Name: Mercedes-Benz Inspiration
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Information provided and images displayed on this site include overseas models and features not available in New Zealand. Please contact an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer for specific information on vehicles and features available in New Zealand. Product changes may have been made since production of this content.

Concept

Vehicle concept.

Pioneer on every ground.

Concept

Vehicle concept.

Pioneer on every ground.

The aerial shot shows the Mercedes-Benz G-Class being test-driven on the Schöckl near Graz.

Off-road.

Blazes its own trail.

Advancing through the deepest canyons of the metropolis – the G-Class from Mercedes-Benz.

On-road.

Unfazed. Direct. Always the front-runner.

Design.

Sharp-edged as standard.

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Tried, tested and Schöckl-proof.

The place where the G-Class has always gone to prove itself – for over 37 years. On a test route that is as exceptional as the vehicle itself: the Schöckl, near Graz.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class driving on the local Schöckl mountain near Graz.

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It's something every G-Class has to go through.

5.6 km of the toughest terrain. Gradients of up to 100%. Tilt of up to 54°. Boulders protruding a metre out of the track. Massive tree roots breaking through the surface. The sort of terrain that would defeat any other vehicle – with ruts, stones, loose scree and banks of earth. This is the local mountain for the Graz production centre – the 1445 m Schöckl. A G-Class must survive several thousand kilometres on the company’s own test track. And has to return to the mountain with every further development. Only once the axles, frame, body, drivetrain and major assemblies are proven to hold out longer than the driver will we certify the G-Class as “Schöckl-proof and ready for series production”.

An intrepid journey to a world record.

Gunther Holtorf's Mercedes-Benz 300 GD spectacularly demonstrates the G-Class's uncompromising off-road abilities.

The image shows Gunther Holtorf's Mercedes-Benz 300 GD against a backdrop of spectacular Himalayan mountain ridges.

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Where there's a G, there's a way.

For Gunther Holtorf's Mercedes-Benz 300 GD the way led around the globe – 22 times, covering a total of just under 900,000 km. Fittingly, at least 250,000 km of that distance was off-road: on gravel or washboard tracks, in mud, on potholed surfaces or rocky climbs in the mountains. For the suspension and chassis this punishing workout is equivalent to around 2,500,000 kilometres under normal central European conditions. And all with just one engine! The complete drivetrain, the transmission and the axles are the original ones, too. Neither the frame nor the body show any sign of fatigue. And apart from the reinforced springs and rough road shock absorbers, fitted because the G-Class was permanently overloaded, the vehicle is still the same as any series-produced model.

The image shows Gunther Holtorf with his Mercedes-Benz 300 GD in Tibet.

An intrepid nature is called for here.

And an absolute faith in the G-Class's abilities. An oil change every 5000 km. Exchange the wearing parts before they fail. And let the stoic, unfazeable G-Class take care of the rest. Even if all the expedition luggage and mountain gear, food, fuel canisters and spare wheels, equipment, tools and spare parts it is weighed down with mean it tips the scales at 3.3 tonnes – 500 kilograms more than the permissible limit. No problem for the 3-litre diesel engine with its 65 kW (88 hp). And it's a point of honour that a G-Class is seldom flustered by whatever climatic challenges the world has to throw at it – from the searing heat of the desert and sweltering jungle sultriness to the bitter Arctic cold.

High society is back in town.

On the road the G-Class hints at what it's capable of in rough terrain.

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is at home in deep urban canyons.

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Powerful stature. Effortless performance.

Power delivery in the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is ambitious. Two exhaust gas turbochargers, the charge air cooling and the outrageously high 760 Nm of torque catapult it into a whole new performance class. Only the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC with steering-wheel gearshift paddles is able to keep the power under control. The perfect soundscape to this impressive show is provided by the AMG sports exhaust system.

With its powerful V8 biturbo engine, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is impressive in every situation.

Commands respect. And will be heard.

