People don’t just “don’t mind” that you have to slam the doors in order to close them, they actively love it and you can be sure that Mercedes did everything they could to make those doors as heavy as they could 🙂
For that kind of money you can have a heavy door and still make it close softly. Rolls-Royce and Bentley come to mind. And that's the kind of money we're dealing with here, I never understood these stupid things and why anybody would want them. I would take a loaded up, full size Range Rover over this any day.
@@XennialGuy Range Rovers, even the new ones, though are leagues apart in terms of luxury and comfort, are still quite prone to mechanical issues and sometimes the downtime when that happens is mind boggling. I've known 2 of them to have been off the road for over 3 months and one being their top of the line EWB Autobiography model. At that price range you wouldn't wanna see such issues with the vehicle whereas the G63 is a pretty solid platform. The ones by Brabus that make upto to 900bhp in the highest spec model seem to be bulletproof.
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong about this but one of the reasons that the G-wagon was so popular in the United States with wealthly people was tax reasons. It was so heavy that it qualified as a commercial vehice meaning if you bought one and you owned a business, you could write it off on your taxes and virtually everyone who bought one owned a business of some sort if only in name.
Any vehicle could be a "commercial vehicle" if you're using it for business activities. If you just drive around for personal use, there's no write off allowed.
Have you looked at a classic Range Rover, an original Vogue, and found yourself thinking "i wish they were still like this"? These new G-Wagons are all about that. They made a completely new thing, that didn't spoil what people liked about the old one.
Porsche 911 GT3 is one of the best cars on the planet, not because it's practical, but because it emotionally moves you as much as it physically moves you. The G-Wagon is the same type of vehicle, it's about providing an experience that feels special.
Others have already commented on the doors sounding and feeling the way they are on purpose specifically because it is supposed to emulate things like a W140 and older Mercedes in sound and feel; but I'll just add an anecdote: I went to an auto show in 2015 when Mercedes was coming out with the G550 for the first time. I got in the car, and I sat in it, and I opened/closed the door a few times and then locked/unlocked it. That was all I was interested in. I had read the Car and Driver review of it that likened the locking mechanism to four people pulling the slides on Glocks at the same time, and I *had* to see. And when I got out of it, the Mercedes guy at the booth mused that he had had over a dozen people in the first *hour* of that day alone show up to look at the car and do nothing but what I did. No questions about anything else about the car. No queries about the powerplant changes or the lunacy of putting that much power into one as standard. Just sitting in it and playing with the doors and door locks, then leaving.
A G Wagon is what most Defender owners want their Defender to be... There's still a lot of defenders that get used as a work horse. Bet there's next to no G Wagons that are anymore
That you get to borrow people's cars, but don't shy away from giving your honest feelings about the vehicle is why you're my most watched motoring journalist, James. It would be so easy to be taken in by the generosity, but it's a credit to you that you never do that. I've always been ambivalent to the modern G-wagen/Class, but I think I'd love an early off-road one, which is probably due to having a few Matchbox versions as a kid.
Even with the price of 120K, if you order one now you will get delivery somewhere around end of 2024. That's how popular these are. And for the colour: i had the same colour on my E-class. "Smaragdschwarz" is the german name. It's an awesome colour when the sun hits it. With green and blue shining through depending on the angle you see it
@@Poatan.chama. Yes because many people now have started buying cars to resell them immediately after delivery as there are plenty of wealthy people that won't care about a slightly higher price if they can get one immediately
My G55 AMG is the best car I've ever owned. I almost cried when I had to sell it, as my wife wouldn't drive a LHD car in the UK. I bought it and used it in Dubai for 2 years, imported it and used it in the UK for another 3 years. 8MPG in town and the very best I ever achieved was 16.6 MPG. But what a car. I could hang my KTM from the tow bar and use it for anything as the cargo bay in the back is perfectly square. One day I'll buy one of these.
Oh, and as for prices, yes these are ridiculously expensive, but they hold their value like nothing else. I sold mine 5 years later for more than I paid for it. Free motoring.
I know a guy who was in the French military for a long time and drove the P4s (French military Gs) all the years of his service. After he left the military he started a business and bought a G55K. When I last checked he had a long-term consumption of 15,5 liters/100 km. I think that´s not so bad for a 476 hp/2500 kg vehicle :)
One of your best. Maybe it's just refreshing to see a review that's not all fluff. Funny. I just realized, I only watch British car content. You and #27 being a favorite.
The 2024 updated version has basically everything you could need. As someone who exclusively uses the touchscreen on infotainment systems and values wireless CarPlay, if those thing can be retrofitted to a 2019 model that would be badass
It's one of those cars I've just never understood the appeal of. It's priced like a luxury car but it's not very luxurious, it's a capable off roader but the cost of scratching/denting it rules that out and it's capable of going ludicrously fast but isn't suitable for fast driving. I dunno, maybe I just don't care enough about what other people think to see the value in a status symbol.
Agreed. Most Mercs I really like, but I simply cannot see the appeal of one of these apart from being a "flex" to show off your wealth. I've never seen one with even a speck of dirt on it anyway, so in that case why not buy one of the more luxurious SUVs they make?
To repair a dent or a scratch on a G-Wagon isn´t more expensive than on a Defender or Land Cruiser :) The G-Wagens weren´t always that expensive. Until about 2012 You could buy a G300CDI for like 55-60k compared to a J7 Land Cruiser which costed like 40-45k but lacked to permanent 4x4 and automatic gearbox. The used cars also weren´t that expensive just a few years ago. For example back in 2019 I bought a 1996 290GD 5 door with 220t kms and minimal rust for 11.500 Euro...
I had a G for many years as a toy. A short wheelbase with uprated springs and no rear seats. It was great off road and with the rear soft top removed made a great occasional pick up which would carry more than a tonne. With a mine plate and good tyres it was amazing off road; once falling 3m onto hard ground without damage. It appreciated in value considerably over the ten+ years I had it. Not so keen on these latest fat cat models.
The G Wagons are popular because they can be discreetly bullet proofed and are popular with certain Eastern European business men who live in Mayfair 🙂
Why are even the old ones so expensive? Because this car has become an ICON... exactly like Jaguar E-Type MK1, Lamborghini Countach and air cooled Porsche 911's. People are not only paying for the car and its abilities. It has nothing to do with that. People are paying for the ultimate status in the car world. Very, very few cars achieve that status.
