HEAVEN ON EARTH
Few cars are cooler or more capable than the G-class, writes Jonathan Bryce
❝ Despite having the aero and heft of the British Library, it sits comfortably in its skin ❞
Sometimes, a name doesn’t need all of its parts to garner recognition. Mention ‘Boris’ and it’s clear who you’re talking about, and the same goes for ‘G-wagen’ – no need to stick Mercedes-benz in front of that.
Introduced in 1979 as a civilian version of a 4x4 initially made for military service, the original car, codenamed W460, did an 11-year stint until it was replaced in 1990 by the W463, marking the beginning of the G-class’s reign as both a luxury car and status-enriching entity for the wealthy. Nearly three decades later, this was superseded by the highly Instagrammable second-generation W463.
Although that car is considerably more modern to drive, the original W463 is the G we want, because it has already succumbed to the gods of depreciation. It offered an engine for every customer, from a 3.0-litre diesel six in the G300 CDI to a spectacularly unnecessary twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 in the G65 AMG.
The best all-rounder is the 221bhp 3.0-litre diesel V6 in the G320 CDI. It manages to be quiet, refined, smooth and, with 398lb ft of torque, punchy enough for most situations. It’s also reasonably efficient in the context of a G, managing 17.5mpg.
The exterior design appears to be just as versatile. Despite having the aerodynamic efficiency and heft of the British Library, the W463 sits comfortably in its wellproportioned skin. It’s one of the few cars that looks at home on both Salisbury Place and Salisbury Plain.
There are many reasons behind its appeal, chief among them its rugged sophistication. It performs exceptionally well off road, with locking differentials on the front and rear axles, chunky tyres and 4Matic all-wheel drive that works full time if it senses grip is being lost. You might think that simply makes it a remixed Range Rover, but the devil of its individuality is in the details.
It’s hugely practical, with room enough for four adults and all their clutter, while details like side steps, wheels of at least 20in, chunky indicator repeaters on the front wings, a boot-mounted spare wheel and a boot that opens like a portal give the W463 all the heavy-knit SUV essentials to put other road users in the shade. It is, in fact, taller than the Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne and Toyota Land Cruiser, and by some margin.
Inside, its material quality gives it an air of luxury on a par with rivals. As with many Mercedes of this era, the visual drama of the interior
WHAT WE SAID THEN 6 FEBRUARY 1991
“The G-wagen hasn’t managed to convince many UK off-road buyers to opt for the three-pointed star, but certainly with a new permanent 4WD drivetrain, new 3.0-litre engines from the W124 saloon and anti-lock brakes, its specification stacks up. The equipment list, too, can now match a Range Rover, and the extra grip, balance and security that permanent 4WD provides makes it a much more convincing tool on the road.”
is lacking, but the controls have a chunky, hard-wearing feel and lots of period features, like buttons.
The way it drives doesn’t quite match the performance of the powertrain, however, with ride quality and handling not up to the standards you might expect from a Mercedes. Its steering is heavy and not the most accurate, while body lean through the bends makes you feel like you’re in a cot.
If you want an AMG, super unleaded is recommended so be sure that you can afford to buy it all over again in 99 RON.
It’s also very expensive to maintain a W463, with servicing and repair costs all being steep.
If you can stomach all those considerable costs, though, you will have yourself a true icon. The W463 is a luxury off-roader with four decades of burgeoning appeal that makes it worthy of your attention and will turn heads and wow enthusiasts from Cardiff to Cairo. Just don’t expect it to make any financial sense.