autoevolution
 

1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 5-Door 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 (W460/W461) 1979-2001 31 Photos
MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) (1979-2001)

There are not many cars in the world that achieve icon status, such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class that the German automaker introduced in 1979 and built in several shapes and sizes.

In the early ‘70s, the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, needed a sturdy vehicle for its army. Since he was an important stakeholder in Mercedes-Benz, he persuaded the carmaker’s board to develop one. At the same time, in the UK, Land Rover was riding the high tides with its Series III and the Range Rover lineups. As a result, work started on the Gelandewagen (all-terrain vehicle in German). To build it, Mercedes-Benz partnered with the Austrian manufacturer Steyr, and the result was the 1979 G-Class. The SUV was initially available in with a short or a long wheelbase, five types of bodywork, and four engines. One of the first large orders came from the Shah of Iran, but the Islamic Revolution happened before the cars were delivered. That didn’t stop the German automaker from producing the vehicle and selling it everywhere. The car got the internal coding of W460.

Mercedes-Benz’s engineers used wood instead of clay to shape the vehicle since that material better suited their intentions. They wanted the vehicle to look rugged, with flat surfaces. As a result, even the front fascia was flat. A black grille dominated it, and on its upper sides, the automaker placed the headlights. To protect the turn signals, these were mounted on the upper side of the front fenders, flanking the hood.

The five-door version was the one that aimed at those looking for a recreational vehicle. Since the G-Class could tackle any kind of terrain, it was ideal for camping and going into the woods without fearing getting stuck that easily. Mercedes-Benz made the vehicle with flat side panels so they could be better protected. The only elements that were wider than the bodywork were the door handles and mirrors. Its exposed front doors’ hinges remained a trademark of the vehicle. At the back, the SUV featured a side-hinged door that also supported the spare wheel.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz created a cabin that was far from the rest of the luxurious vehicles it made. The fabric upholstery and the squared-looking dashboard were closer to an LCV than to an expensive, luxurious SUV. But still, customers loved it thanks to the ease of use. Fronting the driver was a small instrument cluster that featured three dials. The one on the left was the speedometer, while the one on the right was filled with the gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. Between them, on the upper side, the automaker installed the rev counter. Depending on the options, the center stack housed the stereo, an analog clock, the heater controller, and an ashtray. Between the front seats, Mercedes-Benz installed the gear stick, the transfer case lever, and two plungers to lock the front and rear differentials. In the back, the bench seat was wide enough to host three adults, while behind them was the trunk.

But the most significant part of the vehicle was its chassis, which made the G-Class so famous around the Globe. The transmission featured a transfer case with a 50:50 torque distribution between the front and rear axles. While that was an advantage in off-road situations, it was less suitable for on-road applications since the SUV didn’t have a center differential. That was added later.

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461) 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 4AT AWD (72 HP)
  • 250 GD 5MT 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 (W460/W461)
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:127 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
172 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:173.4 in (4404 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.6 in (1920 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Turning circle:37.4 ft (11.4 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4409 lbs (2000 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6173 lbs (2800 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461)
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:Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:173.4 in (4404 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.6 in (1920 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.54
Turning circle:37.4 ft (11.4 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4409 lbs (2000 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6173 lbs (2800 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461)
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
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
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:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:173.4 in (4404 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.8 in (1951 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.54
Turning circle:37.4 ft (11.4 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4387 lbs (1990 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6173 lbs (2800 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461)
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
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
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:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:173.4 in (4404 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.8 in (1951 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.54
Turning circle:37.4 ft (11.4 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4409 lbs (2000 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6173 lbs (2800 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461)
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
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
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:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:173.4 in (4404 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.8 in (1951 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.54
Turning circle:37.4 ft (11.4 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4409 lbs (2000 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6173 lbs (2800 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461)
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
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
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:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:173.4 in (4404 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.6 in (1920 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.54
Turning circle:37.4 ft (11.4 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4552 lbs (2065 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6173 lbs (2800 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461)
240 GD 4AT AWD (72 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 240 GD 4AT 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
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:71 mph (114 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:173.4 in (4404 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.8 in (1951 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.54
Turning circle:37.6 ft (11.5 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4453 lbs (2020 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6173 lbs (2800 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:315 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461)
250 GD 5MT AWD (84 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 250 GD 5MT 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
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:78 mph (126 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:173.4 in (4404 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:75.6 in (1920 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.54
Turning circle:37.4 ft (11.4 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4519 lbs (2050 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6173 lbs (2800 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461)
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
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:82 mph (132 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):25 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:175.8 in (4465 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.6 in (1946 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.54
Turning circle:37.4 ft (11.4 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4640 lbs (2105 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6393 lbs (2900 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461)
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
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:85 mph (137 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):17.2 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:175.8 in (4465 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.6 in (1946 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.54
Turning circle:37.4 ft (11.4 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4640 lbs (2105 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6393 lbs (2900 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:254 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse (W460/W461)
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
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
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:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:173.4 in (4404 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.8 in (1951 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in (211 mm)
Cargo Volume:17 cuFT (481 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.54
Turning circle:37.4 ft (11.4 m)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4828 lbs (2190 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:6173 lbs (2800 kg)
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