I came to these some 30 years back, a friends well worn hose down 300GD Long wheel base auto. It had a normally aspirated, asthmatic inline five 3ltr diesel with the power (85bhp) of a paraffin stove, with a slush 4 speed auto, low range and diff locks aplenty. Coming from ex MOD Landrovers and tractors it’s bombproof build and utilitarian nature appealed. The doors slammed like a bank vault and sealed when submerged, which to a car driver is anathema 🙂 as you stated. My farming friend had a first gen, hearing aid beige two door Range Rover V8 with a hose down interior in farming spec……. compared it was bloody awful, shockingly built and fragile. We towed a caravan on an “all points” figure of 8 UK tour…… towing a caravan up and down Hardknott Pass in Cumbria at 1 in 3 or 33%…….. for fun. It pissed it. My hair grew faster than it moved, but that was part of the charm. It literally went anywhere……. slowly. Later, I had a 300GD Short wheel base in silver, grey indicators, all the kit, private plate, big MB Alloys and tufty tyres……. this REALLY went everywhere, same engine but manual……. overtaken by continental drift, but charming and vault like. Still very basic but beautifully built, no electronics, no driving modes, valued by the owners but not stupidly priced. Sadly I sold it 🙁 replaced with an Amazon 4.2TD, then an Amazon VX 4.7V8 petrol, then an XC90 D5 I still have a 280GE short wheel base petrol auto, smooth as silk (straight six), more shove (160bhp) mat green, rough as F in a mates barn in France……. must retrieve it. Like the JLR thing they call a deaf-ender, which is just another overpriced Velour, Sport, Disco, Range, Evoque lookalike…. they are missing the point……. the G Wagen was born out of a Germanic desire for a bastard tough military vehicle, which they built. Like the AM General HUMVEE, civvies wanted one and the ghastly Hummer H2 and H3 by GM was sold…… a dreadful pastiche…..🙁🇺🇸 Off road the G was invincible, only eclipsed by the Unimog (I’ve got one of them as well 🙂). Built in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr, some badged as Puch or licence built by Peugeot with their own engines. Like the Landrover, I wish they’d left it alone and concentrated on the ML for the civilians and left the G Wagen for work. Take the G63 AMG, it’s like putting a Tesla drivetrain under Grandads mobility scooter…… it’s just wrong. I wouldn’t take issue with your appraisal, particularly about the ludicrous price…….. but, you went out to road test a car……. and it isn’t…. it’s a G Wagen !! 😎
I'm curious to see you drive a 2018 or older G-class to see the horror on your face. They were truly terrible to drive. The new one is a HUGE improvement.
years ago, when i was selling my knackered w123, the buyer turned up in a g500, i think, a 1994, and had me drive it to his place while he drove the 123. The power was fun, but i didn't like anything else about it. It was snowy and about -10, and the thing didn't inspire any confidence in any of the turns. And you sat as if on a stool.
@@zloychechen5150 I worked as a technician at an MB dealership for 10 years so I've driven pretty much every version of the G wagon. The AMG versions are terrifying. They have way more power than they know what to do with. Strangely the V12 powered G65 felt tame compared to the G63. G63 is a vehicle that should not exist.
Your door comment made me chuckle. Mercedes carried out extensive customer research with existing G customers when designing this version. Number 1 thing they wanted? Yep - the meaty shutting doors with the associated thunk. Mercedes know what they’re doing.
It’s a weird car I understand, but when driving my parents 1995 g320, it still handles bad the visibility isn’t great, it’s slow, but it just has so much character with those doors that for some reason i love driving it
Having driven a couple of these I think they are over rated compared to other cars on the market, I do respect the fact the looks/design hasn't changed for years though
Bizarre. I own a g350d and you literally drove past my house in that video! Enjoyed it, and don’t disagree with anything you said. Great tow car and the price of the new models means I won’t be changing any time soon!
I got one for the night for my sister's wedding, the amg v8 one. Good fun. I do wish you could buy stripped out basic versions, like what our army and rangers use (Australia).
Do you know what James , I never thought I’d be saying this but you quite suit the G-Wagon. The wacky shirts , hair style , baller wheels . Looks good on you dude!
Call me weird, I want the G63. I thought because it costs as much as a McLaren 570S here in Indonesia, no one will ever buy one and opted for the diesel instead. What actually happened is that not a single soul bought the diesel G400d. Everyone and their mother bought G63 instead. I think I saw one or two G400d on sale at grey imports, but probably 90% of new G-wagen here are G63s, even Mercedes-Benz Indonesia themselves did not bother importing G400d because "Why would we do that when everyone wants G63?".
Maybe because the Indonesians that are able to afford them care more about status than actual practicality. You know how it works, you’re viewed as a peasant if you own a non-AMG Mercedes 😂
The G400d works better. To those that can behave, it actually does just over 1100km on a tankful, PLUS it has much better low-down torque. The petrol V8 is only better at 0-100km/h and top speed. But 6.4s 0-100 and 210km/h is more than I need.
I think 30 mpg is very generous considering the weight and 4wd drive system. 120k is also not that bad for how capable it is. An additional 200 hp and maybe 10 more mpg can be had lightly modded
The reason for very difficult door shutting is the fact that the vehicle is completely sealed : this allow two main things: 1 - completely waterproofing the inside for wading depths of about 27 inches and 2 - when you shut the doors, there is actual pressurization inside the car so no dust actually gets in, no smoke, no pollution etc… keep in mind pretty much everything about this car has sprout from a military need… so there are numerous oddities and weird elements which, going back to it’s origin make sense, but don’t if you don’t go back in time… This vehicle is in so many mays a perfectly renewed anachronism wrapped in superficial modernism… hence the very strong feelings of hate or love it elicits…
Not actually true, if any vehicle was completely sealed you would not be able to slam the doors closed. Example: A jeep Rubicon can wade over 30 inches of water and it is not completely sealed. The solid feel of the doors come from the weight, sound proofing material, and rubber seals...
Massive massive fan of Mercedes but I struggle to love the G-Class. Double checked the OTR price and they start from £131K - I cannot see myself spending that on a car that doesn't have anything particularly outstanding to offer outside of its appearance
Yeah when I was suv shopping there was a car show and I got to sit in a g wagon and was so disappointed. The rear seats are crazy tight. Range Rover is better bang for your Buck. More space. More luxury. Softer ride. And can go anywhere(desert, snow,…) I’m glad I went with my Range Rover. G wagon is just looks.
They do very thorough testing on the G, and did so before release. So they run the finished preproductionand first production cars on a >2000km offroad run quite fast and hard, and nothing must get loose, stop working or rattle. This includes the infotainment. So they won't put a new infotainment into it without testing it in those harsh conditions. And if they do that sort of testing, then they don't just do it for the infotainment but "wait" till more changes accumulate so that it's worth the time and money. To be honest i much prefer the push-pull-turn-wheel (Mercedes i-drive version) over the "thing" in the a-class, but that's personal choice i guess. (i find those i drive things the safest and easiest way of using an infotainment system while driving. A touch screen while driving offroad or on a very bumpy road is only usable while standing still.)
My friend has a perfectly original 1981 280GE, which just completed its 26th 5000 mile Kgalagadi desert trip. Wow, 43 years old and as new, very high mileage.
Another great video! When will you test the latest model of Toyota Landcruiser Prado (not the short one), preferably a high spec one? It's an old car, just like the G, but with a few additions..
Great video, i love your honesty. Ive just posted a video on the used g wagon prices, and like you i cant believe the price. I looked at buying a ex demo one 30 years ago, and on the test drive like you i thought it wasn't the 4x4 for me, too utilitarian, too much of a compromise, and i bought another Range Rover. like you after driving one, i'm perplexed by there desirability and price especially on the used market. keep up the good work
The G used to be a super capable utility vehicle (which it still is to this day). Once the rich started fancying them it became a status symbol and Mercedes of course ran with it and the prices became crazy. The G is engineered and built in my home town and we love it, but almost nobody can afford one and it's a rare sight around here. The only ones I see are old ones that are 25+ years old.
