Mercedes-Benz G-Class I (W460/W461) photos

1979 — 2001 · suv
5
photos
63
specifications
71–154
hp

About this generation

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

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.

Specifications

63 in 3 body styles

3-door SUV W460/W461 21 specifications

4110 mm161.8 in
Length
1700 mm66.9 in
Width
1950 mm76.8 in
Height
2400 mm94.5 in
Wheelbase
750 l26.5 cu ft
Trunk
215 mm8.5 in
Ground clearance
Petrol
230 G
89hp(66 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed manual 4WD
1979–1982
Torque
167 Nm (123 lb-ft)
Top speed
128 km/h (80 mph)
Displacement
2307 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M115.973
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
230 G
101hp(75 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed manual 4WD
1979–1982
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
137 km/h (85 mph)
Displacement
2307 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M115.973
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
200 GE
107hp(80 kW)
2.0 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1986–1991
Torque
165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
Top speed
135 km/h (84 mph)
Displacement
1997 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.965
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
200 GE
114hp(85 kW)
2.0 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1986–1991
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
140 km/h (87 mph)
Displacement
1997 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.965
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
230 GE
121hp(90 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1986–1996
Torque
188 Nm (139 lb-ft)
Top speed
145 km/h (90 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.979
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
230 GE
121hp(90 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1986–1996
Torque
188 Nm (139 lb-ft)
Top speed
140 km/h (87 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.979
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
230 GE
123hp(92 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1982–1991
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
147 km/h (91 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.987
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
230 GE
123hp(92 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1982–1991
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
142 km/h (88 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.987
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
280 GE
148hp(110 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1984–1991
Torque
218 Nm (161 lb-ft)
Top speed
153 km/h (95 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
280 GE
148hp(110 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1984–1991
Torque
218 Nm (161 lb-ft)
Top speed
148 km/h (92 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
280 GE
154hp(115 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1979–1991
Torque
226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed
155 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
280 GE
154hp(115 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1981–1991
Torque
226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed
150 km/h (93 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Diesel
240 GD
71hp(53 kW)
2.4 l 4-speed manual 4WD
1979–1987
Torque
137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
Top speed
115 km/h (71 mph)
Displacement
2399 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
OM616.936
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
250 GD
83hp(62 kW)
2.5 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1987–1996
Torque
154 Nm (114 lb-ft)
Top speed
127 km/h (79 mph)
Displacement
2497 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
250 GD
83hp(62 kW)
2.5 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1987–1996
Torque
154 Nm (114 lb-ft)
Top speed
122 km/h (76 mph)
Displacement
2497 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
300 GD
87hp(65 kW)
3.0 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1979–1991
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
130 km/h (81 mph)
Displacement
2998 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM617.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
300 GD
87hp(65 kW)
3.0 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1981–1991
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
127 km/h (79 mph)
Displacement
2998 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM617.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
290 GD
94hp(70 kW)
2.9 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1992–1997
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
132 km/h (82 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.942
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
96 l (25.4 gal US)
290 GD
94hp(70 kW)
2.9 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1992–1997
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
130 km/h (81 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.942
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
96 l (25.4 gal US)
290 GD Turbodiesel
118hp(88 kW)
2.9 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1997–2001
Torque
280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed
140 km/h (87 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.983
Aspiration
turbo
Fuel tank
96 l (25.4 gal US)
290 GD Turbodiesel
118hp(88 kW)
2.9 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1997–2001
Torque
280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed
137 km/h (85 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.983
Aspiration
turbo
Fuel tank
96 l (25.4 gal US)

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5-door SUV W460/W461 21 specifications

4560 mm179.5 in
Length
1700 mm66.9 in
Width
1950 mm76.8 in
Height
2850 mm112.2 in
Wheelbase
1100 l38.8 cu ft
Trunk
215 mm8.5 in
Ground clearance
Petrol
230 G
89hp(66 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed manual 4WD
1979–1982
Torque
160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed
137 km/h (85 mph)
Displacement
2307 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M115.973
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
230 G
101hp(75 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed manual 4WD
1979–1982
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
142 km/h (88 mph)
Displacement
2307 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M115.973
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
200 GE
107hp(80 kW)
2.0 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1986–1991
Torque
157 Nm (116 lb-ft)
Displacement
1996 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.965
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
200 GE
114hp(85 kW)
2.0 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1986–1991
Torque
160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Displacement
1996 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.965
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
230 GE
121hp(90 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1986–1996
Torque
188 Nm (139 lb-ft)
Top speed
145 km/h (90 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.979
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
230 GE
121hp(90 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1986–1996
Torque
188 Nm (139 lb-ft)
Top speed
140 km/h (87 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.979
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
230 GE
123hp(92 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1982–1991
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
145 km/h (90 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.987
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
230 GE
123hp(92 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1982–1991
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
140 km/h (87 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.987
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
280 GE
148hp(110 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1984–1991
Torque
226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed
155 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
280 GE
148hp(110 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1984–1991
Torque
226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed
150 km/h (93 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
280 GE
154hp(115 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1979–1991
Torque
226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed
155 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
280 GE
154hp(115 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1981–1991
Torque
226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed
150 km/h (93 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Diesel
240 GD
71hp(53 kW)
2.4 l 4-speed manual 4WD
1979–1987
Torque
137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
Top speed
115 km/h (71 mph)
Displacement
2399 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
OM616.936
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
250 GD
83hp(62 kW)
2.5 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1987–1996
Torque
154 Nm (114 lb-ft)
Top speed
124 km/h (77 mph)
Displacement
2497 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
250 GD
83hp(62 kW)
2.5 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1987–1996
Torque
154 Nm (114 lb-ft)
Top speed
120 km/h (75 mph)
Displacement
2497 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
300 GD
87hp(65 kW)
3.0 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1979–1991
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
130 km/h (81 mph)
Displacement
2998 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM617.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
300 GD
87hp(65 kW)
3.0 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1981–1991
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
127 km/h (79 mph)
Displacement
2998 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM617.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
290 GD
94hp(70 kW)
2.9 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1992–1997
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
132 km/h (82 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.942
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
290 GD
94hp(70 kW)
2.9 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1992–1997
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
128 km/h (80 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.942
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
290 GD Turbodiesel
118hp(88 kW)
2.9 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1997–2001
Torque
280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed
140 km/h (87 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.983
Aspiration
turbo
290 GD Turbodiesel
118hp(88 kW)
2.9 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1997–2001
Torque
280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed
137 km/h (85 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.983
Aspiration
turbo

