Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz G-class Long (W463) 350 GD Turbo (136 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-Wagen 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) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz G-class (Long (W463)). With 305 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2240 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16 s). The top speed reaches 145 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
350 GD Turbo (136 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The turbocharger provides a welcome boost in torque and power over naturally aspirated diesels, making it more capable for highway use and towing.
Fuel Economy
Offers a reasonable balance of power and fuel efficiency for a G-class diesel, though still a thirsty vehicle overall.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unmatched off-road capability and rugged durability
- • Iconic, timeless design with strong presence
- • High build quality and robust engineering
- • Excellent long-term reliability and resale value
- • Wide range of engines from utilitarian to high-performance V8s
- • Luxurious interior for an off-roader of its era
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy across most engine options
- • High purchase price and maintenance costs
- • On-road handling can be ponderous due to high center of gravity and weight
- • Limited modern safety features (for its time)
- • Interior space is not as generous as exterior dimensions suggest
- • Some early engines are significantly underpowered for highway use
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (W463, facelift 2012): June, 2012 - August, 2015).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | G-class |
| Generation: | Long (W463) |
| Modification (Engine): | 350 GD Turbo (136 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production: | March, 1992 |
| End of production: | September, 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 136 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 39.4 Hp/l [27mm less] |
| Torque: | 305 Nm @ 1800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 603.972 More details about the engine OM 603.972 |
| Engine displacement: | 3449 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92.4 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 16 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 145 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.5 kg/Hp, 60.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.3 kg/Nm, 136.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 15.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2240 |
| Max. weight: | 2950 |
| Max load: | 710 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 96 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4635 mm [27mm less] |
| Width: | 1690 mm [70mm less] |
| Height: | 1936 mm [15mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2850 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| 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 |
How many miles have you covered in your Mercedes-Benz G-class? Share your journey!