Well, there are 2 versions of the original G-Wagon with live front axle- the W461 (Mk2 facelift which came in 2002 with VG150E transfercase and and the filling hole on the right rear bumper, equipped with the OM642 V6 CDI since 2007) and the W464 which came in 2021 and shares the same OM656 engine and 9G gearbox with the current luxo W463A. The W461 is now being produced in Algeria with plans to sell it all across Africa and the W464 is only sold to military nowdays as it lacks a proper road homologation. AFAIK since September last year when the W464 was introduced they sold a few units to Norway and that´s it so they were also considering selling the W464 to the general public from 2023 but maybe they already have more military orders in connection to the war in Ukraine... Now I´am not 100% sure but I think they are also still building the 6x6 double cab version of the W461 for the Swedish military (same as the Astralians have only LHD) in Graz and that´s the only one a civilian can´t really buy as it has a partly armoured cab as standard.
One of the nicest things about my Jaguar is that the doors shut every time with no hassle. I actually have to tell people not to slam them because you really don't need to. Just pull the door and it will cose on it's own.
Jay, the G Wagon is actually the last vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz line up to get the MBUX operating system. It only got it this year or late last year if I remember correctly.
My last job, the man child that was my boss (or rather the owner's son) had a Brabus one of these. Utterly stupid. He also had a Lamborghini Huracan which he drove regularly enough to work that I would say he dailied it, and top spec Range Rover (along with a number of other cars that he didn't drive at all, or as often). Whilst I did respect the amount he drove the Lambo there is something certainly to be said about the sterotypical personalities attributed to owners of these cars (and cars like them). And I think that this is simply one of those cars - a car that people buy to make a statement about themselves, and nothing else. You don't buy a G-Wagon because you want to drive off-road. You don't buy them for the luxury. You don't buy them for the practicality. There are better cars that do that for the same amount or cheaper (*cough* Range Rover *cough*). You buy it because you want people to look at you, you want people to think you're something. At least with a Range Rover, they're understated. This is just the european version of a hummer.
range rover reliability is terrible though. I understand when your in that price range maintenance is not a big deal i would take a G over the defender, however i would hate the “hype boi” persona it emanates.
Totally agree. People who buy them think they look cool but the G has more than a whiff of new-money douchebag about it. The only people I see driving them are painfully blonde women in their late 50s with fake lips whilst wearing so much jewellery it sounds like Santa is driving.
There are (or where) a couple of factors that favored the G-wagon. You say it's cheaper to own a Range Rover, simply not true. Compare the used price of a RR sport to a G and you'll see. We've had one for six years now and if we were to sell it right now we'd only be set back about €15k. Another favorable attribute (among many others) was rarity, however, that changed with the new model. At the time we got ours they were pretty rare over here, people would even flash their beams or wave when passing. Maybe I'm partial but I think it's a cool car that offers something different compared to what's for sale, though I'm not particularly fond of the new one. And yes I agree there's a special clientele but I promise you, there are cool G owners.
@@CinemaAtv I didn't say a RR was cheaper...I said, specifically, that there are many options that are cheaper or *the same price*, and used the example of a RR as an example of all the points I had just made.
Several friends have/had both new and old G-Wagens and they are honestly crap, most sell them within a year and get something much better like a Range Rover. I drive proper Mercedes, S-Classes so I have little interest in G-Wagens but I still kind of like them. I will never forget when I asked my one friend what kind of gas mileage he got in his G-Wagen and he said "it doesn't" 😂 I will give you an example of the typical G-Wagen driver, my friend bought one for his wife, she's an elementary school teacher. I just don't know why people buy them, the full size Range Rover is so much better than it in every single way.
I think you summed up the reason people want one right at the beginning of the video with the sentence "they cost considerably more". And everyone knows this.
I think the point was missed here. The G-Wagen is not a car for those seeking top marks in comfort or practicality, it's purchased for it's character, history and capability.
A friend of mine was about to pick up a current gen Brabus G63 to have a go at the mad power those make but then dropped the plan n went on to get his LR done by Bowler instead. What a machine! It's nowhere close to the comfort levels of the G but as a brute 4x4 i feel it's one step above and rarer as well
Circa 2001 I saw a European car magazine, I forget which one, described the AMG version of this, “as useful as a used diaper”. I think there may have been a reference to going 155mph somewhere in there, too. Though I forget the exact quote, I always find the sentiment funny and chose to view your video knowing you’d offer an interesting opinion. I think they look great, but I’d rather get a luxury car and another off roader instead of the G-wagon.
I am not really an SUV person but I always wanted a G Wagon, albeit I was looking at a 2015 AMG V8 because I love the side exhaust pipes. Prices here in Australia are stratospheric. After some serious enquiries, I arranged for an extended test drive for a whole day. I loved the V8 noise and the side exhausts as expected. But my other thoughts were the same as yours. The ride quality was such that I felt it was going to detach my organs, the rear seat space was small and not very comfortable, even though I would never be in the rear seat myself and the interior was essentially a big version of an equivalent year A-Class. I wanted to love it because I told myself I wanted one. But I liked it a bit, which was not enough to buy one.
I drove one and it was a blast! Listened to Rock On at very hi volume. Subwoofered to 11. Fun. The owner hated the car cause of the maintenance. Best to drive one that you don't own.
How does it behave when you take it on your favourite piece of twisty back rowd? Does is glide over the bumps like in a magic carpet? Sloping roof? Swooping bonnet?
I have a friend who is not a car guy at all, but LOVES the G63. I don’t blame him for a second. In the era of euro boxes, it is refreshing to have something that is absolutely the opposite
Very true, and that's what people don't understand. It is by all accounts a "toy". A G63 serves one purpose, and that is to make you smile and be happy.
The development of the G-Class started in 1972 with a cooperative agreement between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria. The W460 was introduced at a press event held at the off-road proving ground in Toulon, France, and went on sale in September 1979 with three engine choices and five body variants. The first-generation M-Class, designated under the model code W163 is a body-on-frame SUV where production moved to the U.S. plant near Vance, Alabama. Since the original G-Wagon was more utilitarian vehicle, Mercedes had to make the M-Class more car-like for the US Market (No exposed door hinges for example). When I heard they were bringing the G-Wagon back as utilitarian as the version in the 70's( with only a few upgrades) and they expected people to pay many time more then the current GLE line( with is still more suited for the US market, you're not going off-road, you' re going to Whole Foods.).I said to myself nobody who Googled the previous would be ignorant enough to pay that much. I was wrong. The people who fell for this don't research. THEY FOLLOW.
Just had a look for G-Wagens at Berkeley Square, didn't see one. There's a 992 GT3 out the front of Lansdowne House, a Taycan Turbo S around the corner from that and a Rolls Royce Wraith up the road from the Taycan though!
If you can sell a car for considerably more than you paid for it, then in a very real sense, you are not overpaying for it. Conversely, no matter how cheap a car may appear to be, then you are overpaying for it, if it’s value tanks or it costs masses to keep.
They will always be flawed but they will always be loved. Maintaining the original styling instead of modernising to the point that the defender did was a master stroke. New Defenders look good in their own way but they lost a lot of character in the process.
The Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world just because one painting had to become the most famous one. The G-wagon being so wanted, makes no sense, but that's what I like about it.
For me this has always been a car that seemed to take the maker by surprise. Back in its early days it was a slightly more comfortable defender and I heard tell when the Falkland’s were recaptured the soldiers were delighted to gain some G-wagon as they were far more civilised (could be massive urban myth that) but that is what they were - the move to AMG is what customers pushed towards not what Merc intended at all in my opinion and when some military need a vehicle the G-wagon can still be in the mix
I firmly believe any cars made in Austria are top quality. I had an rcz and it was flawless. This looks like a car for looks only and is a complete wrip.off.
