The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also known as the G-Wagon or Geländewagen, is a multi-purpose off-road vehicle that has been in production since 1979. Originally designed as a military vehicle, it has since become a popular luxury SUV for civilian use. The G-Class is known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, with features such as all-wheel drive, differential locks, and high ground clearance. It is available in a range of models, including a four-door SUV and a two-door convertible.
The G-Class has been used by a number of militaries around the world, including the German Bundeswehr, which uses it as a multi-purpose vehicle for transport, reconnaissance, and command and control. The Bundeswehr's G-Class vehicles are equipped with features such as a winch, all-terrain tires, and a communications system, among other specialized equipment.
In addition to its military applications, the G-Class is also popular with civilian drivers who appreciate its luxury features and iconic design. The latest models of the G-Class include advanced technology such as a digital dashboard, touchscreens, and driver assistance systems. Overall, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a versatile and capable off-road vehicle that has a long history of use in military and civilian applications. Its rugged design, off-road capabilities, and advanced technology make it a popular choice for a wide range of drivers.
Variants of the Mercedes G class
Design
Development
The G-class was developed as a military vehicle after a suggestion by the Iranian Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to Mercedes (as a faithful customer). The developmentstarted in 1972 with a cooperative agreement between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria. Engineers in Stuttgart were tasked of the design and testing, and those at Graz developed production plans, to be made locally. Afirst wooden mockup was presented to Daimler-Benz in 1973. The first drivable prototype started tests, notably on German coalfields and later in the Sahara Desert or the Arctic Circle in 1974.
Construction was approved and started on a new production facility stablished in Graz, assembled nearly entirely by hand in 1975 under the name "G Model" wit the first deliveries made to customers via Mercedes in 1979. From the start the vehicle was offered as a civilian variant. The military version prposed to the Bundeswehr and beyond was sometimes referred to as the "Wolf". The Peugeot P4 was a first important variant under licence by Peugeot. But the first military to use it was the Argentine Army (Ejército Argentino) from 1981 as the model 461, with a few captured in the Falklands and impressed into the local Royal Air Force.
The vehicle also gained some international fame as in 1980, the Vatican took delivery a tailored G-Wagen which had a clear thermoplastic top as the new Popemobile. The "Papa G" was later replaced and was offered to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Technically the vehicle would evolve along the following years, starting in 1981 with the option of an automatic transmission, air conditioning, auxiliary fuel tank, protective headlamp grilles, cable winch. Next year this was Fuel injection when presented in Turin, with new front seats, auxiliary heating, wider tires, fender flares. In 1985 were introduced differential locks, central door locking and tachometer. By 1986 over 50,000 Gs had been delivered.
The G-Wagen had a major facelift in 1990 while a year prior it was presented with a permanent 4-wheel drive, and optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). In 1992 the vehicle introduced cruise control, stainless-steel spare-tire cover, running boards and new luxury interior trim, also marking the 100,000th G Model built in Graz. In 1994 it was officially renamed the "G-Class", with ventilated front disc brakes and air bag and by 1996 an electronic automatic transmission plus headlamp washers, new cruise control and a front passenger's air bag. By 1998 the G 500 was proposed with a 296 hp V8. It was topped by 2004 by the G 55 AMG with a supercharged V8 engine rated for 476 hp.
The G class comprised the W460 from 1979 to 1991, the military G-Wagen W462 ELBO for Greece from 1988, assembled at Elbo, the French Peugeot P4 VLTT made from 1981 to 1988 and the Puch G from the start until 2000 when marketed to Austria, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. It was based on the reputation of the company for the Haflinger and Pinzgauer.
