Mercedes-Benz Off-Roader G-Class Surpasses 500,000 Units in Cumulative Production

Mercedes-Benz's off-roader G-Class has surpassed a cumulative production of 500,000 units.

Also known as the 'G-Wagen,' the Mercedes-Benz G-Class was first launched in 1979 as a cross-country vehicle. Since then, it has been a beloved model among off-road driving enthusiasts for over 40 years.

The G-Class is approaching its 45th production anniversary in 2024. Since its initial release in 1979, it has maintained its classic exterior for more than 40 years. Its rugged box-shaped silhouette, sturdy exterior protective strips, spare tire mounted exposed on the rear door, and the bulging turn indicators located on the corners of the hood are distinctive design elements that represent the G-Class.

The 500,000th Mercedes-Benz G-Class produced

Based on its unique iconic design and special symbolism, the G-Class has been widely used in various artworks and show cars. Notably, in 2020, Gordon Wagner, head of Mercedes-Benz design, and the late world-renowned fashion designer Virgil Abloh unveiled G-Class-based artworks as part of the innovative Project Gel?ndewagen. In February this year, at London Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz collaborated with the fashion brand Moncler to reveal the show car 'Project Mondo G.'

Art piece based on the G-Class, the result of Project Gel?ndewagen
[Photo by Mercedes-Benz]

Fashion brand Moncler collaborated on 'Project Mondo G'
[Photo by Mercedes-Benz]

The G-Class features ▲a ladder-type frame body that enhances safety and durability ▲off-road reduction gears that assist driving on slopes and downhill ▲three 100% differential locks that help maintain traction on even one of the four wheels, delivering driving performance that covers both on- and off-road conditions.

Since its debut in Korea in 2012, the G-Class has built a solid fan base domestically. Mercedes-Benz Korea has introduced robust G-Class models, including the high-performance DNA-reflecting 'Mercedes-AMG G 63 Edition' models.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Concept Electric Vehicle 'Concept EQG'
[Photo by Mercedes-Benz]

Mercedes-Benz has announced that the pure electric version of the G-Class will begin production in 2024. This model was first unveiled in Asia in the form of the 'Concept EQG' show car at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show.

The pure electric version of the G-Class inherits the iconic design tradition of the existing G-Class. In terms of performance, it retains the powerful off-road capabilities. Equipped with four individually controlled electric motors, it offers outstanding power, control, and responsiveness, delivering strong driving performance as an off-roader. The body is integrated with the battery based on a robust ladder-type frame.