2001 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 5-door Photos, engines & full specs

Ten years after the introduction of the W463 series, the German automaker released a proper facelift for it, which, besides the drivetrain and interior improvements, also refreshed the engine lineup.

One of the things that Mercedes-Benz was reluctant to change dramatically was the SUV’s exterior. While other automakers were keen on modifying or completely replacing some body panels, the German car manufacturer was not. This is not because it couldn’t do that, but because its customers said that they were satisfied with the look of the G-Class. But still, there were some upgrades to the bodywork. The interior was also improved significantly and boasted more amenities. Last but not least, the engine lineup was upgraded, especially since there were new emission standards that the car had to comply with.

At the front, the car featured a plastic three-slat grille where the three-pointed-star chromed badge took center stage. Like the non-facelifted version, it was flanked by the round headlights integrated into individual clusters. The blinkers and parking lights mounted on top of the front fenders were already trademarks of the G-Class, so Mercedes-Benz left them there, but with a slightly different design, with amber bulbs behind the clear lenses. Another upgrade was for the bumper, which was made from ABS materials and could be upgraded with fog lamps.

From its profile, the SUV boasted its new body-colored door mirrors with integrated turn signals. This was a necessary upgrade since the car was already seen as a luxury vehicle. In addition, the flared wheel arches were also body-colored. For the five-door version, the available side steps eased ingress and egress to the vehicle, especially for the rear passengers. Out back, the side-hinged door supported the full-size spare wheel, even though it could fit inside the large trunk of the car.

While the exterior was upgraded just in a few parts, the interior went through a major revamp. The instrument cluster featured a similar design to the one offered by the newly introduced C-Class W203. There was a large speedometer placed in the middle, flanked by the tachometer on the left and the fuel gauge on the right. Surprisingly, the coolant temperature wasn’t shown on the gauges. To see that, the driver had to access the car’s onboard computer via the buttons on the steering wheel that resembled the one installed in the E-Class. On the center stack, the automaker integrated the new COMAND infotainment system that could’ve been accessed via buttons or by voice commands. Furthermore, the automaker offered a navigation system and even phone-based assistance (TELEAID) since the car could be fitted with a GSM phone. The optional wood trims on the dashboard, steering wheel, and center console emphasized the leather upholstery and the high level of luxury. The front seats were available with heating, while the rear ones were not.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Bens installed Euro 3 gasoline or turbodiesel engines. The automaker also introduced the 5G-Tronic automatic gearbox on the 2000 G-Class. Furthermore, it ditched the lower-powered powerplants and introduced new, potent ones, such as the 4.0-liter V8 turbodiesel and the 5.0-liter V8 naturally aspirated gasoline unit. Power went into all corners via a high and low-gear transfer box. All versions came with the already famous three locking differentials.