1972 - 1978

In the year 1972 Mercedes-Benz and the Austrian automobile-manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch started the development of a new offroader. For this work the GFG - the Gelaendefahrzeug Gesellschaft mbH - was founded, of which both firms each owned 50%. The new fourwheeler, which was initially named H2 (Haflinger 2), was to be for military and civilian use. Also many parts were to be taken from the existing Mercedes-Benz cars and vans, to lower the costs. At the beginning the GFG hoped to get an order from the German army, which was looking for a follow-up of the DKW Munga. In 1976 than the German army decided to buy the VW Iltis, but the Shah of Persia , who had been a major shareholder of Daimler-Benz, ordered 20.000 units for his military. However, this task was canceled after a changeover of power of the local government again. Instead of this, the German Federal Border Police and the Argentine army ordered the first vehicles which secured further development of the offroader now christened as the "G". Orders from the Norwegian and Indonesian military followed.

1979

In February 1979, Mercedes-Benz presented the G-model on the 'Paul Ricard' race track in southern France to the public.
The first models were the 230 G, with a 4-cylinder engine which had an optional 90 or 105 hp, the 280 GE with 6 cylinders and 156 hp (However, delivery was delayed until 1980 due to problems on the production line.), the 240 GD with the 4-cylinder diesel and 72 hp and the the 300 GD which would achieve 88 hp with its 5 cylinders. All engines originated from the W123 line of products and were installed in all three body versions: the short one with 3 doors, the long with 5 doors and the open G with 2 doors. For the military, there was also an open G with the long wheelbase which was built with both 2 and 4 doors.

1980

In November 1980 the model range was complemented with a closed van, that could be ordered both with the long wheelbase and with the short wheelbase. Differential locks were offered on the accessory list of the van precisely as in the case of the other models for that front- and the rear axle just as a power-steering.

1981

All G's could be ordered with the exception of the 230 GE and the 240 GD with an automatic transmission. The accessory range was increased: you could now order an air-conditioner, a cable winch, reserve tanks and a hardtop for the convertible. Also a mechanical accessory drive that at the power divider is flanged, complemented the optional extras list. The color range for the body was increased to 22 tints from 5. Furthermore, the closed versions as from December 1981 were delivered in series with the one-piece tailgate which was stuck to the left. The spare tire is relocated, now always positioned outside, with the exception of the closed van. Only for rhd-models the inside-spare-tire is still an option.

1982

In May of this year the 230 G was fitted with electronic fuel injection that increased the power of the engine from 105 to 125 hp. Consequently, the 230 G became the 230 GE. Furthermore, the interior receives its first facelift when elements of the limousine line W123 are inserted in a increased manner. The new steering wheel is most striking here.

1983

As from March of this year, the 230 GE may also be ordered with the 4-speed automatic transmission, as from July, a manual 5-speed transmission is available for all models. The automatic transmission is excluded in the 240 GD.

1984

In this year, the engine of the 280 GE gets some minor modifications with respect to the injection and exhaust systems, on account of the intensified exhaust fume and noise laws in Germany. As a result of these changes, the power of this engine is slightly lowered to 150 hp.

1985

As from May of this year, the G-convertible is available upon request with a handy collapsible hood. Due to inadequate demand, the production of the short closed van is stopped in June 1985. Also the standard equipment of the G is increased: in such a way, it is now delivered with 2 differential locks, tachometer, two-part tail bumper and tensile mouth in the front bumper. Furthermore, all closed models receive a central locking system.

1986

In spring of the year, the G-version with chassis and cab debuts. It has the same wheelbase as the long G: 2850 mm. Excluded from this body version is the 280 GE. The 230 GE may now also be ordered with a catalyst. In Italy, a 200 GE can be ordered which comes with a manual 5-speed-gear and power-steering.

1987

Without a doubt, the most important innovation in 1987 is the introduction of the 250 GD with a 5-cylinder diesel engine and 84 hp. It is delivered as standard with a 5-speed manual transmission and replaces the 240 GD. The extra equipment lists are extended by power-windows, electrically operated antenna and double window blind for the baggage compartment. In this year, the wheelbase of the G chassis with cab is also extended from 2850 mm to 3120 mm.

1988

The tanks of the two models of diesel are replaced through epoxy tanks.

1989

On the 10-year anniversary of the G, with approx. 75.000 vehicles produced, Mercedes-Benz offered exclusively for Germany, 300 limited edition jubilee-models of the short 230 GE with the name 'Classic'. This jubilee-model has in addition to an extensive equipment list, door scuff plates with a chrome touch inside, a chrome-bullbar and a blue and black metallic varnish coating.
In September 1989, the W463 line of products is presented on the IAA in Frankfurt to the public.

from 1990 'til 1999

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