Looks like an off-road vehicle. Drives like an off-road vehicle. Sounds like a super sports car. That unmistakable V8 sound comes as standard with the G 63. The tried-and-tested AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine and the AMG sports exhaust system give the G 63 that hallmark, goose-pimple-inducing AMG sound – with the two chromed twin tailpipes on either side of the vehicle serving as a visual exclamation mark.

With two chromed twin tailpipes on each side of the vehicle, the Mercedes-AMG G 63's AMG sports exhaust system is a visual highlight too.

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Imposing phenomenon. Maximum comfort.

Travelling in the G-Class is not just about riding high. You sit in the most exclusive seats, with the world’s major cities at your feet.

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is at home in the world's most exclusive metropolitan environments.

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One star at the front. Five at the back.

An exclusive ambience signals just one thing: that you are in a class of your own. Surrounded only by meticulously selected materials - hand-finished for maximum comfort. Then touch the selector lever with its embossed "AMG" emblem, and exclusivity becomes high performance.

The elevated seat position in the Mercedes-AMG 63 offers a commanding view.

Outstanding views included.

The perfect all-round visibility afforded by the elevated seat position in the G-Class and its combination of innovative safety and driving assistance systems are unique. Off the beaten track, the G-Class needs little more than its strapping engine, a bit of ground clearance and its differential locks. But on the road it is just as effortlessly superior, if not more so, thanks to Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive – and the elevated seat position always has a reassuring feel, whatever the terrain. The G-Class is a master of control – whether on scree, mud or tarmac.

The image shows the exclusive ambience of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

In their element.

Effortlessly superior in every situation – the G-Class performance is beyond all doubt.

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 in its natural environment – the urban jungle.

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Comfort of a new order.

A G-Class will not adapt itself to suit anyone or anything – except the ground beneath its wheels. The new-generation ESP® ensures even better driving stability and safety. Further developments to ASR and ABS are responsible for optimising traction and shortening braking distances.

The image shows the G-Class selector lever with the embossed "AMG" emblem.

A handy reminder.

The grab handle above the glove compartment is a reminder of the 37-year history of the G-Class – and extremely useful in rough terrain.

The grab handle in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is characteristic and practical.

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A classic through and through.

Few things are as enduring as the G-Class's distinctive and honest angular design. But it is the little details too that make this classic so unique. The door handles that need a firm hand and consciously shun the design idiom of contemporary vehicles. The simple, almost classic door pins and the satisfying sound they make when the central locking system is activated and the latches slide into place. This familiar sound alone is enough to make you feel safe and at home in the G-Class. And that's how it has been for over 37 years.

The classic door pins in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class match the distinctive look of the classic off-roader.

Against the flow.

An upright format, corners and edges, large, flat surfaces – for over 37 years the G-Class has stayed true to its own character and successfully resisted every design dictate.

For over 37 years the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has stayed true to itself.

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The silhouette of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has remained virtually unchanged for over 37 years.

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Like the Mercedes-AMG G 63, all of the other G-Class models also feature the distinctive turn indicators on the wings.

Bold style anachronism – the distinctive turn indicators on the G-Class.

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 shares its characteristic door handles with all other G-Class models.

Hallmark touches – the G-Class remains true to itself. Including its distinctive door handles.

Only those who change remain true to themselves.

From the opera square to the chalet in the mountains – for the G-Class there are no limits. The designo manufaktur equipment variety is almost as unlimited.

The image shows the Mercedes-AMG G 63 with exclusive designo manufaktur paintwork in mauritius blue metallic.

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The image shows the Mercedes-AMG G 63 with exclusive designo manufaktur paintwork in designo yellow olive magno.

Even more unique – two of the nine exclusive designo manufaktur special paint finishes.

The art of inner beauty.

designo manufaktur offers an exclusive selection of fine designo leathers, ranging from saddle brown to silk beige to deep-sea blue. The topstitching colours always perfectly match. The two-tone designo interior is truly special – for instance for seats, the dashboard and the steering wheel. Create a totally harmonious and stylish interior that you can design down to the last detail.

For a totally harmonious and stylish interior – the two-tone designo manufaktur interior in the Mercedes-AMG G 63.

Overseas model shown.