Thank you for the sensible response to an unsensible vehicle. I personally like the lines of the SUV. But I think a Toyota Land Cruiser would get you there just as easily without all of the heavy lifting as far as your wallet goes. No granted on the road Toyota Land Cruiser may not be as much fun. But I thought the whole point of buying an SUV was taking it off road. This vehicle is just one of those keeping up with the Joneses kind of things. And thank you for so succinctly pointing that out. Stay safe and may the road be with you
6:15 How very German. You don't even need to ask the engineers directly about fuel economy in their performance orientated 2.5 tonne slab sided 4x4, simply calculate it and they respond with 'nein' :)
The issue with shutting that door is probably over pressure from the air conditioning. When you have very good door seals combined with large door openings, it is an issue, given that the door is acting like a sail. I have the same challenge with our work tipper. Try it with the window partly open and you will see what I mean.
It actually makes not real difference. I thought of this and with or without sunroof open, there's no difference. The seals are tough, the door is heavy, and the latch is a heavily sprung latch that was designed to aide in the body strength as a whole. That's why the doors need a "slam" when closing.
A real gentleman's offroader that can tackle anything the leafy streets of Kensington has to throw at it, hopefully it comes with the necessary peasant blockers so you don't have to eyeball common folk when you're stationed at picking up the kids.
I happen to own quite a few cars including a 2015 G63 with the old 5.5V8 twin turbo engine, this morning my son Zac (23) asked me what my fave car is.......I wrote this " [30/03, 09:12] Andy: Tie between 840, 944turbo S, Datsun 660Z and 300ZXTT all of which I still have [30/03, 09:13] Zac: Why those 4? [30/03, 09:19] Andy: BMW just so cool to look at in and out, nice to drive, handles well and is reasonably fast and very well built despite being slowest of the bunch. Porsche great looks, performance and handling a road going track car 660 is a Monster potentially quickest car on the road, great handling fully sorted. 300ZXTT can live with most fast cars, on road and track, looks good and can also be a convertible, for cruising. Not to forget the SL55 which is a great convertible, one of the best ever 200mph cars and my current fave the SL550 just so nice .......Plus the Gwag next level road / off road car [30/03, 09:21] Zac: what about the RS6 ? made me wonder why you got rid of it instead of fixing it [30/03, 09:21] Zac: You seemed to like it a lot at the time [30/03, 09:22] Andy: The RS6 didn't make it cos it was the most unreliable car I have ever owned [30/03, 09:22] Andy: I never really had much fun in it cos it was never sorted [30/03, 09:23] Zac: Yes RS6 smh [30/03, 09:23] Andy: Audi S4 convertible was another great car I sometimes wish I hadn't sold [30/03, 09:23] Zac: This I can’t agree with [30/03, 09:23] Zac: I think the S4s look quite bad [30/03, 09:23] Zac: Blocky design [30/03, 09:23]: You never drove it [30/03, 09:24] Andy Ona: Fantastic gearshift and amazing grip plus a proper 4 seat convertible [30/03, 09:24] Andy Ona: Lots going for it [30/03, 09:24] Andy Ona: The X5 is also a great car [30/03, 09:24] Both the V8 and 40d [30/03, 09:25]: Difficult to choose just one to keep for life [30/03, 09:26]: If I was told you can only have one to drive for the rest of your life then it would be the Gwagon because it does almost everything all the others can do combined ...... Except be a convertible [30/03, 09:27] In which case I would opt for the latest G63 with Pano roof if it was available, £200K's worth...... No wonder Chris Harris owns one too.....Good company methinks.
Mercedes outsorced its first 4x4 becase they had no experience with this type of vehicle to the Austrian company Styer Puch (Since 2002 Magna) known by their capable 4x4 vehicles like Puch Pinzgauer or even Panda 4x4 , because of that the first G wagon had also a Puch badge it was known as Puch G 🙃
I drove a 90s armored G wagon (among various other things) in my army conscript service. I will say the experience is something you can't quite get with other cars
@@mducheine2784 I loved it. Thanks to the armor it's the weight of a full size american dually pickup truck in a Qashqai sized olive green crate on wheels. Solidity was bar none to support the weight with the reinforced chassis, hinges and everything. It's still built as old Mercs were, bit like a base model 124 really. Certainly on tarmac the ride honestly is not a million miles from how a train ride feels, it's like you're being pushed and pulled with magnetic force.
People don’t just “don’t mind” that you have to slam the doors in order to close them, they actively love it and you can be sure that Mercedes did everything they could to make those doors as heavy as they could 🙂
Lets not forget that rifle barrel sound when you lock the doors.
@@ZKhweziN You beat me to that comment
@@ZKhweziN a Jeep Grand Cherokee makes the same door lock noise lol
For that kind of money you can have a heavy door and still make it close softly. Rolls-Royce and Bentley come to mind. And that's the kind of money we're dealing with here, I never understood these stupid things and why anybody would want them. I would take a loaded up, full size Range Rover over this any day.
@@XennialGuy Range Rovers, even the new ones, though are leagues apart in terms of luxury and comfort, are still quite prone to mechanical issues and sometimes the downtime when that happens is mind boggling. I've known 2 of them to have been off the road for over 3 months and one being their top of the line EWB Autobiography model. At that price range you wouldn't wanna see such issues with the vehicle whereas the G63 is a pretty solid platform. The ones by Brabus that make upto to 900bhp in the highest spec model seem to be bulletproof.
Nice to see a review of a non AMG G wagon
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong about this but one of the reasons that the G-wagon was so popular in the United States with wealthly people was tax reasons.
It was so heavy that it qualified as a commercial vehice meaning if you bought one and you owned a business, you could write it off on your taxes and virtually everyone who bought one owned a business of some sort if only in name.
yes. s179
Precisely, these days most electric cars qualify for this. They can claim a Porsche Taycan is a ‘commercial vehicle’ because of its weight
Nice tidbit I didn't know about. Thanks
Any vehicle could be a "commercial vehicle" if you're using it for business activities. If you just drive around for personal use, there's no write off allowed.
@@TML34 yeah but s179 vehicles have special treatment.
Have you looked at a classic Range Rover, an original Vogue, and found yourself thinking "i wish they were still like this"? These new G-Wagons are all about that. They made a completely new thing, that didn't spoil what people liked about the old one.
Porsche 911 GT3 is one of the best cars on the planet, not because it's practical, but because it emotionally moves you as much as it physically moves you. The G-Wagon is the same type of vehicle, it's about providing an experience that feels special.
when you say special...do you mean special as in "special needs"....
@@MF-jp5vp Is that what you asked your Mom?
Good comment that 👍
It’s special in the way it makes up for being tiny in the trouser department 😂
Never drove a Ferrari huh? :DDDD
Others have already commented on the doors sounding and feeling the way they are on purpose specifically because it is supposed to emulate things like a W140 and older Mercedes in sound and feel; but I'll just add an anecdote: I went to an auto show in 2015 when Mercedes was coming out with the G550 for the first time. I got in the car, and I sat in it, and I opened/closed the door a few times and then locked/unlocked it. That was all I was interested in. I had read the Car and Driver review of it that likened the locking mechanism to four people pulling the slides on Glocks at the same time, and I *had* to see.
