicle in the early 1970s by the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran, a major Daimler-Benz shareholder. Developed in co-operation with the Austrian car manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch, production of the G-Class began in 1979 with the 460 Series models.The G-Class has been sold under the Puch name in certain markets, and the Peugeot P4 is a variant made under license, with a Peugeot engine and other equipment.

Mercedes-Benz secured military contracts for the vehicle in the late 1970s and offered a civilian version to the public in 1979. Designed to be a durable, reliable, and rugged off-roader, the G-wagen utilizes three fully locking differentials (one of the few vehicles sold in the U.S. to have such, along with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Toyota 80-series Land Cruiser, Pinzgauer High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle, and Mercedes-Benz Unimog). Among the engines offered in the G-Class for the 2004 model year is a 5.5-litre V8.

Marking its 25th anniversary, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG was relaunched as the G55 Kompressor or G55K and received a boost in power, thanks to a 5.5-liter, supercharged V8 developing 469 hp (350 kW) and 516 lb·ft (700 N·m). of torque.

Puch G

History

The G-Wagen was first offered for sale in 1979 and redesigned in 1990/1991. A new version was expected for 2007, but the new GL-Class will not replace the G-Wagen and it will continue to be hand-built in Graz, Austria at an annual production rate of 4,000 to 6,000 units.

W460/W461

W460

Production	1979-1991
Body style(s)	2-door SWB convertible 2-door SWB SUV/Van 2-door LWB Van 4-door LWB SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W460
Engine(s)	2.0L I4 2.3L I4 2.8L I6 Petrol 2.4L I4 2.5L I5 3.0L I5 Diesel
Transmission(s)	4-speed manual 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	94.5 in (2400 mm) or 112.2 in (2850 mm)

The original W460 G-Wagen went on sale for civilian buyers in the model year 1979. It was offered with two wheelbases, a short wheel base (SWB) of 2400 mm and a long one (LWB) of 2850 mm. One could choose between three body styles: A 2-door SWB convertible, a 2-door SWB wagon and a LWB 4-door wagon. The two wagons were also available as windowless 2-door Van (or 'Kastenwagen' in German).
During the G-wagens impressive life span many a different body style was made for army and public-service clients, like the Popemobile, the pickup or the chassis/cab with a wheel base of 2850, 3120 or 3400 mm, the chassis/cab being the base vehicle for army-ambulances or communication vehicles. Please note that, because of the sheer variety of military versions, this article is mainly about the somewhat more standardized civilian G-Wagen.

The W460 was popular with military and off-road enthusiasts, with more than 50,000 built in the first decade. The vehicle was not offered in the United States officially, but by means of "casual importation" grey-market in the mid-1980s, importers were successful in selling some G-Wagens (mostly W463s) that had been modified to meet US DOT specifications for around $135,000.

The production of the W460 ended August 1991. It was replaced by the all but identical W461. Initially, engine choices were limited to the four cylinder 230GE petrol- and five cylinder 290GD diesel engine. The W460 'cabrio' version was skipped. From 1997 the W461 sported a slightly updated interior with better seats, changed door panels and an updated dash. From this time, the W461 was only available as 290GD Turbo Diesel with 4-speed automatic transmission. The petrol engine was dropped. Disc brakes all around became standard and the bell-housing of the front axle was changed to accommodate larger reduction-gears. The exterior and other mechanics changed little, not even the model badge which kept indicating 290GD.

The main technical difference between the W460/461 and W463 model, apart from the choice of engines, gearboxes and heavy-duty suspension, is the layout of the drive train. Whilst the W463 offers full-time 4WD, the W460/461 is basically rear wheel drive with manually selectable 4WD. This means that these models do not have a centre differential, thus no centre diff-lock. Only front and rear locking differentials are needed to obtain a fully locked drive train. The front lockers were not fitted as standard, but as a factory-fitted option. The difflocks are manually operated using hydraulic levers next to the transfer case selector handle.
Other differences between W460/461 and W463 models are mainly cosmetic. From the front, the W460/461 can be easily recognized by its grille and headlight covers which differ slightly from the W463 and are always black (on a factory standard car), even if the rest of the bodywork is not. If fitted, wheel arch extenders are made of unfinished plastic, thus also black. Furthermore are the rear view mirrors mounted on the front doors instead of being mounted at the base of the A-pillar. The model badge is integrated in the base of the mirror. Finally, from behind, the biggest differences are the fuel cap, which is not covered on the W460/461, and the arrangement of the taillights and bumpers.
The last and most notable difference can be found inside the car. Where the W463 is very luxurious (wood/leather/electrics etc.), the simpler model is quite basic, with a dash and trim that closely resembles the original vehicles from the late 70's. Apart from the choice of rugged materials, some luxuries like automatic transmission (standard on the 290GD TD), power steering (standard on W461), ABS, drivers airbag, central locking, engine pre-heater, air conditioning (rare), heated seats and electric windows were available for the W460/461. Since 2001 the W461 is no longer available for civilian customers. With its demise the very last Mercedes-Benz sporting the old naming-scheme vanished. The 290GD TD was never rebadged as G290 TD.

