With an exterior design that has remained basically
unchanged since 1979, when it first hit production, and proper off-road
credentials, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class still scores high with SUV enthusiasts.
Over the last four decades, the vehicle was updated numerous times, but the
company chose not to later its traditional exterior styling. And up until a few
months ago, not to change the platform, either.
However, there’s a new generation of the
Mercedes-Benz G-Class currently being made in Graz, Austria, by Magna Steyr. It
was presented at the Detroit Auto Show back in January, has a larger footprint,
and plenty of new features in the cabin that should keep gadget lovers close
by.
Still, as amazing as it may seem, the three-pointed
star hasn’t ditched the old G-Class completely. Not even close, because chassis
code 461 is still being manufactured on the same assembly lines as the new-gen
and sold in different parts of the globe, such as Germany, Middle East and
Australia.
Essentially the same Mercedes G-Wagen that was
launched in 1990, the 461 was developed for heavy-duty use. Its military and
commercial applications made it famous, and it stepped away from the 463 model,
which was the civilian version that we all know.