And when I got out of it, the Mercedes guy at the booth mused that he had had over a dozen people in the first *hour* of that day alone show up to look at the car and do nothing but what I did. No questions about anything else about the car. No queries about the powerplant changes or the lunacy of putting that much power into one as standard. Just sitting in it and playing with the doors and door locks, then leaving.
The G Wagon is what a Defender wants to be.
An offroader designed to be used by people that only drive in the city?
@@TheShinyShow it’s actually designed to be used for heavy off-roading. It is however true that 99.9% of them never leave the tarmac sadly.
A G Wagon is what most Defender owners want their Defender to be...
There's still a lot of defenders that get used as a work horse. Bet there's next to no G Wagons that are anymore
@@carmadguy the commercial versions are for that.
@@carmadguy defender owners will be getting stranded in their fields a lot 😂
That you get to borrow people's cars, but don't shy away from giving your honest feelings about the vehicle is why you're my most watched motoring journalist, James. It would be so easy to be taken in by the generosity, but it's a credit to you that you never do that.
I've always been ambivalent to the modern G-wagen/Class, but I think I'd love an early off-road one, which is probably due to having a few Matchbox versions as a kid.
Even with the price of 120K, if you order one now you will get delivery somewhere around end of 2024. That's how popular these are.
And for the colour: i had the same colour on my E-class. "Smaragdschwarz" is the german name. It's an awesome colour when the sun hits it. With green and blue shining through depending on the angle you see it
Plenty of these for sale in the netherlands, they are gonna cost you wel over €300k maybe that's why.
@@Poatan.chama. Yes because many people now have started buying cars to resell them immediately after delivery as there are plenty of wealthy people that won't care about a slightly higher price if they can get one immediately
@@tadassmolskas3014 nope that's just taxes over here. I saw a interview with a guy who payed €1.2 million in taxes on a new bugatti.
My G55 AMG is the best car I've ever owned. I almost cried when I had to sell it, as my wife wouldn't drive a LHD car in the UK. I bought it and used it in Dubai for 2 years, imported it and used it in the UK for another 3 years.
8MPG in town and the very best I ever achieved was 16.6 MPG. But what a car. I could hang my KTM from the tow bar and use it for anything as the cargo bay in the back is perfectly square.
One day I'll buy one of these.
Oh, and as for prices, yes these are ridiculously expensive, but they hold their value like nothing else. I sold mine 5 years later for more than I paid for it. Free motoring.
I know a guy who was in the French military for a long time and drove the P4s (French military Gs) all the years of his service. After he left the military he started a business and bought a G55K. When I last checked he had a long-term consumption of 15,5 liters/100 km. I think that´s not so bad for a 476 hp/2500 kg vehicle :)
@@mattdedasc You can sell any car for more than msrp in the last year though.
@@Mark-rt6fy Agreed. I sold mine 3 years ago.
@@mattdedasc that's impressive
One of your best.
Maybe it's just refreshing to see a review that's not all fluff.
Funny. I just realized, I only watch British car content. You and #27 being a favorite.
Jack's a good friend and one of the few other YTers I watch regularly
The 2024 updated version has basically everything you could need.
As someone who exclusively uses the touchscreen on infotainment systems and values wireless CarPlay, if those thing can be retrofitted to a 2019 model that would be badass
@@aleksei8884 You actually can do that if you want. It’s widely available
If you've ever sat in one of these, it just feels special. it's a place that you want to sit.
It's one of those cars I've just never understood the appeal of. It's priced like a luxury car but it's not very luxurious, it's a capable off roader but the cost of scratching/denting it rules that out and it's capable of going ludicrously fast but isn't suitable for fast driving. I dunno, maybe I just don't care enough about what other people think to see the value in a status symbol.
you're right on the money, this car is not for people who want a good car, it's for people who want to show off
@@JoseRodriguez-ey7ju 💯%. All that's remarkable is its price tag. Everything else is so so
Agreed. Most Mercs I really like, but I simply cannot see the appeal of one of these apart from being a "flex" to show off your wealth. I've never seen one with even a speck of dirt on it anyway, so in that case why not buy one of the more luxurious SUVs they make?
Yup, it's not very good at anything except being expensive. They do look pretty nice, but the wank factor puts me off.
To repair a dent or a scratch on a G-Wagon isn´t more expensive than on a Defender or Land Cruiser :)
The G-Wagens weren´t always that expensive. Until about 2012 You could buy a G300CDI for like 55-60k compared to a J7 Land Cruiser which costed like 40-45k but lacked to permanent 4x4 and automatic gearbox. The used cars also weren´t that expensive just a few years ago. For example back in 2019 I bought a 1996 290GD 5 door with 220t kms and minimal rust for 11.500 Euro...
G-wagons grow on you. When i was younger I hated them. Now I love it and its one of my dream cars.
I had a G for many years as a toy. A short wheelbase with uprated springs and no rear seats. It was great off road and with the rear soft top removed made a great occasional pick up which would carry more than a tonne. With a mine plate and good tyres it was amazing off road; once falling 3m onto hard ground without damage. It appreciated in value considerably over the ten+ years I had it. Not so keen on these latest fat cat models.
The G Wagons are popular because they can be discreetly bullet proofed and are popular with certain Eastern European business men who live in Mayfair 🙂
Why are even the old ones so expensive? Because this car has become an ICON... exactly like Jaguar E-Type MK1, Lamborghini Countach and air cooled Porsche 911's. People are not only paying for the car and its abilities. It has nothing to do with that. People are paying for the ultimate status in the car world. Very, very few cars achieve that status.
Why buy something for show status?? Never understood that
I came to these some 30 years back, a friends well worn hose down 300GD Long wheel base auto. It had a normally aspirated, asthmatic inline five 3ltr diesel with the power (85bhp) of a paraffin stove, with a slush 4 speed auto, low range and diff locks aplenty.
Coming from ex MOD Landrovers and tractors it’s bombproof build and utilitarian nature appealed. The doors slammed like a bank vault and sealed when submerged, which to a car driver is anathema 🙂 as you stated. My farming friend had a first gen, hearing aid beige two door Range Rover V8 with a hose down interior in farming spec……. compared it was bloody awful, shockingly built and fragile.
We towed a caravan on an “all points” figure of 8 UK tour…… towing a caravan up and down Hardknott Pass in Cumbria at 1 in 3 or 33%…….. for fun. It pissed it. My hair grew faster than it moved, but that was part of the charm. It literally went anywhere……. slowly.
Later, I had a 300GD Short wheel base in silver, grey indicators, all the kit, private plate, big MB Alloys and tufty tyres……. this REALLY went everywhere, same engine but manual……. overtaken by continental drift, but charming and vault like. Still very basic but beautifully built, no electronics, no driving modes, valued by the owners but not stupidly priced.
Sadly I sold it 🙁 replaced with an Amazon 4.2TD, then an Amazon VX 4.7V8 petrol, then an XC90 D5
I still have a 280GE short wheel base petrol auto, smooth as silk (straight six), more shove (160bhp) mat green, rough as F in a mates barn in France……. must retrieve it.
Like the JLR thing they call a deaf-ender, which is just another overpriced Velour, Sport, Disco, Range, Evoque lookalike…. they are missing the point……. the G Wagen was born out of a Germanic desire for a bastard tough military vehicle, which they built.
Like the AM General HUMVEE, civvies wanted one and the ghastly Hummer H2 and H3 by GM was sold…… a dreadful pastiche…..🙁🇺🇸
Off road the G was invincible, only eclipsed by the Unimog (I’ve got one of them as well 🙂). Built in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr, some badged as Puch or licence built by Peugeot with their own engines.