W461

Production	1991-2001
Body style(s)	2-door SWB SUV 2-door LWB Van 4-door LWB SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W461
Engine(s)	2.3L I4 Petrol, 2.9L I5 Diesel 2.9L I5 Turbodiesel
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	94.5 in (2400 mm) or 112.2 in (2850 mm)

W463

W463

Production	1990-present
Body style(s)	2-door SWB convertible 2-door SWB SUV 4-door LWB SUV
Layout	Front engine / Four-wheel drive
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W463
Engine(s)	5.0L 296 hp (221 kW) V8 5.4L 469 hp (350 kW) supercharged V8 2.9L V6 Diesel
Transmission(s)	5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	94.5 in (2400 mm) or 112.2 in (2850 mm)
Length	Pre-2003: 183.5 in (4661 mm) 2004-Present: 185.6 in (4714 mm) (LWB)
Width	Pre-2003: 69.3 in (1760 mm) 2004-Present: 71.3 in (1811 mm) AMG: 73.4 in (1864 mm)
Height	2004-Present: 77.8 in (1976 mm) Pre-2003: 72.3 in (1836 mm)

The chassis was revised for 1990 as the W463 with anti-lock brakes, full-time 4WD and a full trio of electronically-locking differentials. The interior was totally upgraded, finished with wooden accents and optional leather upholstery.

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 with many snapped up by celebrities. The most powerful V8, the 476 hp (355 kW) (later 500 hp (370 kW)) G55 AMG Kompressor, introduced in 2004 as model year 2005, is able to hit 60 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.4 seconds. In 2005 M-B was considering that it would be the LAST YEAR they would import the Geländewagen into the USA market. They even launched a "Grand Edition" (something they like to do to sell off the last of a particular model). One reason it was supposedly continued in the US market was because of a order placed for some 160+ diesel units for the US Marine Corp (H1 HumVees don't fit well in the V-22 Opsrey). t2005 was the FIRST YEAR the G55 AMG model boasted 469 HORSEPOWER, a 120 HP increase over the '03 and '04 AMG models.

'The 2009 G55 AMG - 30th Anniversary - The Best SUV Ever'

Following its most recent makeover, the G55 AMG from Mercedes-AMG is now even more attractive. Boasting an upgraded performance of 373 kW/507 hp, this offroad classic has also been given a fresh look, incorporating a reworked radiator grille and new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Inside, the exclusive interior features the latest generation of telematics equipment and optional climatised seats in combination with designo leather upholstery for enhanced passenger comfort.

The inclusion of some of the latest technology has made this classic from the AMG stable fit for the future. Thanks to the integration of a new engine control unit, the performance of the supercharged AMG 5.4-litre V8 engine has been nudged up from 368 kW/500 hp to 373 kW/507 hp, with maximum torque remaining at 700 Nm. Likewise unchanged is the vehicle's effortless performance, with the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and peaking at a top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited).

The upgraded Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG also features improvements in the areas of safety and comfort. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), for example, now boasts a new and more powerful control unit, incorporating a transverse acceleration control to allow more precise recognition of dynamic driving situations and thus provide even better vehicle stability. In addition, the new Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG now comes with a hill-start assist. A sensor recognises whenever the off-roader comes to a halt on an ascending gradient. The system instantly memorises the braking pressure applied and maintains this for a short instant, giving drivers sufficient time to move from the brake to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling backward. The big advantage of this technology is that in most cases it eliminates the need to use the parking brake.

Discreet but effective design modifications

The new Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG boasts discreet but effective design modifications,including a new radiator grille with three distinctive horizontal bars that are painted the same colour as the rest of the body and - exclusive to the AMG top-of-the-range model - also feature chrome inserts. Moving around the vehicle, the highlight of the side view are the new polished 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey. They are 9.5 inches wide and equipped with 275/55 R 19 tires that impressively bulk out the wheel arches.

