Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz G-class W463, facelift 2000 AMG G 55 V8 (354 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic
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)
W463, facelift 2000 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz G-class (W463, facelift 2000). With 525 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2390 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.4 s). The top speed reaches 209 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
AMG G 55 V8 (354 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The AMG G 55 delivers exhilarating performance for an SUV of its size, transforming the G-Wagen into a true high-performance machine.
Fuel Economy
Despite its performance, fuel consumption remains high, though slightly better than the G 500, reflecting its AMG tuning.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic design and strong presence
- • Exceptional off-road capability
- • Robust build quality
- • Powerful V8 engine options
- • High resale value
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption (especially V8s)
- • Dated interior ergonomics compared to modern SUVs
- • Firm ride quality on-road
- • Expensive maintenance and parts
- • Limited on-road refinement
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W463: April, 1990 - September, 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | G-class |
| Generation: | W463, facelift 2000 |
| Modification (Engine): | AMG G 55 V8 (354 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production: | April, 2001 |
| End of production: | May, 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 354 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65.1 Hp/l [45mm more] |
| Torque: | 525 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 113.982 More details about the engine M 113.982 |
| Engine displacement: | 5439 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 97 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 21.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 16.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 21.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 16.2 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 209 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.8 kg/Hp, 148.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.6 kg/Nm, 219.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2390 |
| Max. weight: | 2850 |
| Max. roof load: | 150 kg |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1580 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 250 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2850 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 96 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 23° |
| Wading depth: | 500 mm |
| Length: | 4230 mm mm [45mm more] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [70mm more] |
| Height: | 1931 mm mm [23mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1475 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1475 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 205 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 37° |
| Departure angle: | 31° |
| Climb angle: | 38.7° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/60 R 18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5 J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, 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!