A development program rumbled through most of the seventies, including excursions to German coalfields, the Sahara desert, and the Arctic Circle. And Steyr-Daimler-Puch began hand-building the G in the same Graz factory they’re made in today, ready for its 1979 launch.
When it arrived on sale you could choose either a short (2400mm) or long (2850mm) wheelbase. The former came in two-door ragtop or wagon flavour, but the big ‘un was only available as a four-door wagon. You could also get both of the estates as windowless two-door vans, called Kastenwagen.
The G-Class remained true to its roots and featured the same squared-looking bodywork. Moreover, it still relied on the same body-on-frame construction that made it famous worldwide.
1979: The first G-Class models are shown to the press in southern France and the first models are the 240 GD, 300 GD, 230 G, and 280 GE.
1980: Pope John Paul II is chauffeured around in a G-Class on his first visit to Germany as pope.
1981: For the 280 GE and the 300 GD, air conditioning and other comfort features such as an adjustable rear seat and hardtop for the Cabrio version, including 22 exterior colors available for ordering.
1983: Jacky Ickx and Claude Brasseur drove the Rallye Paris-Dakar with a 280 GE and came in first place.
1985: As part of a model year change, the G-Class was greatly upgraded, including new differentials, central locking, and rpm meter.
1987: Freshened model changes included power windows, automatic antenna, luggage compartment cover, and larger fuel tank.
1989: W463 model chassis saw improved equipment and four powertrains – 250 GD, 300 GD, 230 GE, and 300 GE. Three body styles were available – Cabriolet, Station Wagon short, and also long.
1993: The 500 GE was the first V8 model in the G-Class. The 5-liter aluminum engine had 240 PS (237 hp) and it marked the first time the brand officially called it the “G-Class,” with model names G230, G300, G350 turbodiesel, etc.
1994: Disc brakes and driver airbag were added.
1998: G500 with 296 PS (292 hp).
1999: G55 AMG® was added to the lineup.
2001: At the IAA in Frankfurt, the G-Class received an improved interior and improved driving dynamics with ESP®, brake assistant, and ETS traction system.
2002: G-Class goes on sale as an official offering from Mercedes-Benz USA, including the G55 AMG®.
2004: World premiere of the G55 AMG® with a Kompressor aka supercharged engine with 469 hp.
2007: Updated interior cluster with four analog instruments.
2008: Introduction of the new 5.5-liter V8 engine, and in the USA, the G500 is changed to G 550.
2012: (MY2013 in the USA) completely new instrument cluster and center console as standard, with modern COMAND® infotainment, with mild exterior enhancements including LED daytime running lights.
2015: designo® Manufaktur program is available for G-Class. The G 63 AMG® 6×6 and the new G500 4×4 squared with portal axles demonstrate unmatched offroad capabilities.
2017: The 300,000th G-Class comes off the line in the Austrian factory Magna Steyr, which is a Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, with many luxurious features.
Mercedes-Benz 