Mobility
The civilian vehicle was proposed with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, in the first case... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_G-Class
The Military G-class: The Wolf
Mercedes took part with the G-modell in the 1978 tender for the procurement of a new German softskin utility 4x4 car. It was won by the cheaper VW Iltis, while a new produrement for a "third generation" of such vehicle since the end of war cold war was launched in the mid-1980s. One was the replacement for the 0.5 tonnes GL truck VW Iltis, and another for the 0.75 tons GL truck Kraka and the 0.4 ton car VW 181. It planned for an order for 17,000 vehicles. Eight companies took part in the international tender. Daimler-Benz and its partner Steyr-Puch as well as Volkswagen were retained as final contenders. Decision was made in the early 1990s to adopt the Mercedes-Benz G-class and for a production run of 12,000.
Mercedes-Benz supplied the Bundeswehr with its Mercedes-Benz 250 GD "Wolf". It was based on the civilian W 461 series ad declined in four versions. All were air-transported by the Transall C-160 and the "Lang SAN" medical vehicle, in the CH-53G/GS helicopter or in external load by the same Super Jolly (German manufactured) helicopter. The Leichte airborne troops version had lashing eyes on the sides for quick loading and unloading.
Design
The 250GD Wolf whater its version was an all-wheel drive vehicle, which could switched on and off while driving, with a gearbox divided for on-road and off-road gear ratios and a differential lock both for the front and rear axles. They also had blckout night driving military lights independent of the normal lighting network. On-board voltage is 24 V, Bundeswehr standard.
The military version differs from the civilian ones als by its internal rifle mounts for four G3 assault rifles, between the driver and passenger seats, plus two G36s with shoulder rest folded down, attached to the left and right of the roll bar for the second seat row. Therre is also a map reading lamp as well as a 24 V connection socket from the engine compartment to power internal equipments. Aparts its typical as a external spade holder i had a rather spartan equipment and its built with reinforced components proper to a real off-road use in harsh conditions and low maintenance for long periods. There is a rudimentary interior without any luxury features and simple seats and door panels.
Variants
Nomenclature
Lkw gl leicht Mercedes Benz G-Klasse "Wolf"
Lkw gl le Aufklärungs- und Gefechtsfahrzeug
Lkw gl le Erkunder-/Richtkreistrupp
Lkw gl le Geschützter Sonderwagen
Lkw gl le KrKw "San-Wolf"
Lkw gl le Lautsprecherträger
Lkw gl le EULe
Lkw gl le LBAT - luftbeweglicher Arztrupp
Lkw gl le LL-SanTrp
Lkw gl le Munitionsträger TOW
Lkw gl le FuTrp Veris
Lkw gl le SLT-Begleitfahrzeug
The initial four versions of the Wolf had variable equipment kits to meet their own requirements notably the layout and and number of seats.
250 GD FüFu
The radio variant had a space dedicated at the rear for the SEM 80/90 set, two weaps antenna and two additional batteries housed in the radio system frame, disconnected if needed from the on-board power supply via a footwell switch. The voltage is monitored via a LED display in the radio's installation slot. Kits are attached to the vehicle via removable rails. It was used by company commanders and battalion commanders
Reconnaissance with lashing eyes for air transport and dependng on its rank either one or two SEM 80/90 or SEM 93 medium/long range sets. The military police used the SEM 25/35 set.
Short wheelbase (LL) 2400 mm, open body (tarp)
The 250 GD FüFu could also be reconverted as the following:
-MILAN ATGM or TOW anti-tank organic defence vehicle
-Fire control team mortar vehicle (250 GD Mörser-FK)
-Mortar 120 mm carrier, fired dismounted.
-Advanced observer mortar vehicle
-FuB 5 Füfu LL (short wheelbase) version SEM80/90 or SEM93
-250 GD Fu2 LL with two SEM 80/90
-FKB 5 LL version
-Equipment transport variant
Long wheelbase: 2850 mm, open body (tarp)
-Basic personal carrier version
-Direction and artillery reconnaissance vehicle
-MARS platoon leader vehicle
Long wheelbase (same), closed (rigid cab)
FNA (vehicle navigation system) vehicle. Successor to the FOA or vehicle orientation system based on the VW Iltis, used as an equipment vehicle by reconnaissance crews of the Lufwaffe for Patriot squadrons.
Workshop vehicle (WSA) used for the LeFlaSys Ozelot ATGM.
