Basic model G-Wagon for sale in Australia? I've just seen this at my MB dealer...

[spudboy]

Was booking in my Benz for a service this morning, and I saw a base-model looking GWagen sitting in their forecourt, all registered and ready to go!

Not sure if it is what you'd call the 'Professional' model, which I think is their base mode, but it looked pretty basic!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Disco Muppet]

Obviously didn't invest in moving the handbrake for the RHD model :D

Sent from my HTC One using AULRO mobile app

[Hall]

Obviously didn't invest in moving the handbrake for the RHD model
Considering what even the base model G wagon would cost, that`s pretty cheap and nasty.
Cheers Hall

[steane]

I bet you can't buy one unless your the guvmint.

[jerryd]

I didn't know they were that expensive :eek:

This article just put me right off :confused:

Mercedes-Benz G-Class broken by the Australian Outback (http://www.caradvice.com.au/131418/mercedes-benz-g-class-broken-by-the-australian-outback/)

[spudboy]

I'll ask a salesman how much they are when I drop my car in next week.

I'm going to guess $120K.

[juddy]

I think Chassis cab is Gov/Fire/Police only.

[MBZ460]

Probably destined for DELWP

Tankers geared for forest fire-fighting | Upper Yarra Mail (http://upperyarra.starcommunity.com.au/mail/2016-06-06/tankers-geared-for-forest-fire-fighting/)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/1057.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfTkYTefCbg

The "pro" one (W461), like these, was not one that broke (shocks) on the Canning.

[MR LR]

What a POS.

I'll take a 79 series Land Cruiser over that any day!

[stewie110]

Obviously didn't invest in moving the handbrake for the RHD model :D

Sent from my HTC One using AULRO mobile app
Well spotted...

[stewie110]

My mate imported a professional g wagon and it's very good off road. He's done numerous outback trips and it's never missed a beat with just over 100k on the odo. It was in the 70k to 90k range from memory including all the taxes etc.. So with the Australian Mercedes Benz tax it will probably sell for 100+

[PAT303]

Many of us have done many outback trips in defenders without any issue's also,the G wagons are a very nice vehicle but the price put's them out of reach. Pat

[stewie110]

Many of us have done many outback trips in defenders without any issue's also,the G wagons are a very nice vehicle but the price put's them out of reach. Pat
Agree, it's more in relation to the article that was posted. I am a happy defender owner and have done numerous outback trips with out failure

[solmanic]

I was trying to get hold of a G-Prof when we got our G350. A few secondhand G350s are now starting to trickle onto the market for under $100K. Ours has just gone out of warranty and the only issues have been with minor things like power window regulators.

The G-Class outback launch video linked a few posts back does mention that the G-Professional support vehicle in that convoy had no issues. The others just had problems with shock absorbers, of which they went through all of the spares and had to get more flown in.

If you want to compare a G to a Defender (or 79 series Landcruiser), then you need to compare it to one that has front & rear lockers and a massive power upgrade and auto transmission conversion and sound deadening and build quality and...

[tact]

[...]
If you want to compare a G to a Defender (or 79 series Landcruiser), then you need to compare it to one that has front & rear lockers and a massive power upgrade and auto transmission conversion and sound deadening and build quality and...

did you just spec the "new defender"? (Stand back and watch another thread side tracked). :wasntme:

[stewie110]

I was trying to get hold of a G-Prof when we got our G350. A few secondhand G350s are now starting to trickle onto the market for under $100K. Ours has just gone out of warranty and the only issues have been with minor things like power window regulators.

The G-Class outback launch video linked a few posts back does mention that the G-Professional support vehicle in that convoy had no issues. The others just had problems with shock absorbers, of which they went through all of the spares and had to get more flown in.

If you want to compare a G to a Defender (or 79 series Landcruiser), then you need to compare it to one that has front & rear lockers and a massive power upgrade and auto transmission conversion and sound deadening and build quality and...

How have you found the G350?

One of the big issues that my mate has had (with his G300 Professional) is a total lack of after market parts.. My mate had problems getting things like a bullbar fitted..

[cuppabillytea]

:twisted:
did you just spec the "new defender"? (Stand back and watch another thread side tracked). :wasntme:

Neil You have just become a Prophet of doom.








Wait I can here a scuttling sound.

[MR LR]

How have you found the G350?

One of the big issues that my mate has had (with his G300 Professional) is a total lack of after market parts.. My mate had problems getting things like a bullbar fitted..
Don't need bull bars in city car parks :wasntme:

[stewie110]

Don't need bull bars in city car parks :wasntme:
Surely they help you "park"?

Parking assist maybe?

[Carzee]

Imho over priced.
Imho the stealer support /wait time for parts is worse than a nightmare in our experience. Work leases a few mb commercials. $360 something for a ign keyfob. We waited 20 days then cancelled the order. Had to come from overseas by sleddog or something.
:(

[solmanic]

How have you found the G350?

