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Mercedes-Benz G-class W463 250 GD (94 Hp) 4MATIC
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 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz G-class (W463). With 158 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2070 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 130 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The original Mercedes-Benz G-class W463 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. Its robust, body-on-frame construction provides inherent strength, but it lacks modern active safety features found in contemporary vehicles.
250 GD (94 Hp) 4MATIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The least powerful engine, resulting in extremely slow acceleration and limited highway capability.
Fuel Economy
Offers the best fuel economy among the diesels due to its lower power, but still a heavy vehicle.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless design with strong road presence
- • Legendary off-road capability with three locking differentials
- • Robust and durable body-on-frame construction
- • Strong resale value and collector appeal
- • Luxurious and well-appointed interior in later models
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy, especially with petrol engines
- • Truck-like ride quality and handling on paved roads
- • High purchase price and expensive maintenance
- • Limited modern safety features in earlier models
- • Can be challenging to maneuver in tight urban spaces
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W463: July, 1999 - March, 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | G-class |
| Generation: | W463 |
| Modification (Engine): | 250 GD (94 Hp) 4MATIC |
| Start of production: | June, 1990 |
| End of production: | September, 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 94 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 37.6 Hp/l [45mm less] |
| Torque: | 158 Nm @ 2600-3100 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 602.931 More details about the engine OM 602.931 |
| Engine displacement: | 2497 |
| 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: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 7.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 130 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 22 kg/Hp, 45.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 13.1 kg/Nm, 76.3 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2070 |
| Max. weight: | 2620 |
| Max load: | 550 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 96 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4185 mm mm [45mm less] |
| Width: | 1690 mm mm [70mm less] |
| Height: | 1908 mm mm [23mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1425 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1425 mm |
| 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 | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/80 R 16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6 J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz G-class!