G-Class (W463) Who Designed the original G-class?
- Thread starter Car Diva
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The Mercedes-Benz W463 G-Class and its military counterpart, the W461, are the successors to the W460, and predecessors to the W465/W464.
Production: W463, first generation (1990–2018). W463, second generation (2018–2024). W461 military variant (1992–2022). Model years: W463, first generation (1991–2018). W463, second generation (2019–2024).
Most of what you need to know about origon and versions can be found here.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mercedes-Benz G-Class - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Hi Car Diva.
The G class is an interesting model because it has such a complex beginning.
The chief designer was a man called Erich Lewinka. The G class was actually the result of a joint-venture with an Austrian company called Steyr-Daimler-Puch.
Thanks Rob!
I knew about the joint venture, but not about the head designer ( if that is what he is).
Is he still around? Has he more cars/trucks out there?
Most of what you need to know about origon and versions can be found here.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mercedes-Benz G-Class - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Messages
- 232
Thanks, Anthony.
I did check it out.
I would still like to know more about the designer himself!
PanterroR
Lap Time Luminary
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Gee , I'm full of questions today
OT, but you being full of questions, especially about cars, is actually a very good thing. Given that you're the only active lady around here...
- Messages
- 232
Well yes, I happen to love cars.
I don't know why I'm hypnotized by the G and like to learn about origins and how these amazing machines came about!
I appreciate that you guys really know and will give the most accurate info or at least point me in the right direction!
On a personal note: It is amazing how some people do not know much ( about cars or anything) but talk out of their rear-ends (so to speak) and make fools out of themselves in the process!
I don't know why I'm hypnotized by the G and like to learn about origins and how these amazing machines came about!
I appreciate that you guys really know and will give the most accurate info or at least point me in the right direction!
On a personal note: It is amazing how some people do not know much ( about cars or anything) but talk out of their rear-ends (so to speak) and make fools out of themselves in the process!
- Messages
- 232
Hi Rob!
Thanks, I could not find much either!
I even went to the g-class ethusiast sites.
If EL is ( or was) in an engineer, that explains the design a bit.
Still, it's as ugly as a pug but beautiful to my eyes, there has to be some kind of inspiration !
Thanks, I could not find much either!
I even went to the g-class ethusiast sites.
If EL is ( or was) in an engineer, that explains the design a bit.
Still, it's as ugly as a pug but beautiful to my eyes, there has to be some kind of inspiration !
abunawafff
Precision Tuner
- Messages
- 124
hi guys
i heard that they stuck with the boxy shape becouse having it like that with flat glass its the esiest designe for armor plating the car and windows hope that answeres allittle
i heard that they stuck with the boxy shape becouse having it like that with flat glass its the esiest designe for armor plating the car and windows
hope that answeres allittle
SDNR
Kraftwagen König
- Messages
- 10,192
The original design (it has changed over the years to become more commercially viable for a wider "civilian" market) was purely utilitarian and intended primarily for military use.
I guess cars like Jeep and Land Rover served as inspirations to a degree but Steyr-Daimler-Puch (Daimler-Benz's partner in the development of the Gelandewagen) build military vehicles ...so the whole concept was focused on essentials -- there was no leather upholstery or wood in the early models.
I guess cars like Jeep and Land Rover served as inspirations to a degree but Steyr-Daimler-Puch (Daimler-Benz's partner in the development of the Gelandewagen) build military vehicles ...so the whole concept was focused on essentials -- there was no leather upholstery or wood in the early models.
Sayyaaf
Autotechnik Ace
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- 5,246
- Name
- Mohamed
Whats up with girls liking this car soo much ? Actually this is my sister's dream car. Its kind of weird since usually girls have their own taste in cars but a G Wagon ? I dunno i just find it weird. Although am a big fan of this car but wasn't really my dream car. Its like if have already purchased a modern SUV I might consider this as a second off roader. Anyways, great car and am curious to know the designer as well. I think it would make more since if the designer was an engineer as Rob mentioned earlier.
From memory,
I think the G-Wagon was designed and built at the request of the Shar of Iran and his military forces. He was deposed and Mercedes was left with a whole pile of trucks to dispose of. Originally it was designed as a military vehicle and hence the flat glass. They are of course very well built and fairly heavy. There off road prowess is exemplary with two solid axles each with its own diff lock. The early versions had only part time four wheel drive but later I think about 1991 or there about, the two speed transfer box was changed to permanent four wheel drive with center diff lock similar to the Range Rover and post 1983 Land Rovers. However the Range Rover did not have individual diff locks for the axles but the Range Rover does have superior articulation.
Obviously the G-Wagon was eventually made for the civil market or perhaps to get rid of surplus stock, unfortunately because of the very high DM at the time this very rough and ready off road machine very very expensive and so it was pitted against the Range Rover instead of the Land Rover 90/110. So a great deal of effort had to be made to make it competitive in the luxury market. The other unfortunate think and in my view the Achilles Heel of the G-Wagon are most of the Engines that were provided with it. Being Mercedes units they were of course very well built and reliable but in most part not best suited to this role. The reason being that they were engines built and designed for the Mercedes Cars and not really up to lugging a very heavy 4x4 off road with lots of kit. the petrol units were comparatively free revving and great for high speed driving but lacked slow speed torque and were best married to the excellent auto from ZF also used by Range Rover but with different ratios of course. This masked the low speed performance. The diesel units are or were absolutely gutless and not very frugal and again in my view not best suited to such an otherwise excellent machine.