One of the big issues that my mate has had (with his G300 Professional) is a total lack of after market parts.. My mate had problems getting things like a bullbar fitted..

Lack of parts is frustrating. Only one tow bar & one bullbar to choose from. Have to import them directly as well since MB charge a kidney to install anything. On the upside, one of the best G-Wagen specialist service centres is on the north side of Brisbane. Essentially the MR Automotive of G-Wagens it seems.

Have a look at my review in the non-Land Rover, European brands section. I can't follow up that post anymore as I'm no longer a subscriber. I also see this thread has been flagged to be moved so I won't be able to follow this one up in future either (:().

[richardb]

2017 Mercedes-Benz G300 CDI Review (https://www.4x4australia.com.au/reviews/road-tests/1706/2017-mercedes-benz-g300-cdi-review)

here it is

[austastar]

Hi,
Saw a ute for sale at Agfest in May, $139,000 comes to mind.
Looked just as basic as my D130, but the doors didn't rattle when closed.
Cheers

[dromader driver]

the price at the fire conference in Brisbane last year was around $105K with an aluminium tray. Sits on about 90-95 comfortably but will go faster. Sat in it then drove the 110 tray back home. Not much difference really except auto.

[Mercguy]

There's absolutely no point in trying to compare apples with oranges, nor is there any value in attempting to explain the significant differences between the two brands.
While they may be externally aesthetically similar in appearance, they are completely different underneath in detail.
the only common theme is both vehicles are a cab on a ladder chassis, have live axles and 4 wheels.
It would be like comparing an RFSV perentie with a D90. The only thing they share is the brand, maybe a front guard panel.


Lack of parts is frustrating. Only one tow bar & one bullbar to choose from. Have to import them directly as well since MB charge a kidney to install anything. On the upside, one of the best G-Wagen specialist service centres is on the north side of Brisbane. Essentially the MR Automotive of G-Wagens it seems.

Have a look at my review in the non-Land Rover, European brands section. I can't follow up that post anymore as I'm no longer a subscriber. I also see this thread has been flagged to be moved so I won't be able to follow this one up in future either (:().


How have you found the G350?

One of the big issues that my mate has had (with his G300 Professional) is a total lack of after market parts.. My mate had problems getting things like a bullbar fitted..

Insofar as parts are concerned, You rarely break anything in a G, unless it's been subject to neglect / abuse. If you do break it, you pay "The Price" (noted in my rant at the bottom)
Mercedes are no different to Land Rover when it comes to genuine parts. Go to either dealer and you should expect to willingly submit and accept the sodomy that comes free with the invoice.
That's just the basic "stealership" mentality. But for the G-wagen it goes a few steps further, as I explain in my rant at the end.

Buy through OE manufacturer suppliers, known online g specialists and local 3rd party parts suppliers, - similar to how LR owners use paddock / terra firma etc and the availability, quick shipping and price of parts is very favourable.
It's really a case of familiarity - and I experienced the same "outsider" treatment with Land Rover suppliers not long after I purchased the RRC - so there's clearly a degree of "inside information" within each brand.
So, like everything car related, until you become intimately familiar with how to get parts, and where, and what prices are like, you're out on your own.

One thing to note: there are also less than 200 current registered G-wagens in australia. So there really is no 'aftermarket', except anything that is imported by a foreign company brand - e.g. hannibal, hutchinson etc.
Westfalia DO manufacture the tow hitches here locally. Or you can purchase factory options from a stealership from the purchase date.


I'm no fan of the MB pricing structure, but understanding the G is a largely hand-assembled, - extremely low production volume vehicle, so it's not going to be in the same pricing streucture as a relatively unchanged design longterm mass-produced icon.

The cost of the G's voith VG150 transfer case is more than the defender's engine, gearbox and transfer case combined. That should give you an idea of the disparity. Mercedes source this from voith, it's not like the rest of MB's powertrains, which are manufactured in-house. Similar to how LR source transmissions from ZF.
The G is standard fitment with 3 difflocks. Cost of the axles is quite scary, but again, they don't break. Even with 35's.
125949125950

I've only ever seen one nasty axle shaft spline failure - on a 1980 w460 300GD which had no oil in the diff housing or CV swivel. The drivers side axle sleeve bearing (inside the tube at the swivel mating face) got chewed out and the axle spline on the CV stripped out, made some grey paste and eventually caused the CV and hub bearings to fail - and the dipstick owner drove it this way daily for about 3 months, before he took it to the workshop.