Extended wheelbase (3120 mm), closed (rigid cab)
MB 250 GD San or KrKw Medical evacuation vehicle, with a dedicated kit. First aid station group vehicle, used exclusively ro transport two wounded soldiers in stretchers, with the long zeppelin box body, or more common, one lying, two sitting.
Protective equipment
Due to the increasing number of foreign missions, it became apparent that the Wolf was not sufficiently protected to carry out its patrol and liaison duties. Three solutions were then developed, two of which are considered quick solutions, one of which is a self-build solution.
The first variant is the modular protective equipment, MSA for short, mentioned above. Developed by the Garant company, the vehicles were fitted with adapted protective plates and bulletproof glass. The vehicles equipped in this way with the MSA addition thus had all-round protection against hard core and fragmentation projectiles as well as against anti-personnel mines. The crew is reduced to two people, as only the front part is armored.
The second solution is modular fragmentation protection, MSS for short. Under the leadership of the Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement, a solution was developed in coordination with the troops to protect the vehicles on site in the deployment country with steel plates against fragmentation, anti-personnel mines and, in some cases, against small arms. The third variant is special protection equipment, SSA for short. Already integrated into the vehicle at the factory, this package offers protection against small arms in accordance with STANAG 4569 Level 1 and, after the addition of mine protection equipment, also against mines. The G 270 CDI serves as the basis.
Civilian use: Vehicles that have been discarded are auctioned off to the highest bidder via VEBEG. Registration of Wolf off-road vehicles with diesel engines in the civilian sector can be carried out with individual approval in accordance with Section 21 of the StVZO. Since German army vehicles were not previously subject to the usual emissions standards, older vehicles often do not have a valid emissions classification.
Due to the possibly changed tuning of the diesel injection system, the engines may not correspond to those of the type-approved civilian Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Registration according to the "EURO emissions standard" is therefore not possible. Such vehicles are often registered as trucks or vintage cars to optimize taxation. Former German army vehicles in olive green, with camouflage paint or with a commander's hatch also require an export license.
Career (Ongoing)
In the 1990s, with an increasing missions schedule outside Germany for the Bundeswehr, ex-Yugoslavia, the limits of the Wolf became apparent. Due to the additional armor kit, MSA, it revealed itself quite underpowered. Even the stripped down Special Forces Command vehcles showed this disadvantage. Thus, Mercedes-Benz 290 GD (LL SAN) 5-cylinder diesel rated for 70 kW (95 hp) was chosen as well as the turbo from the W461 series to upgrade the shrt wheelbase versions, called "gl light".
The KSK 290 GDT was in 2003 replaced by the French the Serval reconnaissance as a special conversion of the G 270 CDI. It originated on the Wolf ESK special forces vehicle, Rheinmetall Landsysteme (RLS) for it competed aganinst the ESK Mungo from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann in the Special Operations Division (DSO) tender.
As part of the restructuring of the Bundeswehr in the 2000s, the choice was made of leased vehicles, such as the G 280 CDI "Greenline" issued to various units by 2008. The G 280 CDI is not a tactical military vehicle but still good enough for urban transport. Another replacement is the LAPV Enok, a further development of the Wolf SSA. Still, with over 50 versions, the Wolf is the second most common transport Bundeswehr vehicle alongside with the M113 armored personnel carrier.
Operators
Albania: From the 2010s. Numbers unknown
Algeria:
Since the 2010s, the Algerian Army, Gendarmerie Nationale and the Algerian police have been using several models of G-Class vehicles 4x4 6x6 G 500. Most of those vehicles are manufactured in Bouchekif factory Tiaret, owned by the Algerian army. First G-Class wagons released in 2015.
Argentina:
Since the 1980s, the Argentine Army has used the MB-230G (short and long chassis) for different purposes. 900 remain in service.
