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Mercedes-Benz G-class W460 300 GD (88 Hp) 4WD
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz G-class:
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, colloquially known as the G-Wagon or G-Wagen , is a four-wheel drive luxury SUV sold by Mercedes-Benz. Originally developed as a military off-roader, later more luxurious models were added to the line. In certain markets, it was sold under the Puch name as Puch G until 2000.
The G-Class is characterised by its boxy styling and body-on-frame construction. It uses three fully locking differentials, one of the few passenger car vehicles to have such a feature. Despite the introduction of an intended replacement, the unibody SUV Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in 2006, the G-Class is still in production and is one of the longest-produced vehicles in Daimler's history, with a span of 46 years. Only the Unimog surpasses it. In 2018, Mercedes-Benz introduced the second-generation W463 with heavily revised chassis, powertrain, body, and interior. In 2023, Mercedes-Benz announced plans to launch a smaller version of the G-Class, named "little G"—though no definitive date was given for the launch....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W460 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz G-class (W460). With 172 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1845 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 127 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz G-class W460 was produced long before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997. Therefore, no official Euro NCAP safety rating is available for this generation. Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards, focusing on robust construction rather than advanced passive or active systems.
300 GD (88 Hp) 4WD Verdict:
Performance Verdict
While only 88 Hp, the diesel engine offers robust low-end torque, making it a strong performer in challenging off-road conditions. On-road acceleration is very slow, prioritizing durability over speed.
Fuel Economy
Being a diesel, it offers slightly better fuel economy than its petrol counterparts, especially for its time. Still, it's not a fuel-sipper, but more practical for longer hauls or heavy use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional off-road capability and rugged durability
- • Iconic, timeless design with strong classic appeal
- • Robust, mechanically simple construction for easy maintenance
- • High ground clearance and excellent approach/departure angles
- • Strong resale value for well-maintained examples
Cons:
- • Very basic interior and limited modern comfort features
- • Poor on-road performance and handling compared to modern SUVs
- • High fuel consumption, especially for petrol variants
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids
- • Can be noisy and unrefined at higher speeds
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | G-class |
| Generation: | W460 |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 GD (88 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production: | 1979 |
| End of production: | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 88 Hp @ 4400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 29.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 172 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 617.931 |
| Engine displacement: | 2998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 10.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.7 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 127 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 21 kg/Hp, 47.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.7 kg/Nm, 93.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1845 |
| Max. weight: | 2500 |
| Max load: | 655 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1730 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 743 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 31° |
| Wading depth: | 600 mm |
| Length: | 4145 mm mm |
| Width: | 1700 mm mm |
| Height: | 1985 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1425 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1425 mm |
| Front overhang: | 745 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 800 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 215 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.4 m |
| Approach angle: | 45° |
| Departure angle: | 40° |
| Climb angle: | 38.7° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc, 303 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 260 mm |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/80 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
Does the Mercedes-Benz G-class live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!