Like the Landrover, I wish they’d left it alone and concentrated on the ML for the civilians and left the G Wagen for work.
Take the G63 AMG, it’s like putting a Tesla drivetrain under Grandads mobility scooter…… it’s just wrong.
I wouldn’t take issue with your appraisal, particularly about the ludicrous price…….. but, you went out to road test a car……. and it isn’t…. it’s a G Wagen !! 😎
I'm curious to see you drive a 2018 or older G-class to see the horror on your face. They were truly terrible to drive. The new one is a HUGE improvement.
years ago, when i was selling my knackered w123, the buyer turned up in a g500, i think, a 1994, and had me drive it to his place while he drove the 123. The power was fun, but i didn't like anything else about it. It was snowy and about -10, and the thing didn't inspire any confidence in any of the turns. And you sat as if on a stool.
@@zloychechen5150 I worked as a technician at an MB dealership for 10 years so I've driven pretty much every version of the G wagon. The AMG versions are terrifying. They have way more power than they know what to do with. Strangely the V12 powered G65 felt tame compared to the G63. G63 is a vehicle that should not exist.
This!!
Very nice video. Love that green just wish it could seen more unless the sun is blazing. Cool car. Keep up the good work.
Good honest review. G-Klasse mostly is a status symbol.
Wasn't until green was mentioned as the colour I could see it, just looked black up until then. 120k, the price you pay for cool
Your door comment made me chuckle. Mercedes carried out extensive customer research with existing G customers when designing this version. Number 1 thing they wanted? Yep - the meaty shutting doors with the associated thunk. Mercedes know what they’re doing.
It’s a weird car I understand, but when driving my parents 1995 g320, it still handles bad the visibility isn’t great, it’s slow, but it just has so much character with those doors that for some reason i love driving it
Having driven a couple of these I think they are over rated compared to other cars on the market, I do respect the fact the looks/design hasn't changed for years though
Bizarre. I own a g350d and you literally drove past my house in that video! Enjoyed it, and don’t disagree with anything you said. Great tow car and the price of the new models means I won’t be changing any time soon!
I got one for the night for my sister's wedding, the amg v8 one. Good fun. I do wish you could buy stripped out basic versions, like what our army and rangers use (Australia).
Do you know what James , I never thought I’d be saying this but you quite suit the G-Wagon. The wacky shirts , hair style , baller wheels . Looks good on you dude!
Does seem more style than substance at that price limit! Thanks J! 🙏
I do enjoy your Benz reviews the most mate, and this one was no disappointment!
Thanks!
The only car that we owned where you could see the needle moving down on petrol gauge when driving it.
Call me weird, I want the G63. I thought because it costs as much as a McLaren 570S here in Indonesia, no one will ever buy one and opted for the diesel instead.
What actually happened is that not a single soul bought the diesel G400d. Everyone and their mother bought G63 instead. I think I saw one or two G400d on sale at grey imports, but probably 90% of new G-wagen here are G63s, even Mercedes-Benz Indonesia themselves did not bother importing G400d because "Why would we do that when everyone wants G63?".
Maybe because the Indonesians that are able to afford them care more about status than actual practicality. You know how it works, you’re viewed as a peasant if you own a non-AMG Mercedes 😂
@@devandrasimanjuntak1646 the G400d is a better off-road vehicle overall than the G63.
Diesel makes more sense for a vehicle of this weight but I guess status flex takes precedence
The G400d works better. To those that can behave, it actually does just over 1100km on a tankful, PLUS it has much better low-down torque. The petrol V8 is only better at 0-100km/h and top speed. But 6.4s 0-100 and 210km/h is more than I need.
Thanks for the textbook correct pronunciation of Geländewagen at the start of your talk.
Bitte
I think 30 mpg is very generous considering the weight and 4wd drive system. 120k is also not that bad for how capable it is. An additional 200 hp and maybe 10 more mpg can be had lightly modded
No way you are adding 200hp on a diesel with “light mods”. That requires new turbos at the very least. Expect 50-70 hp with an ecu tune tops.
It's a body on frame with a solid rear axle, that explains all the drivetrain quirks you explained but couldn't figure out.
The reason for very difficult door shutting is the fact that the vehicle is completely sealed : this allow two main things: 1 - completely waterproofing the inside for wading depths of about 27 inches and 2 - when you shut the doors, there is actual pressurization inside the car so no dust actually gets in, no smoke, no pollution etc… keep in mind pretty much everything about this car has sprout from a military need… so there are numerous oddities and weird elements which, going back to it’s origin make sense, but don’t if you don’t go back in time… This vehicle is in so many mays a perfectly renewed anachronism wrapped in superficial modernism… hence the very strong feelings of hate or love it elicits…
Not actually true, if any vehicle was completely sealed you would not be able to slam the doors closed. Example: A jeep Rubicon can wade over 30 inches of water and it is not completely sealed. The solid feel of the doors come from the weight, sound proofing material, and rubber seals...
Massive massive fan of Mercedes but I struggle to love the G-Class. Double checked the OTR price and they start from £131K - I cannot see myself spending that on a car that doesn't have anything particularly outstanding to offer outside of its appearance
Yeah when I was suv shopping there was a car show and I got to sit in a g wagon and was so disappointed. The rear seats are crazy tight. Range Rover is better bang for your Buck. More space. More luxury. Softer ride. And can go anywhere(desert, snow,…) I’m glad I went with my Range Rover. G wagon is just looks.
If you can watch a program called how cars are made, The G wagon that is an education, an unbelievable build.
Mercedes really did the new G a dirty giving it the infotainment from 2013 while they had the next gen infotainment already in use in the A.
They do very thorough testing on the G, and did so before release. So they run the finished preproductionand first production cars on a >2000km offroad run quite fast and hard, and nothing must get loose, stop working or rattle. This includes the infotainment. So they won't put a new infotainment into it without testing it in those harsh conditions. And if they do that sort of testing, then they don't just do it for the infotainment but "wait" till more changes accumulate so that it's worth the time and money.
To be honest i much prefer the push-pull-turn-wheel (Mercedes i-drive version) over the "thing" in the a-class, but that's personal choice i guess.
(i find those i drive things the safest and easiest way of using an infotainment system while driving. A touch screen while driving offroad or on a very bumpy road is only usable while standing still.)
My friend has a perfectly original 1981 280GE, which just completed its 26th 5000 mile Kgalagadi desert trip. Wow, 43 years old and as new, very high mileage.
Interestingly, I think the new defender in certain specs is attracting a similar crowd e.g. all black inc. wheels and tints driving around the city
James you are not miserable! Just a realistic person!! Excellent work fella!🚗🚗
Another great video! When will you test the latest model of Toyota Landcruiser Prado (not the short one), preferably a high spec one? It's an old car, just like the G, but with a few additions..
Great video, i love your honesty. Ive just posted a video on the used g wagon prices, and like you i cant believe the price. I looked at buying a ex demo one 30 years ago, and on the test drive like you i thought it wasn't the 4x4 for me, too utilitarian, too much of a compromise, and i bought another Range Rover. like you after driving one, i'm perplexed by there desirability and price especially on the used market. keep up the good work
G wagon squad is elite, period!
