The Mercedes-Benz G-class has achieved the 4 lakh-unit production milestone. First launched in 1979, it has taken Mercedes-Benz 41 years to produce 4,00,000 G-class models.
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Production of the G-class started in 1979 in Graz, Austria
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4,00,000th G-class is a red G 400d destined for a German customer.
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286hp G 350d and 585hp G 63 AMG currently on sale in India
4,00,000th Mercedes-Benz G-class
Mercedes-Benz rolled out the 4,00,000th G-class from Magna Steyr’s facility in Graz, Austria, on December 4. The 4,00,000th G-class produced is a red G 400d unit that’s headed to a long-time customer in Rhineland, Germany, who now owns around 20 models of the G-class.
The G-class story began in 1972 with a collaboration agreement between the then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch. The first G-wagon, or Gelandewagen, was launched in 1979 as a vehicle with superior off-road capability without having to sacrifice everyday usability.
Speaking about the milestone, Martin Schwenk, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The G-class has a rich history ranging more than 40 years and this is a major milestone for us. We are extremely proud of offering this vehicle to our discerning Indian customers. In India, the G-class, with its limitless customisation possibilities and unmatched off-roading prowess, has created a niche for itself, and we are very satisfied with the customer demand for this vehicle.”
Meanwhile, the G-class for Europe was updated earlier this year with more standard equipment and new colour options. The boxy SUV has also received a rather impressive 5-star safety rating from the Euro NCAP. Mercedes-Benz has also confirmed that an all-electric derivative of the SUV is in the works currently.
Mercedes-Benz G-class in India
In India, Mercedes-Benz offers two versions of the G-class. The entry-level G 350d variant is powered by a 286hp, 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine and costs Rs 1.55 crore (ex-showroom). Click here to read our review of the G 350d.
Meanwhile, the full-blown G 63 AMG version is powered by a 585hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that propels the two-tonne-plus SUV from 0-100kph in 4.5sec. The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is priced at Rs 2.31 crore (ex-showroom, India). Click here to read our G 63 AMG review.
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