​Why Mercedes G-Wagons Are Great Off-Roaders updated 2023 (2024)

Why Mercedes G-Wagons Are Great Off-Roaders

Written by Michaela Jackson

Everyone knows the famous G-Class Mercedes vehicle, alsoknown as the G-Wagon. This car is a staple in pop-culture in America andeveryone recognizes the G-Wagon as a popular celebrity vehicle of choice. Onething that the G-Wagon is also known for is its amazing off-road performance. Althoughit is a great vehicle for riding in A-list celebrity style, impressing everyoneon the road, it is just as impressive when off-roading, rock crawling or eventowing. If you are looking for plush comfort and luxury inside a vehicle thatlooks great and performs in extreme off-roading adventures, look no furtherthan the Mercedes Benz G-Wagon.

History of the G-Class

In the early 1970s, a legend was born. The vehicle we nowknow as a global phenomenon was created to bring the comfort and luxuryMercedes-Benz is renowned for to an SUV that was capable enough to handle eventhe most extreme terrain with ease. The birth of this iconic vehicle, theG-Class, or Geländewagen, was as unique in looks as it was in durabilityand versatility.

The G-Wagen we know today is descended from a long line ofall-terrain civilian vehicles from all the way back in 1948, when the world wasstill fresh out of the second World War. In Germany an engineer who worked for Daimler-Benz(which would later be bought by Mercedes) created the first, and oldest,ancestor of the G-Class: the Unimog, formed from the acronym Universal MotorGerät(source).This massive vehicle made for civilian use more closely resembled heavy-dutyequipment used in WWII.

It was 1973 that brought the first official G-Class vehicledesigns into existence. Because the vehicle was created to be so sturdy androbust it was divided into two subsections of model lines, one for the militaryand one for civilians. Although they possessed differing utilities, much of thebase was the same for both model lines, including their all-wheel-drive,angular and rugged outside appearance, and large tires for outdoorrock-climbing escapades.

Flash forward to 1979, which marks the year of the firstG-Wagons built by hand in Austria. The newest member of the Mercedes-Benzenterprise came in two-door convertible, two-door wagon, and four-door wagon (source).Although the G-Class is an extremely popular vehicle in America today, it wasnot mass-exported to the United States officially until after it had been outfor about a decade (source).

The G-Wagon has been incredibly popular since its firstwheels hit the road. In fact, it was so popular that a modified version of itwas personally requested by the Pope to allow him to stand up to greet themasses when making his special appearances in public. It was created to sport aclear box on the roof to make for easy standing room and allowed for the Popeto see his followers and for them to see him.

Soon the 1990s came and brought with it a re-vamp for theG-Class. From rough, tough and tumble to a luxurious wood-trimmed cabin withall the latest 90’s tech. However, the 1990’s are not where these upgradesstopped. In fact, it is really where they began.

Since then, Mercedes-Benz has always been improving withevery new generation of G-Class they release. Upgrades include luxurious interiorredesign, engine upgrades, the newest technology available, and the bestcomforts that are the trademark of Mercedes and the G-Class. However, they areknown to make only small changes to the body of the car, which preserves theiconic look even over the decades and car styling fads. Most importantly, keepingthe integrity of the body of the car means ensuring the G-Wagon stays top-notchin off-roading.

What is so Special About a G-Wagon?

There are several reasons why G-Wagons have become sospecial to cultures around the world, especially in America. Beginning with thetrademark Mercedes-Benz quality that they invest into every vehicle. As citedin an article on driving.ca, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon us “an absolute legend” and“one of the most capable road-worthy off-roaders anywhere on the planet”.

he G-Wagon masters the combination of luxury you canusually only get in on-road vehicles and the durability and endurance you canusually only get in off-road vehicles. This is the car of celebrities becauseof the style and modern comfort inside and out, but it is also the car of themost extreme off-roaders, overlanders, rock crawlers, haulers, and towers. Itis the car chosen by governments across the world to protect important peoplebecause it is powerful and makes a statement while still being highlypractical, luxurious, and durable. Undeniably it is a car that can play severalimportant roles, which is part of why it endures through the years as a highlypopular vehicle.

G-Class as Off-Roaders

One of the most special and impressive things about G-Wagonsis their incredible off-road abilities. Although the G-Wagon is famous for pompand circ*mstance, or being a vehicle celebrities ride around L.A. with, itshould also be recognized for what it was originally designed for – off-roadingwith style and in comfort.