I have issues with this kind of owner - because they are also the one who complain about cost of parts and servicing. They deserve every bit of grief and pain they get and their whinge to others has no value whatsoever.
I have seen more LR owners with this type of attitude in recent times, and figure it must just be a lack of understanding about what constitutes maintenance of a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

We've done 5.6L v8 swaps onto the standard drivetrain (no mods) and not had any failures or need to upgrade parts.
OM606 swaps with 400+bhp and the only mod is an uprated clutch and pressure plate...
So that brings into stark contrast the level of reliability that is built-in to every G since the 70's.

If a defender were to be built as reliable and to the same quality standards of the G, the price would be about identical. Absolutely no doubt about it.
As an example, price an ashcroft upgrade to the front housing... cv's, drive flanges, axles, diff centre, CW&P, pegging.... The Gwagen doesn't need any of that, it comes standard since the w460.
That is a straight up honest assessment and as LR owners we should understand this is the way things are, because the defender essentially hasn't changed it's production tolerances all that much, or the quality of it's drivetrain.
I also don't think there is any merit in sledging, or being one-eyed about it. The w461 is available for retail consumer purchase, and isn't cheap by any stretch of the imagination. But the package is sound. People will not spend that kind of money on a basic looking vehicle.... Look at the 200 series and how much extra junk is stuffed inside them now - just to keep family owners happy about the 100K+ it costs.
I would buy a w461 or a w463, but I'm not flush with cash, and I'm very happy with my RRC. It has more comfort than a defender also, which is why it is in my driveway, and not a defender.


The last thing to remember about G's, is the pricing policy globally is geared to governments and NGO's, and the Military. Therefore the price is 'fixed' and there are no real 'discounts' available on anything.
If there is one area where they deserve to be attacked on the retail side, it is the pricing structure of common cheap plastic interior parts.

If you drove one back to back with a defender, you wouldn't have much to complain about other than your own personal preferences. (expecting one-eyed Land Rover Ownership prejudice)
Just like the toyota owners. Nissan owners, mitsubishi owners, isuzu owners, vw owners, mercedes owners...

[Zeros]

No actual launch date or price, but here is the new Defenders competitor: 2017 Mercedes-Benz G300 CDI Review | 4X4 Australia (https://www.4x4australia.com.au/reviews/road-tests/1706/2017-mercedes-benz-g300-cdi-review)

[Dervish]

No actual launch date or price, but here is the new Defenders competitor: 2017 Mercedes-Benz G300 CDI Review | 4X4 Australia (https://www.4x4australia.com.au/reviews/road-tests/1706/2017-mercedes-benz-g300-cdi-review)

So the wagon is coming too, still no panel van though. I'll just wait for the army to finish with them and get one - might as well get something useful out of my tax dollars.

128600

[rar110]

Yep, we recently lost a dedicated Land Rover / Perentie owner to one of these beauties.

[Zeros]

Did they get a G professional wagon? ...nothing on MB Australia website yet other than the single cab.

Here's another weblink saying August release in Australia, but nothing I can see yet...
2017 Mercedes-Benz G300 CDI Professional launching in August (http://www.caradvice.com.au/564686/2017-mercedes-benz-g300-cdi-professional-launching-in-august/)

[fitzy]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/08/1014.jpg
I spotted this today at a Ringwood vic MB dealer
Auto and whited out" pc " rear window

[dromader driver]

Did you happen to ask how much. Last price I was quoted was around $105k plus tray and that was supposed to be a government discounted rate at the AFAC conference. [bigsad]

[dromader driver]

Did you happen to ask how much. Last price I was quoted was around $105k plus tray and that was supposed to be a government discounted rate at the AFAC conference. [bigsad]

[fitzy]

No sorry, no pricing.

[Zeros]

The G Professional Wagon is now up on the Mercedes Benz Australia website. According to 4x4 mag, "Australia is the only market in the world to get the heavy duty G-professional 461 models for civilian use". Says a lot about the gap in the market without Defender I reckon.

Car Advice and 4x4 mag say starting price is $109,900. ...if I had $100K to spend right now (and I didn't love my Defender) I know what I'd choose.

https://www.4x4australia.com.au/news/1709/mercedes-benz-g300-cdi-professional-pricing-confirmed

http://www.caradvice.com.au/579444/2018-mercedes-benz-g-class-professional-wagon-on-sale-in-australia/

[cripesamighty]

Thanks for that Zeros. At least they have raised the braked towing limit to over 3 tons, but the ball weight is only 120kg.

[crash]

Articles in both this weekends Drive and Motoring section of the Age and Herald Sun.
Very basic vehicle for the price - $109K for the 4 seater and $119K for the cab chassi.

[Zeros]

Thanks Crash,

Good to read the articles, although they're so superficial! I guess that's what the popular press wants. ...Looking forward to a fairdinkum review, including build quality, ride and handling on all surfaces, etc. I guess a test drive would answer that though!

