autoevolution
 

1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 3 Doors Photos, engines & full specs

Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
Segment: Premium SUV
Production years: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) 1979-2001 14 Photos
MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) (1979-2001)

There are not as many iconic cars as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a vehicle that redefined the off-road vehicle industry in the late ‘70s when the German automaker launched it on the market.

Usually, iconic vehicles have a unique history behind them, and so does the G-Class from Mercedes-Benz. The story says that the car was ordered by the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who needed a go-anywhere vehicle for the army. Since he was also a major stakeholder in Mercedes-Benz, he convinced the carmaker’s board to create one. The study started in 1972, and the German car manufacturer partnered with the Austrian company Steyr to produce it. Seven years later, the SUV was ready, and the automaker produced it with either a short or a long wheelbase. The short one was available in a three-door configuration, as a convertible, or as a panel van. Furthermore, the automaker could supply the W460 as a chassis cab. But the one element that made it so unforgettable was the vehicle’s squared shape. It was a true form-follow-function vehicle that lasted.

At the front, the automaker’s design team considered that an off-road vehicle needed to have short overhangs. That led to a flat front fascia, where the black grille was flanked by upper-mounted round headlights. Above them, the automaker installed the turn signals and parking lights on top of the fenders, flanking the V-shaped hood.

From its profile, the flat panels of the vehicle sported a longitudinal trim, which was interrupted only by the grab-type door handles. To create an even sturdier look, the automaker left the doors’ hinges exposed. Nevertheless, this solution was also cheaper to manufacture, and the vehicle was already very expensive then. Behind the door, the automaker installed wide windows or a retractable canvas roof for the civilian version. The utilitarian version was fitted with metallic panels. Finally, at the back, the G-Class short featured a side-hinged door where the car manufacturer placed the spare wheel.

Inside, the utilitarian look of the vehicle was unmistakable. The fabric upholstery and the scarce design left no doubt that it was a car designed to do a job, not to transport its occupants comfortably. But still, Mercedes-Benz tried to provide its customers with some comfort amenities. As a result, the driver fronted a small instrument cluster that was filled by three dials. The one on the left was for the speedometer, the one in the middle for the rev counter, and the one on the right housed the coolant temperature and the fuel level gauges. On the center stack, the automaker placed a stereo, an ashtray, and the controls for the heating system. While the front occupants sat in comfort, those in the back had limited legroom.

But the real marvel was under the car’s skin. Mercedes-Benz installed a choice of four engines that were already in production for other models. There were two gasoline and two turbo diesel versions. All were paired with a four or a five-speed manual or with an automatic gearbox. Both axles were fitted with locking differentials, which the driver could control from inside the vehicle via two levers that could lock them.

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461) 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
  6 gasoline engines
  • 200 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (118 HP)
  • 200 GE 4MT AWD (122 HP)
  • 230 G 4MT AWD (109 HP)
  • 230 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (122 HP)
  • 230 GE 4MT AWD (125 HP)
  • 280 GE 4MT AWD (156 HP)
  5 diesel engines
  • 240 GD 4MT AWD (72 HP)
  • 250 GD 4MT AWD (84 HP)
  • 290 GD 5MT AWD (95 HP)
  • 290 GD Turbodiesel 4AT AWD (120 HP)
  • 300 GD 4MT AWD (88 HP)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
200 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (118 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 200 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (118 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1997 cm3
Power:87 KW @ 5200 RPM
118 HP @ 5200 RPM
117 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque:131 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
178 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.8 in (1925 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4144 lbs (1880 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
200 GE 4MT AWD (122 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 200 GE 4MT AWD (122 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1997 cm3
Power:90 KW @ 5100 RPM
122 HP @ 5100 RPM
121 BHP @ 5100 RPM
Torque:131 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
178 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.8 in (1925 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4144 lbs (1880 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
230 G 4MT AWD (109 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 230 G 4MT AWD (109 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2299 cm3
Power:80 KW @ 5300 RPM
109 HP @ 5300 RPM
107 BHP @ 5300 RPM
Torque:128 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM
174 Nm @ 2000 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:85 mph (137 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.8 in (1925 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4122 lbs (1870 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
230 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (122 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 230 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (122 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2299 cm3
Power:90 KW @ 5100 RPM
122 HP @ 5100 RPM
121 BHP @ 5100 RPM
Torque:139 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
188 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:94 mph (151 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.8 in (1925 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4144 lbs (1880 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
230 GE 4MT AWD (125 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 230 GE 4MT AWD (125 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2299 cm3
Power:92 KW @ 5000 RPM
125 HP @ 5000 RPM
123 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque:142 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
192 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:94 mph (151 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.8 in (1925 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4144 lbs (1880 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
280 GE 4MT AWD (156 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 280 GE 4MT AWD (156 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:2746 cm3
Power:115 KW @ 5250 RPM
156 HP @ 5250 RPM
154 BHP @ 5250 RPM
Torque:167 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM
226 Nm @ 4250 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:98 mph (158 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.8 in (1925 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4288 lbs (1945 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
240 GD 4MT AWD (72 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 240 GD 4MT AWD (72 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2399 cm3
Power:53 KW @ 4400 RPM
72 HP @ 4400 RPM
71 BHP @ 4400 RPM
Torque:101 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM
137 Nm @ 2400 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:71 mph (114 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.8 in (1925 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4188 lbs (1900 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
250 GD 4MT AWD (84 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 250 GD 4MT AWD (84 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:2497 cm3
Power:62 KW @ 4600 RPM
84 HP @ 4600 RPM
83 BHP @ 4600 RPM
Torque:114 lb-ft @ 2200-2800 RPM
154 Nm @ 2200-2800 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:78 mph (126 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.8 in (1925 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4255 lbs (1930 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
290 GD 5MT AWD (95 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 290 GD 5MT AWD (95 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:2874 cm3
Power:70 KW @ 4000 RPM
95 HP @ 4000 RPM
94 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Torque:142 lb-ft @ 2300 RPM
192 Nm @ 2300 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:82 mph (132 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:158.1 in (4016 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.4 in (1941 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4365 lbs (1980 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
290 GD Turbodiesel 4AT AWD (120 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 290 GD Turbodiesel 4AT AWD (120 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:2874 cm3
Power:88 KW @ 3800 RPM
120 HP @ 3800 RPM
118 BHP @ 3800 RPM
Torque:207 lb-ft @ 1900-2300 RPM
280 Nm @ 1900-2300 RPM
Fuel System:Direct Injection
Fuel:Diesel
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:85 mph (137 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):17 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:158.1 in (4016 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.4 in (1941 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4365 lbs (1980 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:19.6 mpg US (12 L/100Km)
Highway:23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km)
Combined:22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:283 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Kurz (W460/461)
300 GD 4MT AWD (88 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 300 GD 4MT AWD (88 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:2998 cm3
Power:65 KW @ 4400 RPM
88 HP @ 4400 RPM
87 BHP @ 4400 RPM
Torque:127 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM
172 Nm @ 2400 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:81 mph (130 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.8 in (1925 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4266 lbs (1935 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)
  report a mistake on this page