Perhaps this is because of its origins as a military-focusedvehicle, its ancestors born in the heat of wartime. The Shah of Iran in the1970s recognized that this military vehicle should be made. The result has beenone of the most well-known off-roading SUVs since the activity of off-roadingbecame popular.

If you need to be convinced with specs, here is some interestingfacts about the G-Class for you from cnet.com and their Emme Hall’s article all about how great the G-Wagon is at off-roading:

• Twin-Turbo V8
• All-Wheel Drive
• 2.91:1 low gear ratio, resulting in more torquemultiplication at slow off-road speeds
• Can shift from high to low range at speeds of upto 25 MPH and back into high up to 43 MPH
• Three locking differentials, which meansexcellent traction control (making the G-Wagon a famously great rock-crawler)
• Some models include terrain management systemsto automatically adjust the shocks
• Extensive off-roading high-end tire options

The Downside of the G-Wagon

As with every car, the G-Wagon does have its downsides.Where you might have to compromise is speed due to the G-Class signature boxydesign. This means it will not be as optimized in the aerodynamics department.

A lot of large, luxury cars tend to not do well in gasmileage and the G-Class is no exception. However, what the vehicle lacks in gasmileage it makes up for in style, comfort, and ability. This does tend to comewith a hefty price tag in the six-figure range, and further upgrades will inflatethat price. Although if comfort, off-roading, and luxury are important to you,the G-Class provides the best of all three with its price.

The final downside of G-Wagons is that new models depreciateat a very quick rate. This is not new to the Mercedes brand, as many of theircars tend to quickly depreciate. On the bright side, their depreciation doesend up plateauing and they hold their value at that rate. Some older models of G-Classeven appreciate over time, which is extremely rare for a car from a luxurybrand like Mercedes-Benz. This is because their classic body style is iconic,and they are “exotic” SUVs that perform very well otherwise and are great for stylisticand outdoorsy purposes. Celebrity and high-profile endorsem*nt are also a biginfluencer.

Upgrades for Off-Roading in a G-Wagon

If you are looking to own a G-Class for off-roading, or evenif you already own one that you love to off-road in, your experience can onlybe enhanced by modifying and upgrading your G-Wagon. The following is a list ofsome of the hottest off-road upgrades:

• Roof Rack: For off-roading and overlanding tripsa roof rack is great to store extra luggage whenever you are bringing lots ofpeople along or are simply wanting some extra space in the cabin for the trip.
• Lift Kit: One small inconvenience with off-roadingin G-Wagons is that they do not have undercarriage clearance tall enough tosafely travel through lots of water. If that is something you are interestedin, consider a lift kit.
• Body Protection: It is crucial to protect yourG-Wagon when extreme off-roading. Even though it is an incredibly sturdy SUV,it is also very expensive. The better the protection you can get the better.
• Winch: Safety is important and getting yourlarge G-Wagon stuck while off-roading is not just inconvenient, it is dangerous.A winch is designed to help you get out of sticky situations that are prone tohappen on off-roading trips.
• Bull Bar: Just like protecting the body, the grillis a crucial part to protect as well. Also referred to as brush guards, anyoff-roading trip, especially into forest trails, needs this protection.
• Light Upgrades: If you are looking for the onemust-have upgrade for your G-Wagon to be ready to go off-roading it is LEDlights. Your visibility in off-roading and how far ahead of you that you cansee is crucial to off-roading safely.

Here is some more information on the importance of lightupgrades for your G-Wagon.

OZ-USA’s Phenomenal LED Lights

If you need LED lights of high-quality with HD performance thatare some of the best lights on the market, visit OZ-USA. The lights made by OZ-USA areguaranteed to be easy to install, high-definition, and will light up youroff-road journey to give you a safe off-road experience in your valuableG-Wagon.

OZ-USA has every kind of LED light for all your outdoor andoff-roading lighting needs. Light bars are available for excellent wide-spreadlighting. Spotlights and pod lights are also available for smaller, morepointed jobs. Scene lights are very popular for off-roading because they areefficient ways to light up your campsite at the end of a busy day.

If you ever have LED lighting needs for your G-Wagon or anyother off-road car, trailer, or truck, OZ-USA provides lights that are not onlyefficient and use less power than other bulbs, but are also high-quality, easyto install, and shipped from California.

For more information or for questions about LED lights andOZ-USA, visit their website here or call at 619-618-0444.

Aftermarket LED turn signal upgrade with smoke lens for Mercedes G Wagon