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
The iconic-looking Mercedes-Benz G-Class started its career in 1979, and the entry-level version was offered in an open-top configuration and available with a short wheelbase.
In the early ‘70s, Mercedes-Benz started to work on a new off-road vehicle that became the 1979 G-Class. The G in its nameplate came from Gelandewagen, which means off-road vehicle. The car’s development started when the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a significant stakeholder in Mercedes-Benz, convinced the carmaker’s board to develop a vehicle that could go anywhere. It was a great idea, especially since the European off-road vehicle market started to pick up speed after Land Rover introduced the Range Rover in 1970 and the Series III in 1971. The German brand partnered with the Austrian company Steyr to produce the car, which was mostly hand-built. As a result, the open-top version was the most affordable one, especially since all versions were made on a ladder chassis.
The car had to feature a short front overhang. To do that, the carmaker’s designers had to create a flat front fascia. To protect it from scratches and elements, it sported a broad black grille that also integrated the high-mounted headlights. Above them, on top of the fenders, the automaker installed the parking lights and the turn signals, an element that also became a trademark for the vehicle. From its profile, the G-Class Convertible featured a flat and steep windshield. The flat side panels were crossed front to back by a black trim interrupted only by the grab-type door handles. Behind the doors, the automaker installed a safety arch that protected the front occupants in the event of a rollover crash. Behind it, the manually retractable canvas roof featured plastic windows. Finally, out back, the automaker installed a side-hinged half-door that also doubled as support for the spare wheel.
Inside the cabin, the automaker placed two flat seats for the front occupants and a folding bench in the back. In front of the driver, Mercedes-Benz installed a small instrument cluster filled with three dials that showed the speed on the left, the rev counter in the upper-middle position, and the fuel and temperature gauges on the right. In addition, there were a few warning lights. On the center stack, the G-Class Convertible featured the controls for the heater, an ashtray, and an optional stereo. Between the front seats, the automaker installed the levers that locked the front and rear differentials, the gear stick, and the transfer case lever.
Mercedes-Benz offered the G-Class Convertible with a choice of four engines, two gasoline and two diesel. These were paired as standard with a four-speed manual transmission. Later, a four-speed automatic became available for the 300 GD version. Thanks to its rigid axles and the coil springs, the car performed excellently in off-road situations, but on regular roads, not so much. But still, that didn’t scare customers.
ENGINE SPECS - 200 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (118 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205 R16 M+S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 155.7 in (3955 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 77.6 in (1971 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 9.6 in (244 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4034 lbs (1830 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 200 GE 4MT AWD (122 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205 R16 M+S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 155.7 in (3955 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 77.6 in (1971 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 9.6 in (244 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4034 lbs (1830 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 230 G 4MT AWD (109 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Top Speed: | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205 R16 M+S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 155.7 in (3955 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 77.6 in (1971 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 9.6 in (244 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4012 lbs (1820 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 230 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (122 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Top Speed: | 94 mph (151 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205 R16 M+S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 155.7 in (3955 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 77.6 in (1971 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 9.6 in (244 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4034 lbs (1830 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 230 GE 4MT AWD (125 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Top Speed: | 94 mph (151 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205 R16 M+S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 155.7 in (3955 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 77.6 in (1971 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4034 lbs (1830 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 280 GE 4MT AWD (156 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Top Speed: | 98 mph (158 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205 R16 M+S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 155.7 in (3955 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 77.6 in (1971 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 9.6 in (244 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4177 lbs (1895 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 240 GD 4MT AWD (72 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Top Speed: | 71 mph (114 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 155.7 in (3955 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 77.6 in (1971 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 9.6 in (244 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4078 lbs (1850 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 250 GD 5MT AWD (84 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Top Speed: | 78 mph (126 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205 R16 M+S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 155.7 in (3955 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 77.6 in (1971 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 9.6 in (244 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4034 lbs (1830 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 290 GD 5MT AWD (95 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Top Speed: | 82 mph (132 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 25 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205 R16 M+S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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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: | 9.6 in (244 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4365 lbs (1980 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 290 GD Turbodiesel 4AT AWD (120 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Top Speed: | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 17 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/80 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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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: | 9.6 in (244 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4365 lbs (1980 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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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 |
ENGINE SPECS - 300 GD 4MT AWD (88 HP) | |
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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 | |
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Top Speed: | 81 mph (130 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205 R16 M+S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 155.7 in (3955 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 77.6 in (1971 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 9.6 in (244 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4155 lbs (1885 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5732 lbs (2600 kg) |