Mercedes-Benz G500

For twenty years the Mercedes-Benz G-class has symbolized total reliability, ruggedness and virtually unlimited cross-country ability, even on the toughest terrain.  Since the start of series production in 1979, a broad and individually oriented G-class product range has been built at Graz-Thondorf on a “skilled work done by hand” basis.  Since1981 the G-class is built at Graz on a subcontract basis.

Today, DaimlerChrysler delivers the power train comprising engine, transmission, axles and steering to Graz. 

 There, the frames, various stampings and pressed parts and the transfer case are made and the vehicle is assembled.  The advantages of working together in this way are that the modular system chosen allows innovative developments by DaimlerChrysler in the areas of engine and chassis to be quickly integrated into the G-class.  The most recent example is the new G500 with its modern eight-cylinder power unit. 

A total of over 145 000 G-class models rolled off the production lines at Graz up to August 2000:  around 30 000 of the 463 series (luxury range) produced since 1990, with full-time four-wheel drive, and 115 000 vehicles in the 460/461 (standard range) series with selectable four-wheel drive.  Bodies available are short and long station wagon, cabrio, van and chassis with a cab with three different wheelbases.  There is also a choice of four engine variants.  

The Geländewagen has had many a success story in South Africa, notably during the 1970’s and 1980’s.  There is a big customer base which has a strong following in the Geländewagen club with second-hand G-class vehicles still in great demand.  

Arriving in South Africa this year will be twelve G500 V8 petrol engines 4x4 LWB from the 463 series.  “The first units arrived in January 2001, starting in batches of two a month for the next six months,” said Dan Moeletsi, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars.  

“Recentlly, Geländewagen units were sold into the South African market in G290 Turbo diesel guise and the models success was limited for various reasons. This model has already been discontinued for the South African market and the G500 units will add a new dimension to the positioning of Geländewagen.  This will allow the model range to enter the growing upmarket segment of the 4x4 market,” added Dan Moeletsi.  

The Geländewagen is an extremely competent off-roader and can lay claim to one of the most capable if not the best 4x4. This vehicle was extensively tested at the local Gerotek facilities in Pretoria and performed off-road maneuvers never done before by any competitor vehicle, as confirmed by the Gerotek instructors.

The G500 model not only offers impressive performance, it is also very stylish, leaving a shining impression wherever it goes. Both the design and engineering of the G-class have been upgraded, thereby raising the exclusiveness of this modern-day off-road vehicle to new levels.  The focus of the changes is on greater touring comfort and improved practicality. The club of G-class drivers is an exclusive one and differs so much from so many others in terms of the views and expectations of its members. We could also say that G-Class drivers are by nature individualists who go – and drive – their own way. That’s what the G stands for. It gives you freedom to escape from a packed diary and view the situation from a more elevated position – both figuratively speaking and quite literally.  

 The G500 V8’s most striking features are its strength of character and assurance. This top model in the 463 off-road series is supreme with its 218kW petrol injection V8 with 3 valves per cylinder and twin spark ignition. A brawny torque curve ensures excellent flexibility at low speeds and drastically reduces fuel consumption. The V8 is combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission with electronic management, which is also part of the standard specification. The Mercedes G500 is the ideal all-terrain vehicle. It makes no difference if you’re driving on a rough dirt track or crunching over gravel drives. The G500 copes well whatever the circumstances. In fact roads are something G500 drivers can quite well do without. But with the G500, comfort does not stop when the road comes to an end.

  Standard equipment includes cruise control with variable speed limiter, which allows you to keep your chosen speed constant.  This is a useful aid to relaxed driving, especially when towing a trailer. 

Lifestyle is expressed in a number of features including soft black leather seat upholstery and door trims with their casual pleated finish set a tone of opulence.  Standard features further include electrically adjusted front seats, with the addition of armrests for driver and front passenger.  For extra comfort on cold days, heated front seats are a standard feature for the driver and front passenger.  The boot capacity can be increased by split-folding the rear bench, 1/3 : 2/3 so that you can also transport bulky items without any trouble. The distinguished character of the tastefully modern interior equipment is defined by burled walnut interior wood trim, with the steering wheel and gear lever in leather/burled walnut wood combination.