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 in designo mauritius blue metallic with Night package has a powerful and harmonious look.

Powerful and harmonious – the Night package delivers a two-tone colour scheme

Mercedes-Benz G 350 d: combined fuel consumption: 9.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 261 g/kmThe declared fuel and energy consumption figures are determined by testing under standardised laboratory conditions to comply with ADR 81/02. Real world consumption is influenced by many additional factors such as fuel quality, individual driving style, load, traffic, and vehicle condition. The declared fuel consumption figure should only be used for the purpose of comparison amongst vehicles.

Mercedes-AMG G 63: combined fuel consumption: 13.8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 322 g/kmThe declared fuel and energy consumption figures are determined by testing under standardised laboratory conditions to comply with ADR 81/02. Real world consumption is influenced by many additional factors such as fuel quality, individual driving style, load, traffic, and vehicle condition. The declared fuel consumption figure should only be used for the purpose of comparison amongst vehicles.

Heritage

Heritage.

Strong character since 1979. Discover the unique story of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Heritage

Heritage.

Strong character since 1979. Discover the unique story of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

In over 36 years of the model's history, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has barely changed.

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History

A legend writes history.

The current G-Class has been around since 1979. It delivers impressive proof of how important tradition is for Mercedes-Benz. Trace the history of the G-Class in images.

History

A legend writes history.

The current G-Class has been around since 1979. It delivers impressive proof of how important tradition is for Mercedes-Benz. Trace the history of the G-Class in images.

The G-Class: a cross-country vehicle with many faces.

Beach, land, river: the G-Model can overcome many obstacles. In a period spanning more than 38 years, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has become the high flyer among cross-country vehicles – never once losing its angular exterior shape.

Development work began as early as 1972. The aim behind the project called "Haflinger II" was to create an all-wheel-drive vehicle for civilian and military purposes in partnership with the Austrian company Steyr-Puch. Official production of the
G-Model began in 1979.

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The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is available as a four-door model, a two-door model, with short or long wheelbase, and as a Cabriolet or Panel Van.

G-Class debut in spring 1979.

The current G-Class has been around since 1979. It delivers impressive proof of how important tradition is for
Mercedes-Benz, but also innovation, as its technology has always been state of the art.

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John Paul II used a Mercedes-Benz 230 G as a Popemobile back in 1980.

A G-Class for the Pope: the "Popemobile".

After Pope John Paul II used a 230 G as his "Popemobile" when visiting Germany in 1980, the cross-country vehicle became instantly recognisable to a wide audience.

The Plexiglass dome protected the Holy Father from wind and rain. But his followers were still able to see him. The white G-Model was bulletproof and came equipped with grab handles so that the Pope could stand comfortably and safely whilst driving through throngs of faithful followers.

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In 1983, Jacky Ickx won the legendary Paris-Dakar rally in a Mercedes-Benz 280 GE.

Victory at the 1983 Paris-Dakar rally.

The G-Model has even been successful in motorsport: Jacky Ickx and his co-driver, the actor Claude Brasseur, won the 1983 Paris-Dakar rally in a 280 GE.

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The G 400 CDI with boat trailer symbolised the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class W 463 model series – functionality and luxury.

Uncompromising off-road capability and luxury: the 463 model series.

The 463 model series introduced in 1989 saw Mercedes-Benz positioning its cross-country model in the luxury segment, too. The models featured permanent all-wheel drive to enable installation of a deactivatable ABS system.

Even outside of the luxury segment, the G-Class made the step from an out-and-out workhorse to an all-wheel-drive vehicle with refined manners long ago. The sparse interior appointments gave way to a comfortable ambience, and the choice of optional extras grew.

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More about the history of the G-Class:

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the G-Class and find out more about the exciting interplay of tradition and innovation.

More about the history of the G-Class:

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the G-Class and find out more about the exciting interplay of tradition and innovation.

Manufaktur facility in Graz

Every G-Class is a one-off. Manufacturing facility in Graz.

The G-Class has been hand-finished at our manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, for over 35 years. To date over a quarter of a million models have left the factory.

