G-Class (W460/W463)
39 years of production with the same fundamental body shape. Developed jointly with Steyr-Daimler-Puch for military use, then adopted by civilians, celebrities, and the AMG division. Three locking differentials, ladder frame chassis, and a shape that never needed to change.
History
The G-Wagen (Gelandewagen) was born from a suggestion by the Shah of Iran, who was a Mercedes shareholder, for a military vehicle. Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Austria engineered the chassis and drivetrain while Mercedes designed the body and supplied the engines.
The original W460 was pure utility: ladder frame, solid axles, three locking differentials, and the ability to climb 80% gradients. It was adopted by military forces across the world.
The civilian W463 (1990) added luxury: leather seats, climate control, and eventually AMG engines. The contradiction of a military vehicle with a 507 PS supercharged V8 became the G-Class's identity.
The G-Class was built in Graz, Austria for its entire production life. The body shape remained essentially unchanged from 1979 to 2018, making it one of the longest-running automotive designs in history.
The original W460/W463 ended production in 2018 after 39 years. AMG G63 models now command EUR 150,000 to EUR 250,000 new, with classic W460 models appreciating rapidly.
Production & Heritage
Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.
Technical Specifications
Engine Details
Performance
Tags
Designed by Mercedes-Benz / Steyr-Daimler-Puch
