1990 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 3-door 300 GE 5MT AWD (170 HP)

Vehicle Overview

A decade after the introduction of the W460 G-Class by Mercedes-Benz, the German automaker launched a second generation of it, known as the W463, which was also available in three body shapes.

The G-Class’s reputation grew consistently during its ten-year evolution on the market. Besides being an amazing off-road machine, it proved to be a trustworthy vehicle. But its customers often complained about the vehicle’s poor on-road abilities and the lack of many comfort features. Even though it was fitted with AC in the early ’80s and gained some amenities, it couldn’t hide its utilitarian-oriented on-road behavior. Furthermore, the G-Class was far behind the rest of the automaker’s range in luxurious items. That’s why, in the mid-80s, Mercedes-Benz started to develop the vehicle and improve it in key areas. However, there was one significant part in which customers didn’t ask for any changes in the exterior design. As a result, both the three-door and the five-door versions looked very similar to the W460, but they were not identical. Like the previous model, the three-door version was built on top of the short wheelbase chassis and represented the access model in the G-Class family.

At the front, the car gained a new front fascia that was body-colored. Its rectangular grille with horizontal slats was flanked by big and round headlights. Even though the automaker could find a different place to install the blinkers and the parking lights, it still kept them on top of the front fenders, like on the W460. Furthermore, the automaker created a new bumper that could be optioned with a pair of rectangular fog lamps integrated into it.

From its profile, the three-door version kept the same rugged look with its exposed door hinges. The automaker offered the car with new alloy wheels and more color options for the bodywork. In addition, the wheel arches were adorned with wider plastic trims that kept the vehicle cleaner. At the back, the automaker kept the same style for the side-hinged rear door where it mounted the spare wheel. The rear bumper was also thick and integrated the reversing light and the fog lamp.

Mercedes-Benz started rebuilding the car’s interior from an empty shell. Nothing was carried over from the W460 model. The leather upholstery and the power windows also became available. The dashboard was still flat and narrow. However, it featured a new instrument cluster that was wider and shaped similarly to the one from the E-Class (the W124). The speedometer took center stage inside it and was flanked by the fuel level and temperature gauges, while the right dial was for the tachometer. On the center stack, the automaker placed wood trims and the buttons for the three locking differentials. Lower, customers could find the HVAC control unit and the stereo. Between the front seats, the automaker placed a wide center console that housed the gear stick or the gear selector, depending on the option, and the lever for the transfer case. While the front passengers could enjoy some level of comfort, legroom in the back was cramped. The split-folding (60/40) bench seat could hardly provide enough room for three adults.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a choice of diesel and gasoline engines paired with either a five-speed or four-speed automatic. Unlike its predecessor, the W463 was an all-wheel drive vehicle. Mercedes-Benz also re-tuned the coil-spring suspension for improved comfort. Further technical advancements included three locking differentials, ABS and ESP, for specific versions.