Three pointed off roader - The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen

Abhishek Nigam   13 May 2009

If ever there was a vehicle from Mercedes-Benz which is known more for it's off road antics rather than the flawless luxury that we expect from the three pointed star, it's the G-wagen. Introduced in 1979, its distinctive design has remained largely unchanged in thirty years and now its outstanding engineering have long since elevated the cross-country vehicle to cult status and made it one of the most coveted vehicles in the automobile market.

At the 1979 market launch, the vehicle came with four engine variants, with outputs ranging from 53 kW/72 hp to 110 kW/150 hp. A station wagon and a panel van, each in a short- and a long-wheelbase version, were the four original body variants available. These were complemented by an open cross-country vehicle with short wheelbase as a fifth body variant.

Through the years, the G-Class has kept abreast of technological progress. It boasts an extremely efficient drive system. Combining permanent all-wheel drive with the electronically controlled 4ETS traction system, ESP?, a "low-range" ratio, plus three driver-selectable differential locks, the G-Class is a match for any off-road challenge, and at the same time affords typical Mercedes-Benz handling safety on the tarmac.

The proven basic technical concept remains unchanged even today. Nevertheless, the engineers have continuously upgraded the engineering and equipment since 1979. Automatic transmission and air conditioning have been available since 1981; since 1990 the G-Class has featured permanent all-wheel drive, differential locks on front and rear axles, and a fully lockable centre differential as standard. And since 2001 the G-Class has additionally offered ESP, 4ETS and Brake Assist, giving it a combination of efficient traction and handling safety systems unparalleled worldwide. A worthy alternative to the defender then? Definitely!

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