1989 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 5-door (W463) Photos, engines & full specs

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W463 as a successor for the W460 G-Class that it launched in 1979, and unlike its predecessor, the new model came with better interiors and on-road behavior.

A hard-core off-road vehicle had to have different attributes than a road-oriented car, and Mercedes-Benz tried to create a perfect blend with the 1989 G-Class, or G-Wagon as it was also known in the U.S. After researching customers behaviors and needs, the German automaker understood that the car needed a new interior. In addition, it enhanced the drivetrain and slightly polished the bodywork, which remained as boxy as ever. Last but not least, it finally offered more powerful engines for a car that was tested from the Sahara Desert to the North Pole. It is worth mentioning that Mercedes-Benz created two different ranges of products. The W463 was destined for the civilian market, with all the features and amenities of a three-pointed-star badged vehicle. At the same time, the W461 was kept in production for the military, NGOs, and other law enforcement agencies around the world.

The W463 long wheelbase was available in a five-door configuration. Its front fascia didn’t differ too much from its predecessor. But still, it sported a body-colored grille flanked by big and round headlights. Even though it could put the turn signals lower, the automaker left them on top of the front fenders, like on the original model. Furthermore, customers could get the vehicle with a set of fog lamps integrated into the bumper.

From its profile, the car kept its shed-like shape, sporting angular cuts for the wheel arches and a rubber line that crossed the vehicle from front to back, interrupted only by the door handles. Like its predecessor, the 1989 G-Wagon featured exposed door hinges, which surprisingly were appreciated by customers. Out back, the side-hinged tailgate sported the spare wheel on it, even though there was enough room for it in the large trunk.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz introduced many options for the vehicle. Besides the air-conditioning unit, which had been provided since the early ‘80s, the W460 was available with wood trims on the dashboard and leather upholstery. The instrument cluster resembled the one from the E-Class (W124), not the one from a truck. Furthermore, the automaker installed a wider center stack where switches for the three locking differentials were placed. Between the front occupants, Mercedes-Benz placed the gear selector (or the gear stick, depending on the options) and the transfer case selector. Thanks to the long wheelbase, there was enough room for three adult-sized passengers in the back on the folding bench seat.

But the real transformation happened under the hood. Gone were the carbureted, underpowered engines. In addition, the all-wheel-drive system fitted with three locking differentials was unique on the market. As a result, the off-road performance was astonishing. Furthermore, thanks to the re-calibrated coil-spring suspension, the G-Class became more comfortable when driven on paved roads, and that bumped the sales.