Australia: In October 2007, Mercedes-Benz became the preferred tenderer for the Australian Defence Force to replace the fleet of Land Rover Perentie in Project Land 121 Overlander. Mercedes-Benz was the sole tenderer with neither Toyota for the Land Cruiser or Land Rover for the Defender submitting a proposal. In October 2008, an initial contract for 1200 vehicles was signed. 2,268 vehicles were purchased with ten variants including 6x6. The first G-Wagons were delivered in February 2010. First military customer to receive 6×6 vehicles and these are the first six-wheel military vehicles built by Mercedes-Benz since 1941.
Austria: The Austrian Army has been a long time user of various Puch G models.
Belgium: The Belgian Police or "Gendarmerie-Rijkswacht" has been a long time user of first G 500 models.
Bulgaria: The Bulgarian Army operates 600+ vehicles in various configurations, most of them armed.
Bulgarian army G-class with HELBROC insignia
Cambodia: Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia purchased 30 armored Mercedes-Benz G-Class from RMA Cambodia.
Cameroon: 60 "Wolf" in service with the Cameroon Armed Forces.
Canada: A total of 1,159 vehicles have been ordered by the Canadian Army beginning in late 2003. Canada purchased three variants including: with Gun turret; non turreted; and military police. These vehicles are utilised by both Regular and Reserve units.[111] Users include the Queen's York Rangers, a reserve light reconnaissance unit of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. An armoured kit can be fitted (or removed) in 8 hours by three soldiers. Their light armour has been criticised for leading to loss of life in Afghanistan, however it is considerably better than the Iltis predecessor. For the most exposed missions in Afghanistan 75 RG-31 Nyalas built by BAE Land Systems OMC, South Africa were used.:
Chile: The Chilean Army has been using the W461 for many decades in many configurations.
Croatia:
Croatia bought 300 to 320 vehicles for needs of Croatian army and for operations in Afghanistan additional 30 RG-31 vehicles were delivered. Croatia uses mix of 4×4 vehicles in peacekeeping operations and the G-Class is a very popular choice within the Croatian Army. G-Class is supplemented by Land Rover Wolf and Iveco LMV.
Denmark:
The Danish military bought the 240 GD (/24, /28 and /34 variants) to supersede the M151A1, the Volkswagen 181 ("Jagdwagen") and the Land Rover 88.[115] First deliveries of the 240 GD were in 1985 and later the 290 GD (/24 and /28 variants) were also introduced. More than 1,300 have been put in service. A few 300 GE's have also been used — mainly by the Danish army EOD-services. Currently the Danes are taking delivery of over 2,000 270CDIs in several variants, starting in 2003.
East Timor:
Used by units of Army of the Timor Leste Defence Force.
Egypt:
The Egyptian Army uses the G 320 (4 × 4) armoured personnel carrier has been designed as a private venture by the Kader Factory for Developed Industries and is based on the chassis of the commercial German Mercedes-Benz MB 320G (4 × 4) light vehicle. This vehicle is based on the long-wheelbase version of the German Mercedes-Benz G 320 4 × 4 with the chassis frame being modified by a heavy-duty suspension which has been designed to withstand the additional weight imposed by the armour package.
Estonia:
The Estonian Defence Forces have a small number of various G-Class vehicles, which were purchased to replace the outdated UAZ and Volkswagen Iltis vehicles.
Finland:
The Finnish Army uses the Geländewagen mostly as armored vehicles and ambulances, but other versions are also in service.
France:
The French Army has the Peugeot P4 which is a derivative from the G-Class equipped with Peugeot engine and equipment.
Germany:
The German Armed Forces uses the G-Class under the name "Wolf". Over 12,000 vehicles have been delivered in over 50 versions, ranging from ambulance vehicles to armored vehicles used by the German special forces. In the 1970s the cheaper Volkswagen Iltis was preferred; now the Iltis is replaced by the "Wolf" and the armoured variant LAPV Enok.
AGF (Light infantry vehicle) of the German special forces
A LAPV Enok, the latest armored model of the German Army
Lkw gl leicht Wolf
Wolf SSA.