Still a standard feature of the AMG body-styling package are the bumpers painted in body colour and the characteristic AMG wide fenders. Other features include a brushed-aluminium trim set boasting a distinctive AMG logo and the twin oval chrome tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, emerging from beneath the stainless-steel running boards on either side of the vehicle - an unmistakable sign of the power of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine.

New COMAND APS and designo leather upholstery fitted as standard

The Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG also underscores its exclusive character with designo leather upholstery, which is standard and now features a new silver-coloured designo emblem on the front backrests. The seats are colour-coordinated with the designo decorative wood trim as well as the wood/leather steering wheel and the redesigned wood/leather selector lever bearing a G 55 logo. Also new is the interior roof lining made of anthracite Alcantara. Helping to enhance passenger comfort, particularly in the summer months, are the new climatised seats, which are available for the first time with this model.

Drivers of the new Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG will also benefit from the latest generation of telematics equipment developed by Mercedes. The standard equipment COMAND APS system boasts a high-definition 6.5-inch colour display, rapid HDD navigation with aerial view, LINGUATRONIC for controlling audio, navigation and phone systems, a 4 GB memory for music files, and a slot for SD memory cards. Also available as an option is a DVDchanger and a universal interface for plugging in USB sticks, iPods, or other external audio devices.

The Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG is only available as a long-wheelbase station wagon with five doors. The vehicle will be available from September 2008 at a price of 121,618 euros (incl. 19 percent sales tax in Germany).

The AMG G-class is expected to soon receive the AMG 6.2-liter V8, since the older 5.4-liter unit is no longer used in any other new vehicle in the lineup. The 500 will also switch to the 382hp 32v 5.5-liter V8, and will likely be called the G550 in North America, but the G500 elsewhere, so as to follow the current nomenclature trends.

W463 500GE

The W463 client had a larger choice of engines, the preliminary apex being the V8-powered 500GE in 1993. This catered more of a luxury than off-road crowd with only center and rear differential locks and an even more luxurious cabin. The 500GE was produced in limited numbers for just two years. All W463 G-Wagens began using Mercedes-Benz's new letter-first naming scheme in 1994.

W463 G36

Various automobile tuners such as AMG, BRABUS, LORINSER, Carlsson (car company) and RENNtech have modified the engine and exterior with a 3.6 liter engine.

W463 Cabrio

Mercedes-Benz G500 cabriolet

The G-Class Cabrio is the only handmade 4x4 in the world that has a power-top and the highly sophisticated off-road vehicle utilizing three fully locking differentials. There are only twenty of these handmade vehicles produced a year in Graz, Austria. Mercedes-Benz USA does not import the G-Class Cabrio to the United States but private importers do, which cost up to USD$135,000.

W463 / X164 (2006 and beyond until 2012 per MB announcement)

It was rumored that, with military contracts for the G-Class completed, production of the old G-wagen in Graz, Austria would cease as of 2006. However, reports state that production of the current G-wagen will continue for the foreseeable 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. 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.

As of July 2006, Mercedes-Benz announced a late-availability 2006 model year G-Class on its website. The company also showed a facelifted 2007 model at the Paris Auto Show in September 2006 and increased the power of the G 55 AMG version from 476 to 500 hp (370 kW). Currently the 2009 G 500 and G 55 AMG is offered for sale at the 30-year Anniversary of the G Class. Both models with cosmetic upgrades most noticeable with the new grill, rims, etc. Mercedes-Benz has announced that the G-Class will continue to be manufactured through 2012 due to continued good worldwide demand including for military purposes.

2008 Mercedes Benz G Class 4WD 4dr 5.5L AMG Specs

All new 2008 Mercedes Benz G Class specifications include engine specs, transmission, drivetrain, bodystyle, color choices, standard features and options, and more. These vehicle specs will arm you with the knowledge you will need to shop for or compare cars.

