Mercedes-Benz sets record, with 20,000 G-Classes produced in 2016

MERCEDES-Benz knocked up an annual record recently, when the 20,000th G-Class rolled off the Magna Steyr production line in Graz, Austria.

It’s the first time in the G-Wagen’s 37-year production run – the first was produced in 1979 – that Mercedes-Benz has passed the 20,000 mark in a single calendar year.

To celebrate the landmark occasion, a special edition white Mercedes-AMG G63 with ‘designo manufaktur’ features was the lucky 20,000th vehicle to leave the production line.

Dr. Gunnar Güthenke, head of the off-road product group at Mercedes-Benz, said: “The production of 20,000 G-Classes in one year confirms the high demand for the ‘G’ and likewise the quality of our vehicles, something that is highly appreciated by our customers. I am very pleased and also proud that some of our employees have been on board since production started around 37 years ago.”

Since the G-Class was launched, more than 250,000 vehicles have been sold.

Dr. Güthenke added: “The individualisation and continuous technical optimisation of the G-Class contribute to the great success of the original off-road icon which still makes no compromises when it comes to off-road.”

The first ‘Professional W461’ model from the latest G-Class range to be offered in Australia will be the cab-chassis variant, while a five-door wagon will be available in Q2 of 2017.

We drove Merc’s W461 G300 CDI cab-chassis last week. Keep an eye on 4X4 Australia later this week for a complete road test review.