Einsatzleitwagen der Bundeswehr
Greece:
A Greek Army vehicle in Military Police colours
The Greek Army as well as Air Force, Navy and Police have several versions (462) of the Geländewagen, manufactured by ELBO the Hellenic Vehicles Industry.[2]
Hungary:
The Hungarian Ground Forces have 233 of G-270 CDI BA 10, which is mounted with UMF light-machine gun platform, and 5 of G-280 CDI BA6 C+R SSA FB6. More will be purchased between 2010 and 2013.
Indonesia:
Paspampres (Indonesian Presidential Security forces) are using G 270 CDI for their fleet with SIRINA lights, Gunner Roof Mount, Bullbar, Black Grill, Roof and Rear View Mirror Handles. New model of G 300 CDI in 2010 acquired not less than 30 units for presidential and vice-presidential escort purposes. The Paspampres uses black G 300 CDI with the Military Police in white and ensigns with Indonesian MP insignia.
Iraq:
The Kurdish Peshmerga has 60 "Wolf" including 20 lightly armored type to help fight off the ISIL forces.
Ireland:
The Irish Army used a number of G-Wagens as ambulances.
Kosovo:
The KSF use more than 200. And used by the Kosovo Police which were seized after the Banjska attack
Latvia:
The Latvian Land Forces and Latvian National Guards use different modifications of Geländewagen, including armored.
Lebanon:
The Lebanese Army operates 20 G-wagon donated by Royal Dutch Army as ambulances
Lithuania:
The Lithuanian Armed Forces operates approximately 200 formerly Dutch GD vehicles since delivery in 2016. On December 17, 2021, the National Defence Volunteer Force will receive 125 ex-Dutch GDs for patrolling the land border with Belarus.
Luxembourg:
The Military of Luxembourg uses the 300D variant of the Geländewagen.
Malaysia:
Locally built by DEFTECH since 2001, the G-Wagon is used along with Land Rover Defender as light transport of Malaysian Army. It uses the GD280 chassis.
Malaysia Army GD290
Mexico:
The Mexican naval defense secretary (SEMAR) announced in 2008, a contract to purchase large numbers of Mercedes-Benz military vehicles for the Mexican Marine corps. As of May 16, 2009 The SEMAR has received 20 of the 84 G-Class vehicles in order.
Mongolia:
The Ministry of Defense of Mongolia operates 10 G-class vehicles (Wolf) donated by the German Government in 2010.
Netherlands:
The Royal Netherlands Army uses various versions of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, mostly 461 290GD manual gearbox, 290GD TD manual gearbox models and a 280cdi V6 model with automatic gearbox. The Dutch police and Koninklijke Marechaussee also use the G-Class. Most of the police versions are armored 463 models.
North Korea:
The Korean People's Army appears to have acquired G-class vehicles, some of which were seen on the Workers' Party of Korea 65th anniversary military parade. At the funeral of Kim Jong-il his hearse was flanked by G-Class vehicles.
Norway:
The Norwegian Army bought 240 GD to replace Volvo and Land Rover 4×4 vehicles in the mid-1980s, and 300 GD to use as ambulances. The 300GD is also used to transport the launch control station and optical sensors for the NASAMS Air-defense system. During the 90's 290 GD's where bought, and in the first half of the 00's a small number of armoured 270 CDI's were put into service. Today the Defence Forces operates a total of 3000 vehicles. The escort company of the Norwegian Royal Guard employs a black G 500 AMG with police lights on the roof.
Poland:
96 GD 290 and 25 MB290GD WD in service with Wojska Lądowe. 13 GD 290 in service with the Żandarmeria Wojskowa.
Portugal:
The Portuguese Marine Corps uses the G-class for light transport along with Toyota Landcruiser and Land Rover Defender 90.
Russia:
Police, state security units, military and governmental agencies are using the G-Class. Mostly civilian versions in black. Security escort vehicles for both the President and Prime Minister are black G 500 and G 55 AMG.