EPA FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS City 11/hwy 13 (5.5L engine/5-speed auto trans)

EXTERIOR Aluminum running boardsBi-xenon light-sensing headlamps w/heated high pressure washersChrome-finish front bumper underbarChrome-finish front turn signal cages & taillamp cagesCorner-illuminating halogen foglampsIntermittent rear wiper w/washerPrivacy glass-inc: rear doors & quarters & liftgateProgrammable daytime running lamps w/auto-on overridePwr heated mirrors-inc: auto-dimming driver mirror, integrated turn signals, memory, entrance lampsPwr tilt/slide glass sunroofRain-sensing intermittent front wipers w/heated washer systemSingle red rear foglamp

INTERIOR 10-way pwr front seats w/4-way adjustable head restraints, 3-position memory4-way pwr tilt/telescopic steering column w/memory, driver-programmable easy-entry & exit feature60/40-split-folding rear seats w/(3) adjustable head restraintsAdvanced tire pressure monitoring system AMG leather & wood-trimmed shift knobAnti-theft alarm systemAuto-dimming rearview mirrorAutomatic dual-zone climate control-inc: electrostatic dust filter, adjustable rear cabin vents at rear of center console COMAND cockpit management & data system-inc: AM/FM/Weatherband radio, scan & dual sensitivity seek tuning, cargo area mounted 6-disc CD changer, Sirius satellite radio, navigation, hands-free communication controls, harman/kardon digital surround sound syCruise controlDesigno Nappa leather upholsteryDesigno Natural Maple wood trimDriver side multi-contour seat-inc: pneumatic side bolsters, dual lumbar supports, thigh supportDVD navigation systemElectronic analog speedometer, tachometer, & fuel gaugeFront center console w/attachable cup holderHeated front & outboard rear seatsIlluminated AMG stainless-steel door sill trimIntegrated 3-button HomeLink compatible garage door controlLeather & wood-trimmed heated steering wheel w/multi-function display controlsLeather-trimmed parking brake lever/bootLocator lighting w/path illuminationMercedes-Benz Maintenance System display-inc: distance remaining to next maintenance, type of service due, reminders, brake-pad monitoringMulti-function displays in speedometer face-inc: trip computer, engine oil level check, digital speedometer, message indicator, driver-programmable settings, navigation system route guidance, exterior temp gauge, audio status, engine coolant temp, phone mNight security illuminationPwr windows w/1-touch express downRear parking assistRear view cameraRear window defroster w/auto-shutoff based on time & driving speed & exterior tempSilver accented AMG instrument clusterSmartKey infrared remote-inc: windows open/close, panic alarm, fuel filler door, selective unlock allSmartKey system-inc: remote central locking system, anti-theft engine immobilizer, driver-programmable user-recognition features, drive away automatic locking.

MECHANICAL (3) locking differentials18" x 9.5" AMG 5-spoke aluminum wheels w/titanium finish2-speed transfer case4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) w/brake assist4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)5-speed driver-adaptive automatic transmission w/Touch Shift, optimum gear programming5.5L SOHC 24-valve AMG supercharged V8 engineAMG sidepipe exhaust w/(2) stainless-steel tips per sideElectronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)Electronic Stability Program (ESP)Front/rear tow hooksP265/60R18 high performance spare tire w/18" x 7.5" 5-spoke aluminum spare wheel, rear-mounted carrierP285/55R18 high performance tiresPermanent 4-wheel drivePwr 4-wheel slotted & internally vented disc brakesRecirculating ball steering w/power assist, hydraulic damperRigid front/rear axles w/longitudinal & transverse links, coil springs

NOTE

- ALL STANDARDS ARE 2008 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED**SAFETY

3-point front seat belts w/Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD), belt force limiter3-point outboard rear seat belts w/Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD), middle 3-point seat belt4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) w/brake assist4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS+)Driver & front passenger airbags-inc: dual-stage driver airbag, front passenger occupancy sensor, BabySmartElectronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)Electronic Stability Program (ESP)Front/rear window curtain side airbagsProgrammable daytime running lamps w/auto-on overrideUniversal LATCH system (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children) at rear outboard seating positions.

Military operators

Argentina: The Argentine Army uses the MB-230G (short and long chassis) since the 1980's, in different roles; some 900 remain in service.

Australia: In 2007, Mercedes-Benz won a contract to provide 1,100 G-Class vehicles to the Australian Defence Force.
Austria: The Austrian Army has been a long time user of various Puch G models.

a Puch G of the Austrian Army
Bulgaria: The Bulgarian Army has signed a deal with Mercedes-Benz for the supply of various G models (mostly armed) as part of its on-going modernization plan.
Canada: a G Wagon of the Canadian Army with a soldier

A total of 1,159 vehicles have been ordered by the Canadian Army beginning in late 2003. An armoured kit can be fitted (or removed) in 8 hours by three soldiers. Their light armour has been criticised for leading to loss of life in Afghanistan, however it is considerably better than the Iltis predecessor.

