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  4. I (W460/W461)

Mercedes-Benz G-Class I (W460/W461) gallery (1979–2001)

First generation of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class off-roader, developed originally for military and utilitarian applications and produced from 1979 through 2001.

All photos 568 I (W460/W461) 5 1979–2001 II (W463) 369 1990–2018 III (W463 II) 137 2018 G 580 with EQ Technology (N465) 0 2024
Mercedes-Benz G-Class I (W460/W461), SUV, white, front three-quarter view — photo 105320 960 x 540 1 G-Class W460
SUV An off-road prepared boxy SUV equipped with an external roll cage, winch, snorkel, and mud-terrain tires fording a rocky forest river.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class I (W460/W461), SUV, green, side view — photo 105319 1280 x 960 G-Class W460
SUV A classic boxy green five-door SUV climbs a steep, rocky hill against a clear blue sky. The driver and passengers are visible inside the cabin, and a spare tire is mounted on the rear door.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class I (W460/W461), SUV, green, front three-quarter view — photo 105318 1024 x 733 G-Class W460
SUV A military all-wheel drive off-road vehicle with a soft canvas top in matte tri-color camouflage, parked outdoors on grass.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class I (W460/W461) photo 105317 1024 x 768 G-Class W460
Mercedes-Benz G-Class I (W460/W461), SUV, white, front three-quarter view — photo 105316 720 x 576 G-Class W460
SUV A boxy white off-road vehicle is driving at an incline on a dirt hill with dry grass. The car features round headlights, a black front grille, auxiliary fog lights, and a heavy black bumper. A driver is visible inside.

The original Mercedes-Benz G-Class (internal designations W460 and utility-focused W461) debuted in 1979 in Graz, Austria, as a collaborative project between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch. Engineered as a rugged body-on-frame off-roader, it featured live axles front and rear, selectable or permanent four-wheel drive, and manual locking differentials. The model was manufactured in short and long wheelbase variants, available as a three-door or five-door station wagon, convertible with a soft top, and open chassis cab for custom bodybuilders.

Engine offerings initially spanned naturally aspirated inline-four and inline-six gasoline powerplants ranging from 2.3 to 2.8 liters, alongside durable OM602 and OM617 diesel engines in 2.4, 2.5, and 3.0-liter capacities. Throughout its product lifecycle, interior ergonomics and creature comforts were gradually upgraded with power steering and optional automatic transmissions. The utilitarian W461 series continued limited production for military and commercial customers up to 2022, establishing the G-Wagen's legendary status.