Serbia:
The Serbian Military currently uses Puch 300GD model. They also uses the following models in 300GD33, 300GD6 and 300GD10 variants, for transport of VIP persons in 300GD3-LUX and 300GD6-LUX and Special Forces Brigade is use modified version designed for access to combat zone.
Singapore:
The Singapore Army bought the 270 and 290 versions as secondary military transport. It is used in soft-top truck configuration and is known as a 1.5-tonner or simply "MB" to its users. And also some were used also for patrolling in a "jeep" form. The Army also deploys the extremely short-wheelbase, soft-top version for its Colonels, Battalion COs, Brigade and Division Commanders as personal field transports.
Slovenia:
The Military of Slovenia uses Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles mainly for transport.
Slovakia:
The Armed Forces of Slovak republic uses Mercedes-Benz G-280 CDI in 5th Special Forces Regiment.
Sweden:
The Swedish Army uses MB 290/T (1994), MB 290GD (2000) and MB 270 CDI (2005). The GW is to be the main light terrain vehicle in the Swedish armed forces in the future. In 2011 a framework agreement was signed between FMV and Daimler AG. An initial contract for 105 300 CDI was signed.[
Switzerland:
The Swiss Armed Forces uses the 230 with soft top as the primary general purpose carrier, and a hardtop version as mobile radio access point. It is in service since 1985 and gradually replaced Willys Jeeps, Steyr-Puch Haflinger light transports and Pinzgauer medium transports in the liaison and transport role. All versions in Swiss Army use are unarmed. When it was selected, it was in competition against the Saurer F006 (developed with Monteverdi) or the 230M variant.[134] From 2014, the Steyr Daimler Puch 230 GE is going to be gradually replaced by the Mercedes-Benz G 300 CDI 4x4 hardtop version, starting with a first series of 3,200 vehicles.
Thailand:
Royal Thai Army: No detail.
United Kingdom:
An Argentine Army G-Class captured by the British Army during the Falklands War was subsequently used by No. 18 Squadron RAF in West Germany for several years. The British Commanders'-in-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany (BRIXMIS) also used a number.
Ukraine:
Police, state security units, military and governmental agencies are using the G-Class. Mostly civilian versions in black. Security escort vehicles for both the President and Prime Minister are black G 500 and G 55 AMG.
United States:
USMC IFAV
The USMC Interim Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV) is a modified version of the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen 290. It replaces the modified M-151A21⁄4 ton truck jeep used by the Marines as an FAV in the 1990s. The U.S. Marine Corps acquired 157 of the IFAVs distributed as follows:
- (I) Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Camp Pendleton, CA (33);
- (II) MEF Camp Lejeune, NC (25);
- (III) MEF on Okinawa, Japan (27);
- (IV) 17 Force Recon, Afghanistan (22);
- (V) 3 Force Recon Bn, Iraq (23);
- (VI) 1st Provisional DMZ Police Company, Korea (15);
- (VII) various miscellaneous (12)
In the late 1990s the USMC acquired the G-Class model as the Interim Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV), which was essentially a '97 to '01 DaimlerChrysler model 290 GDT, a diesel-power 2-door with a pick-up bed.[138] This was compact and light enough to be transported inside a Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion Helicopter.[138]
Src/Read More
Russek, Peter (2006). Mercedes-Benz G-Models/Puch G/240 GD, 300 GD, 230 G, 230 GE, 280 GE, 250 GD. Pocket Mechanic Vehicle Manual. Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, UK: Peter Russek Publications.
Sand, Jörg (2008). Das Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse Schrauberhandbuch: reparieren und optimieren leicht gemacht [The Mercedes-Benz G Class Gearheads' Handbook: repairing and optimizing made easy] (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel.
Mercedes-Benz G/Puch G/240 GD, 300 GD bis 1989; 300 GD ab 1990; 230 G, 230 GE bis 1984; 230 GE ab 1985; 280 GE, 250 GD ab 1988. Reparaturanleitung, Band 1201. (in German) (3rd ed.). Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 2011.
Mercedes-Benz Technical Companion. Cambridge, MA, USA: Bentley Publishers. 1998.
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