Delivery of these vehicles to Reserve units has also begun; they will be employed in armoured reconnaissance units. It is in the final stages of fully replacing the Iltis in most units as the armoured reconnaissance vehicle in use LFCA. Other units will replace the Iltis with a militarized Chevrolet Silverado known as the MILCOTS (or colloquially as the "Milverado".) :For the most exposed missions in Afghanistan 75 RG-31 Nyala built by BAE Land Systems OMC, South Africa, will be used.

Croatia: Croatia bought 300-320 vehicles for needs of Croatian army and for peacekeeping operations missions in Afghanistan additional 30 RG-31 vehicles were delivered. Croatia uses mix of 4x4 vehicles in peacekeepings operations and Mercedes G class is very popular choice within the Croatian Army. G class are supplemented by Land Rover Wolf and Iveco LRV vehicles.

Denmark: The Danish military bought the 240 GD (/24, /28 and /34 variants) to supersede the M151A1, the Volkswagen 181 ("Jagdwagen") and the Land Rover 88. First deliveries of the 240 GD were in 1985 and later the 290 GD (/24 and /28 variants) where also introduced. More than 1.300 have been put in service. A few 300 GE's have also been used - mainly by the Danish army EOD-services^[14]. Currently the Danes are taking delivery of over 2.000 270CDIs in several variants, starting in 2003.

Estonia: The Estonian Defence Forces have a small number of various G-Class vehicles, which were recently purchased to replace the outdated UAZ and Volkswagen Iltis jeeps.

Finland: The Finnish Army uses the Geländewagen mostly as armored vehicles and ambulances, but other versions are also in service.

France: The French Army have the Peugeot P4 which is a derivative from the G-Class equipped with Peugeot engine and equipment.

AGF (Light infantry vehicle) of the German special forces

A Wolf of the German Army

Germany: The German Armed Forces uses the G-Class under the name "Wolf". Over 12,000 vehicles have been delivered in over 50 versions, ranging from ambulance vehicles to armored vehicles used by the German special forces.

Greece: The Greek Army as well as Air Force, Navy and Police use several versions of the Geländewagen, manufactured by ELBO the Hellenic Vehicles Industry as W462.

Hungary: The Hungarian Ground Forces are using a small number of G-270 CDI BA 10, which is mounted with UMF light-machine gun platform.More will be purchased between 2010-2013.

Ireland: The Irish Army Have 60 G-Wagon troop transport vehicles.

Luxembourg: The Military of Luxembourg uses the 300D variant of the Geländewagen.

Norwegian military MB240GD

Malaysia: locally build by DRB HICOM as G-Wagon and used along with Land Rover Defender as light transport of Malaysian Army.

Mexico: The Mexican naval defense secretary (SEMAR) announced in 2008, A contract to purchase large numbers of Mercedes-Benz military vehicles including an up-armored variant of the G-Class "Serval" scout vehicle for the Mexican Marine corps.

Netherlands: The Dutch Army uses various versions of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, mostly W461 290GD and 290GD TD models with manual gearbox. Also the Dutch police and Koninklijke Marechaussee are using the G. Most of these are armored W463 models.

Norway: The Norwegian Army bought 240 GD to replace Volvo and Land Rover jeeps in the mid-1980s, and 300 GD to use as ambulances. The 300GD is also used to transport the launch control station and optical sensors for the NASAMS Air-defense system. During the 90's 290 GD's where bought, and in the first half of the 00's a small number of armoured 270 CDI's were put into service. Today the Defence Forces operates a total of 3000 vehicles.

The escort company of the Norwegian Royal Guard employs a black G500 AMG with police lights on the roof.

Poland: 121 in service with Polish Army.

Serbia: The Military of Serbia is using Austrian-made Puch 300GD, most of them, 204 in 300GD 6 and 300GD 3 versions bought by Yugoslav Peoples Army in 1984 as replace for FIAT-1107JD and other older vehicles. There are is also a number (some 100-150) of younger vehicles bought by Yugoslav Army in 1998. The most of Puchs are used by Military Police as patrol vehicles and as utility vehicle for transport of military personal, but also by Special Forces. Military of Serbia is use Puchs in 300GD33, 300GD6 and 300GD10 variants, for transport of VIP persons in 300GD3-LUX and 300GD6-LUX and Special Forces Brigade is use modified version designed for access to combat zone.

The Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs and Serbian Police also use a number of Puch 300GD and Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles as cross country patrol vehicle. Some are also used by Firefighter units and Gendarmerie (Žandarmerija) units which patrol the "Ground Safety Zone" on administrative line with Kosovo and Metohija.

Singapore: The Singapore Army bought the 270 and 290 versions as secondary military transport. It is used in soft-top truck configuration and is known as a 1.5-tonner or simply "MB" to its users. And also some were used also for patrolling in a jeep form. The Army also deploys the extremely short-wheelbase, soft-top version for its Colonels, Battalion COs, Brigade and Division Commanders as personal field transports.

Slovenia: Military of Slovenia uses mainly for transport.

Switzerland: The Swiss Army uses the 230 with soft top as the primary general purpose carrier, and a hardtop version as mobile radio access point. It is in service since 1985 and gradually replaced Willys Jeeps, Haflinger light transports and Pinzgauer medium transports in the liaison and transport role. All versions in Swiss Army use are unarmed.

United States: USMC IFAV

The USMC Interim Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV) is a modified version of the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen 290. It replaces the modified M-151A2 1/4 ton truck (MUTT jeep) used by the Marines as an FAV in the 1990s. The U.S. Marine Corps acquired 157 of the IFAVs distributed as follows:

(I) Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Camp Pendleton, CA (33);
(II) MEF Camp Lejeune, NC (25);
(III) MEF on Okinawa, Japan (27);
(IV) 17 Force Recon, Afghanistan (22);
(V) 3 Force Recon Bn, Iraq (23);
(VI) 1st Provisional DMZ Police Company, Korea (15); and
(VII) various miscellaneous (12)

Vatican City: The government of the Vatican City owned two converted Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which are known as the "Popemobile". One is on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.

Models

G 55 AMG

200GE - M102E20 2.0 L I4 (only sold in Italy)
230G - M115 2.3 L I4, 102 hp (75 kW), ??? ft·lbf (172 N·m/3000 rpm)
230GE - M102E23 2.3 L I4, 125 hp (92 kW), ??? ft·lbf (192 N·m/4000 rpm)
280GE - M110 2.8 L I6, 156 hp (115 kW), ??? ft·lbf (226 N·m/4250 rpm)
240GD - OM616 2.4 L Diesel I4, 72 hp (53 kW), ??? ft·lbf (137 N·m/2400 rpm)
250GD - OM602 2.5 L Diesel I5, 94 hp (69 kW), ??? ft·lbf (??? N·m)
G 270 CDI - OM612 2.7 L Diesel I5 (turbocharged), 156 hp (115 kW), 294 ft·lbf (400 N·m)
290GD - OM602D29 2.9 L Diesel I5, 95 hp (71 kW)
290GD TD - OM602DLA29 2.9 L Diesel I5 (turbocharged), 120 hp (89 kW)
300 GD - OM617 3.0 L Diesel I5 - later rebadged G 300
300 GE - M103 3.0 L I6 - later rebadged G 300
G 350 DT
G 300 DT - OM606 3.0 L Diesel I6(turbocharged), 177 hp (130 kW), 244ft·lbf (330 N·m)
G 320 - M104 3.2 L I6, 217 hp (161 kW), 229 ft·lbf (310 N·m)
G 320 - M112 3.2 L V6, 215 hp (158 kW), 220 ft·lbf (300 N·m)
G 320 CDI - OM642 3.2 L Diesel V6, 224 hp (165 kW), 397 ft·lbf (540 Nm)
G 400 CDI - OM628 4.0 L Diesel V8 (turbocharged), 250 hp (184 kW), 411 ft·lbf (560 N·m)
500 GE - M117 5.0 L V8
G 500 - M113E50 5.0 L V8, 296 hp (218 kW), 336 ft·lbf (456 Nm)
G 55 AMG - M113E55 5.5 L V8 supercharged, 500 hp (350 kW), 514 ft·lbf (700 N·m)
G 63 AMG - V12 N/A, 444 hp (326 kW), (620 N·m/4400 rpm) (only 12 ever built)

Mercedes-AMG Chairman Volker Mornhinweg claims that one third of all G-Class vehicles sold to civilians are the G55 AMG model. The largest markets for G 55's are California, USA (in black and silver color mostly), and the United Arab Emirates with Dubai (in white color mostly)