Manufaktur facility in Graz

Every G-Class is a one-off. Manufacturing facility in Graz.

The G-Class has been hand-finished at our manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, for over 35 years. To date over a quarter of a million models have left the factory.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is welded manually at the manufaktur facility in Graz.

The G-Class's ladder-type frame alone requires around 5000 spot welds.

At the manufaktur facility in Graz the G-Class's body and engine are assembled.

At the manufacturing facility in Graz the chassis and engine are joined together.

Assembling the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's drivetrain at the manufaktur facility in Graz.

Assembling the G-Class's drivetrain at the manufacturing facility in Graz.

The G-Class's body-in-white is prepared before the layers of paint are applied at the manufaktur facility in Graz.

Before the paint is applied, impurities and oxides are thoroughly removed.

After cathodic dip painting, the G-Class body is prepared for the next stages.

The G-Class body after cathodic dip painting.

A body mechanic corrects minute irregularities on each G-Class before painting begins at the manufaktur facility in Graz.

A body mechanic corrects minute irregularities before painting begins.

Before delivery, each G-Class visits the light tunnel, where it is painstakingly examined for imperfections in the paint and body.

In the light tunnel each G-Class is painstakingly checked for minute imperfections.

Before the final inspection in the light tunnel and delivery of the vehicle, the G-Class's metallic paintwork is given a high-sheen polish.

Before the final inspection, the G-Class is given a high-sheen polish.

The tiniest defects – discovered and marked in the light tunnel – are, of course, corrected before the G-Class is delivered.

The light tunnel shows up even minute irregularities.

Every Mercedes-Benz G-Class is manufactured by hand from around 3000 individual parts.

Only after over 100 man-hours does the G-Class leave the manufacturing facility.

With all its variety of models, manufacturing the G-Class still involves manual production on a single production line. From a total of 10,000 individual parts, experienced technicians select the right 3000 or so and then assemble them into a new G-Class with the utmost diligence. A G-Class leaves its place of origin only after more than 100 man-hours – almost three times as many as in the case of machine-made vehicles.

Tour de G

Tour de G: to the ends of the Earth in the G-Class.

In 1988 Gunther Holtorf set out in his Mercedes-Benz 300 GD with 3-litre diesel engine and 65 kW (88 hp) on a journey that would go down in history as he explored one continent after another. He drove through 215 countries, regions and territories and covered almost 900,000 kilometres – with just one engine. A world record.

Tour de G

Tour de G: to the ends of the Earth in the G-Class.

In 1988 Gunther Holtorf set out in his Mercedes-Benz 300 GD with 3-litre diesel engine and 65 kW (88 hp) on a journey that would go down in history as he explored one continent after another. He drove through 215 countries, regions and territories and covered almost 900,000 kilometres – with just one engine. A world record.

Under tough conditions.

Gunther Holtorf drives his Mercedes-Benz 300 GD through uplands dotted with Buddhist sites against a Himalayan backdrop.

In Tanzania Gunther Holtorf demonstrates the G-Class's fording depth in his Mercedes-Benz 300 GD.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class "Otto" between desperately overloaded trucks in India.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 GD, pictured here in a shipping container, was the first foreign private car to arrive on Jamaica.

Gunther Holtorf in front of his Mercedes-Benz 300 GD at the Salar de Uyuni salt pan in Bolivia in 1997.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 GD "Otto" in Tanzania.

Under tough conditions.

Some 250,000 of the almost 900,000 kilometres were completed in the Mercedes-Benz 300 GD model's natural habitat: off the road.

On gravel or washboard tracks, in mud, on potholed surfaces or rocky climbs in the mountains – for the suspension and chassis this punishing workout is equivalent to around 2.5 million kilometres under normal central European conditions.
Are you someone like Gunther Holtorf who wants to get away from the beaten track, explore the world and experience the thrill and perfection of Mercedes-Benz at the same time?

Off-Road Handling

Off-road characteristics.

The G-Class doesn't need roads. It forges its own way, because its terrain begins where others fear to venture.

Off-Road Handling

Off-road characteristics.