I tend to look at the G as a very very good Defender type of vehicle with build quality that Landrover even today can only dream about. I do not really think that they are good competition in the luxury class especially when pitted against the Range Rover. They both have similar off road ability but the superior suspension set up on the Range Rover allows a far better ride quality and super supple glide. The G has less articulation and a tighter more controlled ride offering better control at high speed. The G can be bought with every convenience and kitted out as well as any other luxury car and can look absolutely wonderful and yet still have a phenomenally good off road performance.
I have been involved with off roading for more than 20 years and have owned quite a few different for wheel drives including LR series 3, LR 110 high capacity, Landrover 101 Forward Control Radio Body ( in my possession since 1990 and still going) Toyota Landcruiser 80 4.2 VX present machine), Mercedes Unimog 406 Doka crew Cab, Mercedes G-Wagon but have driven many others including the wonderful Pinzgauer 712 6x6 (built by Stayer Puch alongside the G-Wagon though now built in GB all be it in more modern versions ), various Range Rovers Landrovers and Lots of Japanese 4x4. The G wagon is a very nice bit of kit and I enjoyed owning it.
I think the G-Wagon was designed and built at the request of the Shar of Iran and his military forces. He was deposed and Mercedes was left with a whole pile of trucks to dispose of. Originally it was designed as a military vehicle and hence the flat glass. They are of course very well built and fairly heavy. There off road prowess is exemplary with two solid axles each with its own diff lock. The early versions had only part time four wheel drive but later I think about 1991 or there about, the two speed transfer box was changed to permanent four wheel drive with center diff lock similar to the Range Rover and post 1983 Land Rovers. However the Range Rover did not have individual diff locks for the axles but the Range Rover does have superior articulation.
Obviously the G-Wagon was eventually made for the civil market or perhaps to get rid of surplus stock, unfortunately because of the very high DM at the time this very rough and ready off road machine very very expensive and so it was pitted against the Range Rover instead of the Land Rover 90/110. So a great deal of effort had to be made to make it competitive in the luxury market. The other unfortunate think and in my view the Achilles Heel of the G-Wagon are most of the Engines that were provided with it. Being Mercedes units they were of course very well built and reliable but in most part not best suited to this role. The reason being that they were engines built and designed for the Mercedes Cars and not really up to lugging a very heavy 4x4 off road with lots of kit. the petrol units were comparatively free revving and great for high speed driving but lacked slow speed torque and were best married to the excellent auto from ZF also used by Range Rover but with different ratios of course. This masked the low speed performance. The diesel units are or were absolutely gutless and not very frugal and again in my view not best suited to such an otherwise excellent machine.
I tend to look at the G as a very very good Defender type of vehicle with build quality that Landrover even today can only dream about. I do not really think that they are good competition in the luxury class especially when pitted against the Range Rover. They both have similar off road ability but the superior suspension set up on the Range Rover allows a far better ride quality and super supple glide. The G has less articulation and a tighter more controlled ride offering better control at high speed. The G can be bought with every convenience and kitted out as well as any other luxury car and can look absolutely wonderful and yet still have a phenomenally good off road performance.
I have been involved with off roading for more than 20 years and have owned quite a few different for wheel drives including LR series 3, LR 110 high capacity, Landrover 101 Forward Control Radio Body ( in my possession since 1990 and still going) Toyota Landcruiser 80 4.2 VX present machine), Mercedes Unimog 406 Doka crew Cab, Mercedes G-Wagon but have driven many others including the wonderful Pinzgauer 712 6x6 (built by Stayer Puch alongside the G-Wagon though now built in GB all be it in more modern versions ), various Range Rovers Landrovers and Lots of Japanese 4x4. The G wagon is a very nice bit of kit and I enjoyed owning it.
- Messages
- 232
Hey Mas! maybe this clarifies things...
In my "girl" opinion, this is a MAN-MAN car. Meaning it is tough, rough, strong and does not bother to look pretty but to perform. Once in a G-wagon, a "girl" feels as if she is driving around protected by bodyguard.
In my car lover's opinion.. it's a great, great car. Handles as well as expected for a truck, the lines are unique and imposing, and has EXCELLENT off-road performance.
Plus... there is more than enough room to place purchases when I go shopping!
I thought the 460/461 G's engines are mostly also used in t1/sprinter van(with GVW up to 4.6 ton). But I do agree that early to mid 90's m103/m104s for 463 are not that suitable. In any case, G's engine choice are comparably suitable. Take a look at toyota LC80 or Nissan patrol. Their big 6 cylinders are lifted from midibus and medium truck. Not that there is anything performance wise wrong with them. It is just that they are way overkill and weighs too much for the application. I think the lastest toyota 1HD-FTE 4.2l turbo diesel weighs close to 400kg.
Take a look at good old GCF.
Mercedes G-Class
Last few pictures.
Whoever designed G's body is probably more concerned about ease of manufacturing and ease of repair. I think G's designer once said something to the effect of "G's body can be fixed by any third world metal worker".
Mercedes G-Class
Last few pictures.
Whoever designed G's body is probably more concerned about ease of manufacturing and ease of repair. I think G's designer once said something to the effect of "G's body can be fixed by any third world metal worker".
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