  Securing your luggage is taken care of with a luggage space cover and luggage nets on the back of the seats.  An Audio 10 radio/tape with RDS and CD changer add to the standard luxury fittings in this remarkable vehicle.

 The G’s strengths include its many standard extras.  The G500 comes with headlamp cleaning system, two electrically adjustable heated exterior mirrors and the electrically heated rear window with wash/wipe system and intermittent wiper setting makes sure you have a clear and reliable view to the rear.  The standard underside guard for radiator and engine prevents damage when straying from the beaten track.  The illuminated door sills are a small, unmistakable useful feature.  To add a personal touch, a sturdy step-plate and spare-wheel cover, both in stainless steel has been added.  The pop-up sliding sunroof further enhances the luxury of this vehicle together with the ultrasonic reversing aid.  

Whether for leisure or professional use, the separate socket in the rear enables you to run 12-volt appliances, such as phone, fax, laptop or cool-box.    The G-class is fitted as standard with a central locking system with infrared remote control and electronic immobiliser.  The immobiliser is activated as soon as the key is removed from the ignition lock.  The fuel tank has a capacity of 96 litres of fuel.

Active safety  

Permanent four-wheel drive and full synchromesh low range gearing, which can be switched on when moving, in combination with sophisticated chassis engineering, ensure safe handling both on and off the beaten track.  ABS can be switched off by activating the centre differential lock.  This helps to reduce stopping distances on loose off-road surfaces.  In addition, all differential locks can be activated by push-buttons in a logical sequence according to increasing traction requirements (centre – rear – front).  These three 100% differential locks, in combination with the precisely guided, sturdy rigid axles with their large degree of articulation, are responsible for the G’s superior off-road performance.  

Passive safety  

The G-class models has full size airbags for driver and front passenger as standard.  Despite the front passenger airbag, our engineers have succeeded in enlarging the glove compartment and retaining the sturdy grab handle for the front passenger.  The front passenger seat is equipped with a seat occupancy sensor which ensures that the airbag is only triggered if there is a load of more than 12 kg on the front seat.  Three-point inertia reel seat belts, including belt force limiter and high-performance belt tensioner, combine with the airbags to form an integrated safety system.

With the exceptional high level of specifications, the G500 is priced at R588 000 inclusive of VAT. The G500 is covered by a one year /unlimited kilometres warranty.  Furthermore, the normal Mercedes-Benz six year/120 000 km Maintenance Plan will also be included as standard in the South African execution.  This is an unusu Geländewagen al offer for an offroad vehicle to be covered by such an extensive maintenance plan.  Also offered at no extra cost is the Touring Guarantee, which takes care of your every need in terms of mobility and 24-hour roadside assistance. 

Specifications :  

Main Interior  

Audio 10 Radio/Tape with RDS

CD Changer

Air conditioning

Heated front seats

Electric front seats

Black leather

Steering wheel & gear lever with leather/burled walnut wood

Burled walnut interior

Luggage space cover

Luggage nets on seat backs

Fire extinguisher

Courtesy lights on side doors

Cruise control

Armrests for driver/passenger  

Main Exterior 

Pop-up sliding sunroof

Ultrasonic reversing aid

Alloy wheels 18”

Lateral step (running boards)

High-grade steel spare wheel cover

Rear mud flaps

Exterior mirrors electric and heated

Fog lamps front and rear  

Main Safety

Driver and passenger airbags with seat occupancy sensor

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Central locking with infrared remote control

Electronic brake distribution

Belt tensioners with belt force limiters  

Off-road 

3 differential locks, 100%

Fuel tank capacity 96 litres

Headlamp cleaning system

Off-road ratio (driver selectable on the move)

Permanent four-wheel drive

Radiator and engine underside protection

Rear socket (12V)