It’s not unusual at all for a single model to sport numerous engine types under the hood, as it helps the automaker to reach a broader audience without having to launch an entirely new model. Take the GR Supra as an example. Toyota sold it with both four- and six-cylinder engines, allowing it to appeal to those after an entry-level sports car as well as those after something a bit more serious.
Mercedes-Benz does this often too, shoving everything from four- to six- to eight-cylinder engines into much of its model range over the years. However, one particular model donning the three-pointed star stands out from the rest, having been fitted with just about every powerplant type imaginable, save for a three-cylinder or a V16. Nope, it’s not a C- or E-Class, but rather the automaker’s legendary off-roader, the G-Class.
Four-Cylinder-Powered G-Class Models
Specs
Engine
2.0 to 2.3-liter naturally aspirated inline-four (M102)
Transmission
4 & 5-speed manual, 4 & 5-speed automatic
Power
118 to 126 horsepower
Torque
127 to 142 lb-ft
If these lowly four-cylinder models seem unfamiliar and out of line with the luxury image that the G-Class now had, that’s likely because they were never offered in the US. Along with other earlier models, namely the diesel-powered variants covered below, these 200 and 230 grades were off-road-oriented. They did not sport the luxurious charm or, indeed, the more capable outputs that American audiences would have expected from a Benz.
Depending on whether the buyer opted for an earlier 2.0-liter or later 2.3-liter M102 engine, the four-pot G-Wagen (it would become the G-Class in 1993) would kick out around 120 horsepower, with an equally unimpressive torque figure. However, much like the contemporary Land Rover Defender it went up against, this G-Wagen was rugged, equipped with all the cabin basics one might expect of a solid off-roader, and a dependable four-wheel-drive system.
There are no quilted leather seats or thunderous soundtracks to be found here, and while that does limit the appeal of these iterations on the classic market today, these earliest of examples still charm many a collector. Especially those that can appreciate the back-to-basics nature of Mercedes’ purest G-Wagen design.
This Rare Military G-Class Variant Boasted A Diesel Four-Cylinder
Specs
Engine
2.4-liter naturally aspirated diesel four-cylinder (OM616)
Transmission
4-speed manual
Power
72 horsepower
Torque
100 lb-ft
The aforementioned gas-powered models look like high-performance grades when compared to the 240 GD. Here was a non-turbo, four-cylinder diesel engine in a G-Class, capable of a top speed of 60 mph and really not much else. That didn’t matter though, as the 240 GD was first and foremost a military vehicle.
It served successfully in many European armed forces during the 1990s, most prominently as a scout vehicle. It was designed to be robust and mechanically simple, so that it could keep on going with little more than routine maintenance, regardless of the circumstances. The OM616 is famously simple — it boasts mechanical fuel injection, and, of course, no spark plugs or distributor — and it was more fuel-efficient than gas options, which is why it made sense for military applications.
Five-Cylinder Turbodiesel G-Class Proved Popular In Europe
Specs
Engine
2.7 & 2.9-liter turbo diesel inline-five
Transmission
4-speed & 5-speed automatic
Power
120 to 156 horsepower
Torque
207 to 295 lb-ft
Here is where the G-Class really starts to open up in terms of engine options. At this point, the model had not yet been introduced to the US. In fact, no diesel-powered grade ever made its way into the country, but throughout Europe, five-cylinder diesel models were sold in reasonable numbers. Furthermore, these powerplants made sense on a civilian level, rather than simply as military machines, like the aforementioned OM616.
It was the G 270 CDI that came with a five-speed gearbox, while the 290 GD Turbodiesel was exclusively equipped with a four-speed gearbox. It should be noted at this point that naturally aspirated diesel five-pot models also made the cut for production, namely the 250, 290, and 300 GD, and these are more commonly found with manual transmissions.
Back to the turbo models: it was the G 270 CDI that delivered the more meaningful bite, with 156 hp and 295 lb-ft, while the larger but older 290 engine made do with the lower figures shown in the table.
