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Mercedes-Benz G-class Long (W463, facelift 2012) G 500 V8 (388 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS
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)
Long (W463, facelift 2012) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz G-class (Long (W463, facelift 2012)). With 530 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2455 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 6.1 s). The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
G 500 V8 (388 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A powerful V8 delivering excellent performance with a slight edge in horsepower and acceleration over the G 550, providing a dynamic driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Improved fuel efficiency compared to the G 550, though still substantial, reflecting a more refined V8 tuning for better balance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unrivaled off-road capability
- • Iconic and timeless design
- • Luxurious and well-appointed interior
- • Powerful and diverse engine lineup, including AMG variants
- • Strong resale value and exclusivity
- • Robust build quality
Cons:
- • High purchase price and running costs (especially fuel)
- • Dated interior technology compared to modern SUVs (despite facelift)
- • Heavy steering and less refined on-road dynamics than unibody rivals
- • Firm ride quality due to off-road suspension setup
- • Limited cargo space with rear seats up
- • Not officially Euro NCAP tested
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (W463, facelift 2000): June, 2004 - July, 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | G-class |
| Generation: | Long (W463, facelift 2012) |
| Modification (Engine): | G 500 V8 (388 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production: | June, 2012 |
| End of production: | August, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 388 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 530 Nm @ 2800-4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 273.963, M 273.969 More details about the engine M 273.963, M 273.969 |
| Engine displacement: | 5461 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 98 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.7:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6500 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 20 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 14.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 20 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 11.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 14.9 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.3 kg/Hp, 158 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.6 kg/Nm, 215.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2455 |
| Max. weight: | 3200 |
| Max. roof load: | 200 kg |
| Max load: | 745 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2250 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 480 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 3500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 96 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 24° |
| Wading depth: | 600 mm |
| Length: | 4662 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [104mm less] |
| Height: | 1951 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2850 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2055 mm |
| Front track: | 1475 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1475 mm |
| Front overhang: | 783 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 820 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 205 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.6 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 36° |
| Departure angle: | 27° |
| Climb angle: | 45° |
| 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 | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC PLUS |
| 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 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Mercedes-Benz G-class rank in your book?