He got the pronunciation of Geländewagen right!!🎉🎉🎉. Now, on to Mercedes-Benz..... Mer C des, not mirsaydees. 😊
The G used to be a super capable utility vehicle (which it still is to this day). Once the rich started fancying them it became a status symbol and Mercedes of course ran with it and the prices became crazy. The G is engineered and built in my home town and we love it, but almost nobody can afford one and it's a rare sight around here. The only ones I see are old ones that are 25+ years old.
I always like the look of these & I dunno why as 4x4's are not my thing. Nice to see you in Norfolk jay 👍
Well, there are 2 versions of the original G-Wagon with live front axle- the W461 (Mk2 facelift which came in 2002 with VG150E transfercase and and the filling hole on the right rear bumper, equipped with the OM642 V6 CDI since 2007) and the W464 which came in 2021 and shares the same OM656 engine and 9G gearbox with the current luxo W463A. The W461 is now being produced in Algeria with plans to sell it all across Africa and the W464 is only sold to military nowdays as it lacks a proper road homologation. AFAIK since September last year when the W464 was introduced they sold a few units to Norway and that´s it so they were also considering selling the W464 to the general public from 2023 but maybe they already have more military orders in connection to the war in Ukraine... Now I´am not 100% sure but I think they are also still building the 6x6 double cab version of the W461 for the Swedish military (same as the Astralians have only LHD) in Graz and that´s the only one a civilian can´t really buy as it has a partly armoured cab as standard.
One of the nicest things about my Jaguar is that the doors shut every time with no hassle. I actually have to tell people not to slam them because you really don't need to. Just pull the door and it will cose on it's own.
It’s a vehicle that only Wayne Kerr will drive and own!!!!! Regards 👨🎤🇳🇿
Jay, the G Wagon is actually the last vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz line up to get the MBUX operating system. It only got it this year or late last year if I remember correctly.
Not so. It got it in 2019. By then other cars still got it. The AMG GT cars have it too up until 2020.
My last job, the man child that was my boss (or rather the owner's son) had a Brabus one of these. Utterly stupid.
He also had a Lamborghini Huracan which he drove regularly enough to work that I would say he dailied it, and top spec Range Rover (along with a number of other cars that he didn't drive at all, or as often).
Whilst I did respect the amount he drove the Lambo there is something certainly to be said about the sterotypical personalities attributed to owners of these cars (and cars like them).
And I think that this is simply one of those cars - a car that people buy to make a statement about themselves, and nothing else. You don't buy a G-Wagon because you want to drive off-road. You don't buy them for the luxury. You don't buy them for the practicality. There are better cars that do that for the same amount or cheaper (*cough* Range Rover *cough*). You buy it because you want people to look at you, you want people to think you're something.
At least with a Range Rover, they're understated. This is just the european version of a hummer.
range rover reliability is terrible though.
I understand when your in that price range maintenance is not a big deal
i would take a G over the defender, however i would hate the “hype boi” persona it emanates.
Totally agree. People who buy them think they look cool but the G has more than a whiff of new-money douchebag about it. The only people I see driving them are painfully blonde women in their late 50s with fake lips whilst wearing so much jewellery it sounds like Santa is driving.
Funny things is, a G wagon is now just basic. Go to every bigger German city and you see dozens every day
There are (or where) a couple of factors that favored the G-wagon. You say it's cheaper to own a Range Rover, simply not true. Compare the used price of a RR sport to a G and you'll see. We've had one for six years now and if we were to sell it right now we'd only be set back about €15k. Another favorable attribute (among many others) was rarity, however, that changed with the new model. At the time we got ours they were pretty rare over here, people would even flash their beams or wave when passing. Maybe I'm partial but I think it's a cool car that offers something different compared to what's for sale, though I'm not particularly fond of the new one. And yes I agree there's a special clientele but I promise you, there are cool G owners.
@@CinemaAtv I didn't say a RR was cheaper...I said, specifically, that there are many options that are cheaper or *the same price*, and used the example of a RR as an example of all the points I had just made.
Several friends have/had both new and old G-Wagens and they are honestly crap, most sell them within a year and get something much better like a Range Rover. I drive proper Mercedes, S-Classes so I have little interest in G-Wagens but I still kind of like them. I will never forget when I asked my one friend what kind of gas mileage he got in his G-Wagen and he said "it doesn't" 😂 I will give you an example of the typical G-Wagen driver, my friend bought one for his wife, she's an elementary school teacher. I just don't know why people buy them, the full size Range Rover is so much better than it in every single way.
I think you summed up the reason people want one right at the beginning of the video with the sentence "they cost considerably more". And everyone knows this.
I think the point was missed here. The G-Wagen is not a car for those seeking top marks in comfort or practicality, it's purchased for it's character, history and capability.
Don't change a thing. Looks beautiful. Keep it the same as you have in the past.
A friend of mine was about to pick up a current gen Brabus G63 to have a go at the mad power those make but then dropped the plan n went on to get his LR done by Bowler instead. What a machine! It's nowhere close to the comfort levels of the G but as a brute 4x4 i feel it's one step above and rarer as well
Circa 2001 I saw a European car magazine, I forget which one, described the AMG version of this, “as useful as a used diaper”. I think there may have been a reference to going 155mph somewhere in there, too. Though I forget the exact quote, I always find the sentiment funny and chose to view your video knowing you’d offer an interesting opinion. I think they look great, but I’d rather get a luxury car and another off roader instead of the G-wagon.
I am not really an SUV person but I always wanted a G Wagon, albeit I was looking at a 2015 AMG V8 because I love the side exhaust pipes. Prices here in Australia are stratospheric. After some serious enquiries, I arranged for an extended test drive for a whole day. I loved the V8 noise and the side exhausts as expected. But my other thoughts were the same as yours. The ride quality was such that I felt it was going to detach my organs, the rear seat space was small and not very comfortable, even though I would never be in the rear seat myself and the interior was essentially a big version of an equivalent year A-Class. I wanted to love it because I told myself I wanted one. But I liked it a bit, which was not enough to buy one.
Ever looked at GLC 63?
I drove one and it was a blast! Listened to Rock On at very hi volume. Subwoofered to 11. Fun. The owner hated the car cause of the maintenance. Best to drive one that you don't own.
How does it behave when you take it on your favourite piece of twisty back rowd?
Does is glide over the bumps like in a magic carpet?
Sloping roof?
Swooping bonnet?
Saw a grey one in Halfords the other day. Plate number was simply G63. Reminded me of an old army vehicles we had in the service.
Great reviews as always
I have a friend who is not a car guy at all, but LOVES the G63.
I don’t blame him for a second. In the era of euro boxes, it is refreshing to have something that is absolutely the opposite
Very true, and that's what people don't understand. It is by all accounts a "toy". A G63 serves one purpose, and that is to make you smile and be happy.
1970's styling with all the aerodynamics of a house. Can't believe how expensive they are!
Does it matter?
Great Review. Thank you
Whats that laughter ? . Oh! It's the Mercedes Accountancy team every time a punter buys a G wagon.
The G-Wagon sums up the old saying about fools and their money perfectly.
I valet at least one these every week and i HATE the sound of the door closing. Sounds like crushing or stomping on an empty soda can.