During the production of these models, and indeed the gas models of this era, the G-Class underwent a significant update in 1997. New engines, new body styles — notably the now hugely desirable Cabriolet grade, and various interior updates were rolled out.
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The G-Class Motivated By Six-Cylinder Engines
Specs
Engine
3.0 & 3.2-liter inline-six, 3.2-liter V6
Transmission
4-speed & 5-speed automatic
Power
170 to 215 horsepower
Torque
173 to 221 lb-ft
Now, coming to six-cylinder options, we see the G-Class finally reaching what many would consider reasonably appropriate power outputs for the big Mercedes. Two inline options are important to cover here: the M103-powered G 300 (formerly 300 GE), and the M104-powered G 320.
The M103 is a 3.0-liter inline-six, available from 1990 through 1997, producing 170 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque. The G 320, however, was powered by a more potent 3.2-liter unit. Output rose to 208 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, and it too met its maker in 1997, when new engine options were made available.
What replaced these options would be a new six-cylinder engine, this time in a V formation. Dubbed the M112, this 3.2-liter V6 produced 215 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, and while the above earlier iterations made do with a four-speed automatic, the V6 came equipped with a smooth five-speed.
While the early gas- and diesel-powered models are now scarce, these six-cylinder models — particularly the later V6 models — are easier to find and make for popular, cost-effective G-Class entry points for many. These sport the same robust nature as the early cars, yet they aren’t so lethargic. Plus, the financial barrier to entry is much lower than that of smart eight-cylinder variants. While the G-Class didn’t make its way into the US until 2002, all models predating this point are now eligible to bring into the country, thanks to the 25-year import rule.
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V8 Power Turned The G-Class Into An International Icon
Specs
Engine
Various N/A, twin-turbocharged, and supercharged V8s
Transmission
4, 5, & 7-speed automatic
Power
241 to 563 horsepower
Torque
277 to 561 lb-ft
For many, this is where the G-Class gets interesting. While the first decades of G-Class production were heavily focused on robust, rugged dependability, the post-2000 years were definitely more geared toward civilian use. The bold and boxy lines of the G-Class benefited greatly from the addition of a rumbling V8, with the model’s popularity soaring once Mercedes mated the two.
The 500 GE was first on the scene, actually arriving in the early 1990s, with an M117 under the hood. This was a 5.0-liter lump with 241 hp and 277 lb-ft. The M113 would soon replace it in the G 500, and the M273 would replace it in the G 550. These churned out 292 hp and 336 lb-ft, or 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, respectively.
It was also here that AMG first got its hands on the G-Class, creating iconic variants like the G 55 and G 63 AMG. The former draws motivation from a supercharged V8, with output soaring as high as 507 hp, while the G63 embarrasses all with a maximum of 563 hp and 561 lb-ft. Twin turbochargers help the G 63 reach these dizzying heights.
V12 Engines Transformed The G-Class Into A Status Symbol
Specs
Engine
6.3-liter naturally aspirated and twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12
Transmission
5-speed & 7-speed automatic
Power
440 to 621 horsepower
Torque
457 to 737 lb-ft
These V12-powered models are a far cry from the four-cylinder units that would be used to bumble across rough terrain. Instead, they are more likely to be spotted cruising the smooth, paved streets of Monte Carlo. The first V12 G-Class engine made available was a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter unit. These were known as the G 63 AMG V12, but only five were ever commissioned, specifically for the Dubai royal family.
More commonly, but far from common, is the G 65 AMG. A twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 powered the once-humble G-Class, producing up to 621 hp and a monstrous 737 lb-ft of torque to keep the wheels turning. Immaculate paintwork, beautifully trimmed cabins, and a luxury-first approach set the G 65 apart from virtually anything else on the road. These cars are a real status symbol of wealth, but for those who really need to show it off, one of the 99 Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulets ought to do the trick; these too are powered by the G 65’s mighty ‘twelve.’
Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Classic, Expedition Motor Company, Mercedes-AMG.