The G-Class doesn't need roads. It forges its own way, because its terrain begins where others fear to venture.

Uphill grade

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class's 100% gradeability.

100%

gradeability.Climbing ability of the Mercedes-AMG models: up to 80%.

Equivalent to a

45°

slope angle.

Tilt

54%

tilt angle.

While maintaining

100%

driving stability.

Fording depth

Up to

60 cm

fording depth.

For

100%

dry feet.

Breakover angle

Up to

24°

breakover angle.

Thanks to the

2850 mm

wheelbase.

Angle of approach/departure

Up to

30°

angle of approach/departure.

Up to

27°

for the Mercedes-AMG models.

Ground clearance

Ground clearance of

23.5 cm

Or a similarly impressive

22 cm

on the Mercedes-AMG models.

Off-Road Technologies

Off-road technologies.

The G-Class offers uncompromising off-road capability. There's very little that can throw it off balance. Its stability, ground clearance and robust off-road ability are legendary.

Off-Road Technologies

Off-road technologies.

The G-Class offers uncompromising off-road capability. There's very little that can throw it off balance. Its stability, ground clearance and robust off-road ability are legendary.

For the high road, the low road or no road

Three 100 percent differential locks – the only true assistance system off-road.

Ladder-type frame

Differential locks

Key component: backbone.

Not for bending: the G-Class with ladder-type frame in 3-4 mm thick steel.

Extra power at the touch of a button.

Low-range ratio for optimised transmission of the engine torque.

Low-range switch

Experience the G-Class.

Arrange a Test Drive.

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Find a dealer near you.

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Intelligent Drive

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive.

Energising comfort and exemplary safety.^[1]

Intelligent Drive

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive.

Energising comfort and exemplary safety.^[1]

Be it at rush hour, during a long drive at night or on an unfamiliar route – the G-Class noticeably takes the strain, particularly in stressful situations. This is based on a concept that all our vehicles embody and which makes every journey in a Mercedes unique: Intelligent Drive. Because the time you spend behind the wheel is your time. Time for relaxation. Time to replenish your energy. So that, first and foremost, you reach your destination safely, but are also always relaxed when you get there.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.

The innovative driver assistance system automatically helps drivers to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and unburdens them on long journeys and in stop-and-go traffic.

The system gives a visual warning signal if the safe distance has been undercut and an audible signal if there is danger of a collision. Intervention in engine, brakes or transmission contributes to maintaining the target distance upon approaching a slower vehicle.

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The control centre for the most demanding of taskmasters.

Navigation, telephone, audio, video, internet: with the COMAND Online operating and display system you have all media options in view and under control. Operation is easy and intuitive.

The hard-drive navigation system with realistic topographical map views takes into account the latest traffic information. With a suitable mobile phone, it is possible to make full use of Mercedes-Benz Apps such as POI Search, Weather or Internet Radio during your journey.Phone and internet compatibility, connectivity and capabilities differ between devices, markets and vehicles. Check the compatibility of your device and vehicle in New Zealand at www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com. Data plan required for internet connection.

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Making entering and exiting a parking space safer.

On the basis of the sonar principle, the electronic parking aid monitors the area in front of and behind the vehicle during manoeuvring and warns the driver if it detects the danger of a collision.

Its electronic control unit uses ultrasonic signals to determine the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle. As soon as an obstacle is detected within these areas, visual and then audible warnings are activated.

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Blind Spot Assist.

Blind Spot Assist uses proximity radar sensors. If the system detects a vehicle in the "blind spot", its presence is indicated to the driver by means of a red triangle that lights up in the exterior mirror.

Detected vehicles which are overtaking appear in the display as soon as they enter the monitored zone, which extends approx. 3.5 m to the right and left from around the B-pillar and 3 m to the rear of the vehicle. The system is active at speeds between 30 and 250 km/h.

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[1] Various safety systems and features included in Mercedes-Benz vehicles are driver assistance aids only and the driver at all times remains solely responsible for maintaining proper control of the vehicle, ensuring safety and monitoring the driving environment and complying with all applicable road rules.