Despite being 37 years old this year, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has set its own production record – the 20,000th unit, an AMG G63 in Designo Mystic White Bright paint, has rolled off the line at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria.
“The individualisation and continuous technical optimisation of the G Class contribute to the great success of the original off-road icon, which still makes no compromises when it comes to off-road,” said Mercedes-Benz head of off-road products, Gunnar Guthenke.
“The production of 20,000 G-Classes in one year confirms the high demand for the ‘G’ and the quality of our vehicles, something that is highly appreciated by our customers. I am very pleased and also proud that some of our employees have been on board since production started 37 years ago,” Guthenke added.
The venerable off-roader is set for a thorough refresh next year, with major changes for the next-generation model bringing a weight reduction of up to 400 kg compared to the present-day model. It is expected to be wider than the existing vehicle by about 10 cm, which will allow more space in the cabin. Inside, there will be a new cabin featuring technology and design cues from the W213 E-Class.
When the next-generation G-Wagen arrives, it should carry over the 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 petrol from the current G 500 and G 500 4×4², and likely with a range of six-cylinder diesels too. Transmission will go to all axles via a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
In Malaysia, the G-Wagen is available in top-spec Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 463 form, priced at RM1,181,888. Long live the legend.
GALLERY: Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 463 in Malaysia
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Looks like our Juara, the most happening Proton ever. I love the yellow Juara, so cool, could woo all the gals.
I alwiz knew u were a P1 fanboi. Gud show, boy!
Ha ha ha. Kunta & john, U are both made for each other. Just how did a boxy vehicle like this Benz-Wagon look remotely like a P1/Juara. I have to take my hat off 2 U both guys.
Perfect for balik kg trip. Pitty they don’t sell the non AMG here.
“It is expected to be wider than the existing vehicle by about 10 cm”
So no more military versions? The current width has a reason, as the G-Wagen was designed as a military vehicle for air transport. Malaysian paratroopers use the GD290 btw. (Indonesia’s military is using the GD270 and Singapore the short-wheelbase GD290). Even the U.S. Marine Corps acquired 157 GD290, because the Humvee is sometimes too big.