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Cabriolet W460/W461 21 specifications

4110 mm161.8 in
Length
1700 mm66.9 in
Width
1930 mm76.0 in
Height
2400 mm94.5 in
Wheelbase
215 mm8.5 in
Ground clearance
Petrol
230 G
89hp(66 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed manual 4WD
1979–1982
Torque
160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed
128 km/h (80 mph)
Displacement
2307 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M115.973
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
230 G
101hp(75 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed manual 4WD
1979–1982
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
128 km/h (80 mph)
Displacement
2307 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M115.973
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
200 GE
107hp(80 kW)
2.0 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1986–1991
Torque
165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
Top speed
135 km/h (84 mph)
Displacement
1996 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.965
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
200 GE
114hp(85 kW)
2.0 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1986–1991
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
140 km/h (87 mph)
Displacement
1996 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.965
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
230 GE
121hp(90 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1986–1996
Torque
188 Nm (139 lb-ft)
Top speed
145 km/h (90 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.979
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
230 GE
121hp(90 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1986–1996
Torque
188 Nm (139 lb-ft)
Top speed
140 km/h (87 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.979
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
230 GE
123hp(92 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1982–1991
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
147 km/h (91 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.987
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
230 GE
123hp(92 kW)
2.3 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1982–1991
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
142 km/h (88 mph)
Displacement
2298 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M102.987
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
280 GE
148hp(110 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1984–1991
Torque
213 Nm (157 lb-ft)
Top speed
150 km/h (93 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
280 GE
148hp(110 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1984–1991
Torque
213 Nm (157 lb-ft)
Top speed
146 km/h (91 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
280 GE
154hp(115 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1979–1991
Torque
226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed
155 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
280 GE
154hp(115 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1981–1991
Torque
226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed
150 km/h (93 mph)
Displacement
2746 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M110.994
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
Diesel
240 GD
71hp(53 kW)
2.4 l 4-speed manual 4WD
1979–1987
Torque
137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
Top speed
115 km/h (71 mph)
Displacement
2399 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
OM616.936
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
250 GD
83hp(62 kW)
2.5 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1987–1996
Torque
154 Nm (114 lb-ft)
Top speed
127 km/h (79 mph)
Displacement
2497 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
250 GD
83hp(62 kW)
2.5 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1987–1996
Torque
154 Nm (114 lb-ft)
Top speed
123 km/h (76 mph)
Displacement
2497 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
300 GD
87hp(65 kW)
3.0 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1979–1991
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
130 km/h (81 mph)
Displacement
2998 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM617.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
300 GD
87hp(65 kW)
3.0 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1981–1991
Torque
172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed
127 km/h (79 mph)
Displacement
2998 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM617.931
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
68 l (18.0 gal US)
290 GD
94hp(70 kW)
2.9 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1992–1997
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
132 km/h (82 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.942
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
96 l (25.4 gal US)
290 GD
94hp(70 kW)
2.9 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1992–1997
Torque
192 Nm (142 lb-ft)
Top speed
128 km/h (80 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.942
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Fuel tank
96 l (25.4 gal US)
290 GD Turbodiesel
118hp(88 kW)
2.9 l 5-speed manual 4WD
1997–2001
Torque
280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed
137 km/h (85 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.983
Aspiration
turbo
Fuel tank
96 l (25.4 gal US)
290 GD Turbodiesel
118hp(88 kW)
2.9 l 4-speed automatic 4WD
1997–2001
Torque
280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed
137 km/h (85 mph)
Displacement
2874 cc
Cylinders
5
Engine
OM602.983
Aspiration
turbo
Fuel tank
96 l (25.4 gal US)

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