It’s 30 years for the reason that Mercedes 500 GE V8 launch, the primary V8-powered G-Class. Then, the Mercedes G-Class reworked itself from a utility car into a way of life car.
In 1993, Mercedes offered the five hundred GE V8, the primary V8-powered G-Class, on the Geneva Motor Present. Preliminary plans have been to supply 500 models in 1993 and 1994, however solely 446 examples have been produced ultimately. AMG constructed the primary take a look at autos in Affalterbach.
The Mercedes 500 GE V8 had the M117 two-valve per cylinder V8 engine beneath the bonnet with a displacement of 4973 cc creating 240 ps (236.6 hp) and 375 Nm (276.5 lb-ft). It was fitted with Bridgestone tires in measurement 265/70 R16 H, the one off-road tires that allowed a pace restrict of 210 kph (130.5 mph).
Solely two lockable differentials within the 500 GE V8 as a substitute of three within the common fashions
The all-wheel-drive system differed from the usual variations because it had solely two lockable differentials, heart, and rear. The entrance lockable differential was not provided. The Mercedes 500 GE V8 was out there solely within the Station Wagon model with a protracted wheelbase.
As a restricted version mannequin, it had a particular inside with black leather-based upholstery with contrasting components in medium gray and walnut wooden inserts for the middle console, the 2 transmission selectors, and components of the handbrake lever. Computerized transmission, air con, cruise management, sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated seats have been customary. The value of this restricted collection was 178,250 DM ($96,595), whereas a G 320 with a six-cylinder engine value 88,500 DM ($47,958).
Solely 446 examples have been constructed as a result of there weren’t sufficient M117 engines out there. In different Mercedes fashions, this engine was changed by the brand new M119 model, however this new engine didn’t match beneath the hood of the G-Class.
Mercedes 500 GE V8 marks the beginning of a protracted collection fashions with a V8 engine
After the GE 500 V8, Mercedes began constructing different very potent G-Class fashions. In 1993, AMG launched an AMG 500 GE 6.0 model with a V8 engine with a displacement elevated to 5959 cc, creating 300 ps (295.7 hp). In 1998, the Mercedes G 500 turned a everlasting mannequin within the vary. It was geared up with the M113 V8 engine producing 296 ps (291.8 hp).
In 1999, the AMG division paid homage to twenty years of the G-Class with the G 55 AMG geared up with a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 creating 354 ps (349 hp). In 2002, the primary V12-powered G-Class was launched. The AMG division tailored a V12 engine within the Mercedes G 63 AMG producing 444 ps (437.7 hp).
Ten years later, in 2012, the subsequent technology Mercedes G 63 AMG developed 544 ps (536 hp) from a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. A brand new 6-liter twin-turbo V12 additionally seems, producing 612 ps (603 hp) and a minimum of 1000 Nm (737 lb-ft) within the G 65 AMG.
The present Mercedes G-Class that debuted in January 2018 on the Detroit Motor Present has a spread that features two V8 engines: the G 500 with 421 ps (415 hp) and the AMG G 63 with 585 ps (576.7 hp).
Turning 30, the five hundred GE V8 turns into a basic mannequin and might be registered as a historic car. Nonetheless, with a manufacturing of solely 446 examples, the worth of the examples that might be bought at public sale will undoubtedly improve considerably.
