CristianC's video: History: The evolution of a legend Mercedes G-CLASS

1979 The first G-Models are presented to the press. Production start-up of the 240 GD, 300 GD, 230 G and 280 GE. 1980 During his visit to Germany in November 1980, Pope John Paul II is for the first time chauffeured in a "Popemobile" based on the 230 G. 1981 An air conditioning system, side-facing bench seats for the load surface and a hardtop for the convertible become optionally available for the 280 GE and 300 GD. There is a choice of 22 colours. 1983 In the Paris-Dakar Rally, Jacky Ickx and Claude Brasseur are first across the finishing line in a 280 GE. 1985 The "G" is significantly upgraded by a model facelift. Standard equipment now also includes differential locks, central locking and a rev counter. 1987 Further facelift with power windows, automatic aerial, twin-roller load compartment cover and larger tank. 1989 Launch of the 463 series with superior equipment and four engine variants: 250 GD, 300 GD, 230 GE and 300 GE. There is a choice of three body versions: Convertible, short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon. 1993 The 500 GE appears as the first V8 model of the off-roader. The 5-litre light-alloy engine of the limited special model develops 177 kW/240 hp. "G" as a model prefix: from September the G-Models are officially known as the G-Class. The model designations are G 230, G 300, G 350 TURBODIESEL etc. 1994 Second facelift for the 463 series, with internally ventilated front disc brakes and a driver airbag. 1996 Presentation of the new G-Class Cabriolet with an electro-hydraulic soft top and the G 300 TURBODIESEL. 1998 The G 500 with a V8 engine (218 kW/296 hp) is added to the regular model range. 1999 With the G 55 AMG, an AMG variant is for the first time included in the sales portfolio of the G-Class. 2001 The G-Class is given a considerably upgraded interior as part of a model facelift. The extended standard equipment now including new dynamic control systems is presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in September. These include ESP®, Braking Assist BAS and the new electronic traction system ETS. 2004 World premiere of the new G 55 AMG with a supercharged V8 engine. The most powerful G-Class to date has an output of 350 kW/476 hp. 2007 Further updating: the G-Class is given a new instrument cluster with four analogue dial instruments. 2008 Introduction of the new 5.5-litre V8 engine with 285 kW/388 hp. Modified radiator grille with three louvres. 2012 Completely redesigned dashboard and centre console, with the modern infotainment system COMAND Online on board as standard. The performance subsidiary in Affalterbach enters the lists with the G 65 AMG. On board: a 6.0-litre twelve-cylinder engine with a carbon-fibre/aluminium engine cover. With torque of 1000 newton metres, the G 65 AMG is the world's most powerful series production off-roader - its top speed has to be electronically limited to 230 km/h. 2013 The G 63 AMG 6x6 demonstrates superior off-road capabilities. 2015 The designo manufaktur range becomes available for the G-Class for the first time. This captures customers' imagination with individual appointments, traditional craftsmanship and the highest quality. The individualisation programme offers exclusive, unique colour and material compositions both inside and out. In addition, the new G 500 4x42 with portal axles enters series production. 2016 The G 350 d Professional with a decidedly functional exterior and a special, optionally available Off-Road package is added to the G-Class model range.