2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 5-door Photos, engines & full specs

Mercedes-Benz continued to upgrade the G-Class W463 lineup in 2008, and in addition to the updated exterior, customers received a vehicle with a better interior that made them feel more comfortable.

It would be unfair to say that the G-Class has been virtually unchanged since its introduction in 1979. But still, it kept its original shape, chassis, and rigid axles. On the other hand, the already iconic SUV from Mercedes-Benz had a new transmission with a better gearbox and transfer box. In addition, all of its engines expressed their power in triple digits. Besides these, the automaker also improved the vehicle’s interior to fit into the luxury segment. Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz was reluctant to start selling the G-Class in the U.S., where the SUV was also known as the G-Wagon. But it fixed that so deep-pocket customers could get one, legally, and drive them in Beverly Hills.

People loved the bodywork, so the German automaker just slightly upgraded it. As a result, the front side of the vehicle featured new Xenon headlights, depending on the market. Customers could also get the full-size SUV with either three wide horizontal slats or multiple, thinner ones. The lower bumper sported a central vent in the middle, which could be cut to install a winch, flanked by oval fog lamps that doubled as cornering lights.

From its profile, the body-colored flared wheel arches were visually connected by the side sills. Depending on the version, the 2008 G-Class was available with side exhausts, which added more character to the car. Still, the door hinges were exposed, but that was a design detail that customers appreciated. The 2008 W463 five-door was fitted with standard 18-inch light-alloy wheels. At the back, the automaker installed new taillights equipped with LED technology. Even though they kept their squared shape, they sported an inner oval design with outer-mounted clear lenses for the reversing lights. Above the side-hinged door that sported the spare wheel, the automaker installed a rear-view camera, which was standard or optional, depending on the engine version.

Inside, customers found a completely new dashboard. The instrument cluster was filled with four analog dials with silver encirclements, with a black and white LCD in the middle. It looked like it was carried over from the facelifted C-Class W203 model that was about to be replaced by the C-Class W204. On the center console, Mercedes-Benz installed a new COMAND infotainment system with voice commands. In addition, it was Bluetooth-compatible, allowing connection with mobile phones. The G-320 CDI version was fitted with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the G500 and the G55 AMG sported leather and wood trims. In the back, the split-folding bench seat was wide enough to accommodate three adults, with enough legroom even for tall people.

Under the hood, the 2008 G-Class was available with a choice of two engines: a 3.0-liter turbodiesel and a 5.0-liter V8. Apart from them, the automaker also offered a G55 AMG version, which was a different kind of animal in terms of performance. Regardless of the engine choice, customers were spoiled with a seven-speed automatic gearbox that sent the power in all corners via a two-speed transfer box. Like all the W463 versions, the 2008 G-Class came with three manually locking differentials.