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Mercedes-Benz G-class Long (W463, facelift 2000) G 500 V8 (296 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz G-class:
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, colloquially known as the G-Wagon or G-Wagen , is a four-wheel drive luxury SUV sold by Mercedes-Benz. Originally developed as a military off-roader, later more luxurious models were added to the line. In certain markets, it was sold under the Puch name as Puch G until 2000.
The G-Class is characterised by its boxy styling and body-on-frame construction. It uses three fully locking differentials, one of the few passenger car vehicles to have such a feature. Despite the introduction of an intended replacement, the unibody SUV Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in 2006, the G-Class is still in production and is one of the longest-produced vehicles in Daimler's history, with a span of 46 years. Only the Unimog surpasses it. In 2018, Mercedes-Benz introduced the second-generation W463 with heavily revised chassis, powertrain, body, and interior. In 2023, Mercedes-Benz announced plans to launch a smaller version of the G-Class, named "little G"—though no definitive date was given for the launch....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Long (W463, facelift 2000) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz G-class (Long (W463, facelift 2000)). With 456 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2485 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.2 s). The top speed reaches 190 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
G 500 V8 (296 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and powerful V8, providing effortless cruising, though acceleration isn't as quick as its power figure might suggest.
Fuel Economy
Highest fuel consumption in the non-AMG lineup, making it very expensive to run on a regular basis.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unmatched off-road capability and ruggedness
- • Iconic, timeless design with strong road presence
- • Powerful and diverse engine options, including high-performance AMGs
- • Excellent build quality and durability
- • Strong resale value due to its legendary status
- • Luxurious interior for its class and era
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy, especially with petrol V8 engines
- • High purchase price and expensive maintenance costs
- • On-road handling can be ponderous and less refined than modern SUVs
- • Dated interior ergonomics and technology compared to contemporary rivals
- • Limited active safety features for its era
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W463: November, 1997 - November, 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | G-class |
| Generation: | Long (W463, facelift 2000) |
| Modification (Engine): | G 500 V8 (296 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production: | November, 2000 |
| End of production: | March, 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 296 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.6 Hp/l [450mm more] |
| Torque: | 456 Nm @ 2800-4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 113.962 More details about the engine M 113.962 |
| Engine displacement: | 4966 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 97 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 21.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 13.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 16.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 21.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 13.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 16.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.4 kg/Hp, 119.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.4 kg/Nm, 183.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2485 |
| Max. weight: | 3200 |
| Max. roof load: | 200 kg |
| Max load: | 715 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2250 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 480 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 3500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 96 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 23° |
| Wading depth: | 500 mm |
| Length: | 4680 mm mm [450mm more] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1936 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2850 mm mm [450mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2007 mm |
| Front track: | 1475 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1475 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 205 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 37° |
| Departure angle: | 31° |
| Climb angle: | 38.7° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/60 R 18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5 J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz G-class. How does it handle on the road?