Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz G-class Long (W463) 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) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz G-class (Long (W463)). With 456 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2460 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
A powerful V8 engine that transforms the G-class into a high-performance luxury off-roader, offering strong acceleration and effortless cruising.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large V8 in a heavy vehicle, fuel consumption is very high, making it an expensive option to run.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unmatched off-road capability and rugged durability
- • Iconic, timeless design with strong presence
- • High build quality and robust engineering
- • Excellent long-term reliability and resale value
- • Wide range of engines from utilitarian to high-performance V8s
- • Luxurious interior for an off-roader of its era
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy across most engine options
- • High purchase price and maintenance costs
- • On-road handling can be ponderous due to high center of gravity and weight
- • Limited modern safety features (for its time)
- • Interior space is not as generous as exterior dimensions suggest
- • Some early engines are significantly underpowered for highway use
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W463: May, 1994 - September, 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | G-class |
| Generation: | Long (W463) |
| Modification (Engine): | G 500 V8 (296 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production: | May, 1998 |
| End of production: | November, 2000 |
| 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 2 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.3 kg/Hp, 120.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.4 kg/Nm, 185.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2460 |
| Max. weight: | 3100 |
| Max. roof load: | 200 kg |
| Max load: | 640 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2250 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 480 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 3640 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 96 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| 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): | 210 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 36° |
| Departure angle: | 27° |
| 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 |
If you could change one thing about the Mercedes-Benz G-class, what would it be?