The development of the G-Class started in 1972 with a cooperative agreement between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria. The W460 was introduced at a press event held at the off-road proving ground in Toulon, France, and went on sale in September 1979 with three engine choices and five body variants. The first-generation M-Class, designated under the model code W163 is a body-on-frame SUV where production moved to the U.S. plant near Vance, Alabama. Since the original G-Wagon was more utilitarian vehicle, Mercedes had to make the M-Class more car-like for the US Market (No exposed door hinges for example). When I heard they were bringing the G-Wagon back as utilitarian as the version in the 70's( with only a few upgrades) and they expected people to pay many time more then the current GLE line( with is still more suited for the US market, you're not going off-road, you' re going to Whole Foods.).I said to myself nobody who Googled the previous would be ignorant enough to pay that much. I was wrong. The people who fell for this don't research. THEY FOLLOW.
All those diff locks, never getting used.
The London rich have always loved cars like these. Those pavements are tough to mount.
LOVELY, cheers to the owner and yourself for this vid.
Just had a look for G-Wagens at Berkeley Square, didn't see one.
There's a 992 GT3 out the front of Lansdowne House, a Taycan Turbo S around the corner from that and a Rolls Royce Wraith up the road from the Taycan though!
If you can sell a car for considerably more than you paid for it, then in a very real sense, you are not overpaying for it. Conversely, no matter how cheap a car may appear to be, then you are overpaying for it, if it’s value tanks or it costs masses to keep.
Really cool car -- AMG makes no sense -- glad you did a diesel. Love your reviews; you're too underrated!
AMG makes no sense? Ok why?
@@Ballterra 500hp and a top speed of 130mph says all you need to know
@@Ballterra it's a fat suv that looks like a cereal box for offroading -- need lots of torque and stuff
@@R03333 haha
Good, honest review!!
My man the sound of the door is the signature of the G wagon
Must admit if I won lottery there would be room in my garage for one ,63 version of course.
I'll take a rezvani 6×6, just to be sure i make no sense
They will always be flawed but they will always be loved. Maintaining the original styling instead of modernising to the point that the defender did was a master stroke. New Defenders look good in their own way but they lost a lot of character in the process.
Great review! I still want one though.
The Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world just because one painting had to become the most famous one. The G-wagon being so wanted, makes no sense, but that's what I like about it.
Brilliant, if I could subscribe twice I would. Great review.
For me this has always been a car that seemed to take the maker by surprise. Back in its early days it was a slightly more comfortable defender and I heard tell when the Falkland’s were recaptured the soldiers were delighted to gain some G-wagon as they were far more civilised (could be massive urban myth that) but that is what they were - the move to AMG is what customers pushed towards not what Merc intended at all in my opinion and when some military need a vehicle the G-wagon can still be in the mix
I firmly believe any cars made in Austria are top quality. I had an rcz and it was flawless. This looks like a car for looks only and is a complete wrip.off.
Thank you for the sensible response to an unsensible vehicle. I personally like the lines of the SUV. But I think a Toyota Land Cruiser would get you there just as easily without all of the heavy lifting as far as your wallet goes. No granted on the road Toyota Land Cruiser may not be as much fun. But I thought the whole point of buying an SUV was taking it off road. This vehicle is just one of those keeping up with the Joneses kind of things. And thank you for so succinctly pointing that out. Stay safe and may the road be with you
Toyota LC 300 uses a Mazda engine. The Mercedes uses a Mercedes engine.
6:15 How very German. You don't even need to ask the engineers directly about fuel economy in their performance orientated 2.5 tonne slab sided 4x4, simply calculate it and they respond with 'nein' :)
G Wagon is my dream car 💙
Fascinating.
The issue with shutting that door is probably over pressure from the air conditioning. When you have very good door seals combined with large door openings, it is an issue, given that the door is acting like a sail. I have the same challenge with our work tipper. Try it with the window partly open and you will see what I mean.
It actually makes not real difference. I thought of this and with or without sunroof open, there's no difference. The seals are tough, the door is heavy, and the latch is a heavily sprung latch that was designed to aide in the body strength as a whole. That's why the doors need a "slam" when closing.
A real gentleman's offroader that can tackle anything the leafy streets of Kensington has to throw at it, hopefully it comes with the necessary peasant blockers so you don't have to eyeball common folk when you're stationed at picking up the kids.
And one with a proper engine for the vehicle. Love this spec
Another great video 👍
I happen to own quite a few cars including a 2015 G63 with the old 5.5V8 twin turbo engine, this morning my son Zac (23) asked me what my fave car is.......I wrote this " [30/03, 09:12] Andy: Tie between 840, 944turbo S, Datsun 660Z and 300ZXTT all of which I still have
[30/03, 09:13] Zac: Why those 4?
[30/03, 09:19] Andy: BMW just so cool to look at in and out, nice to drive, handles well and is reasonably fast and very well built despite being slowest of the bunch.
Porsche great looks, performance and handling a road going track car
660 is a Monster potentially quickest car on the road, great handling fully sorted.
300ZXTT can live with most fast cars, on road and track, looks good and can also be a convertible, for cruising.
Not to forget the SL55 which is a great convertible, one of the best ever 200mph cars and my current fave the SL550 just so nice .......Plus the Gwag next level road / off road car
[30/03, 09:21] Zac: what about the RS6 ? made me wonder why you got rid of it instead of fixing it
[30/03, 09:21] Zac: You seemed to like it a lot at the time
[30/03, 09:22] Andy: The RS6 didn't make it cos it was the most unreliable car I have ever owned
[30/03, 09:22] Andy: I never really had much fun in it cos it was never sorted
[30/03, 09:23] Zac: Yes RS6 smh
[30/03, 09:23] Andy: Audi S4 convertible was another great car I sometimes wish I hadn't sold
[30/03, 09:23] Zac: This I can’t agree with
[30/03, 09:23] Zac: I think the S4s look quite bad
[30/03, 09:23] Zac: Blocky design
[30/03, 09:23]: You never drove it
[30/03, 09:24] Andy Ona: Fantastic gearshift and amazing grip plus a proper 4 seat convertible
[30/03, 09:24] Andy Ona: Lots going for it
[30/03, 09:24] Andy Ona: The X5 is also a great car
[30/03, 09:24] Both the V8 and 40d
[30/03, 09:25]: Difficult to choose just one to keep for life
[30/03, 09:26]: If I was told you can only have one to drive for the rest of your life then it would be the Gwagon because it does almost everything all the others can do combined ...... Except be a convertible
[30/03, 09:27] In which case I would opt for the latest G63 with Pano roof if it was available, £200K's worth...... No wonder Chris Harris owns one too.....Good company methinks.
I spotted 11 G's within a 1km radius in one hour this week in Beijing. Mental !
Mercedes outsorced its first 4x4 becase they had no experience with this type of vehicle to the Austrian company Styer Puch (Since 2002 Magna) known by their capable 4x4 vehicles like Puch Pinzgauer or even Panda 4x4 , because of that the first G wagon had also a Puch badge it was known as Puch G 🙃
I drove a 90s armored G wagon (among various other things) in my army conscript service. I will say the experience is something you can't quite get with other cars
Did you like it? I guess it had a smaller diesel engine?
@@mducheine2784 I loved it. Thanks to the armor it's the weight of a full size american dually pickup truck in a Qashqai sized olive green crate on wheels. Solidity was bar none to support the weight with the reinforced chassis, hinges and everything. It's still built as old Mercs were, bit like a base model 124 really. Certainly on tarmac the ride honestly is not a million miles from how a train ride feels, it's like you're being pushed and pulled with magnetic force.