Funky good video of G Professional Wagon here: G-class 300 CDI Professional W461 off-road - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV1PS-kLdkI)
And some good pics here: Across the Simpson Desert in a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen - Photos (1 of 83) (http://www.caradvice.com.au/579296/across-the-simpson-desert-in-a-mercedes-benz-g-wagen/photos/)

Let's hope we'll be doing the same for the next Defender!

Cheers

[DBC911]

Obviously didn't invest in moving the handbrake for the RHD model :D

Sent from my HTC One using AULRO mobile app
Well Spotted
You would think for the price you pay for one of these in Australia that they could at least MOVE the handbrake - Shame on you Benz
What else awaits you?[emoji16] [emoji85]

[cripesamighty]

Not only the hand brake, but the rear barn door was not changed to open the other way either. Similar to the now defunct FJ Cruiser.

[Zeros]

Yes I noticed the rear door. Also rear glass is very small and spare looks like it obscures a lot.

[Zeros]

Has anyone seen a G Prossional Wagon in the flesh yet?

I was curious and happened to go past a dealer, so dropped in. Apparently demand is already so high there are no demos without a deposit. ...sounded like a line to me and the dealer had that funny look they all get when they're spinning it 😂

[Mercguy]

Has anyone seen a G Prossional Wagon in the flesh yet?

I was curious and happened to go past a dealer, so dropped in. Apparently demand is already so high there are no demos without a deposit. ...sounded like a line to me and the dealer had that funny look they all get when they're spinning it 😂

Absolute bollocks. There is plenty of stock.

Find another dealer who's less than full of sh to deal with.

[Zeros]

Absolute bollocks. There is plenty of stock.

Find another dealer who's less than full of sh to deal with.

Maybe. But not one G Professional Wagon on Car Sales yet either.

[Mercguy]

LIke all new vehicles, there are logistical issues with distribution to certain key dealers and there is also an issue of 'dealer status' within MB Aust political ranking.... just like JLA.

You'll have to go looking and no they are not all advertised on carsales. - and there will be no "demo" stock available on MBau certified or preowned - it's way too early for a demo to have the necessary minimum km on them to offload.

[Zeros]

...not absolute bollocks then. [bigwhistle]

[Mercguy]

...not absolute bollocks then. [bigwhistle]

Perhaps you misunderstood.

There are no demonstrator vehicles for sale.

The 461's haven't yet been shipped to every dealer who has requested them - it's on a priority basis (dealer internal politics).

There are demonstrator vehicles available to test drive at certain dealers.

Any 461 you wish to buy right now will be MBaust retained stock, on a valid purchase order.

i.e. if you're test driving a w461, there are vehicles available. But THOSE demonstrator vehicles are not for sale yet. If you want to buy one, you're buying NEW from retained stock (new) and not dealer demo stock.

It's really straightforward.

[Zeros]

Perhaps you misunderstood.

There are no demonstrator vehicles for sale.

The 461's haven't yet been shipped to every dealer who has requested them - it's on a priority basis (dealer internal politics).

There are demonstrator vehicles available to test drive at certain dealers.

Any 461 you wish to buy right now will be MBaust retained stock, on a valid purchase order.

i.e. if you're test driving a w461, there are vehicles available. But THOSE demonstrator vehicles are not for sale yet. If you want to buy one, you're buying NEW from retained stock (new) and not dealer demo stock.

It's really straightforward.

Yup, that's what the dealer told me. So it wasn't spin at after all. Looking forward to seeing one in the flesh when they hit the ground.

Cheers

[Mercguy]

Has anyone seen a G Prossional Wagon in the flesh yet?

I was curious and happened to go past a dealer, so dropped in. Apparently demand is already so high there are no demos without a deposit. ...sounded like a line to me and the dealer had that funny look they all get when they're spinning it 😂


If this is indeed what the sales agent said, then it's an outright lie. You can have a test drive of ANY vehicle on the forecourt without placing a deposit - and if this is indeed what he said, then you should find another dealer - care to name the dealership and sales agent? I'd be quite happy to make a couple of calls...

[Zeros]

If this is indeed what the sales agent said, then it's an outright lie. You can have a test drive of ANY vehicle on the forecourt without placing a deposit - and if this is indeed what he said, then you should find another dealer - care to name the dealership and sales agent? I'd be quite happy to make a couple of calls...

Isn't this what you're saying here? "Any 461 you wish to buy right now will be MBaust retained stock, on a valid purchase order."

I won't be naming any dealer...But he said, they don't have a demo G Professional Wagon, and he didn't know when they'll be getting one. If I wanted to see one here I would need to pay a deposit (valid purchase order). I said, you might struggle to sell one sight unseen. He said, you'd be surprised. I said, thanks anyway. (...not that I was about to purchase one, I was just curious about looking at one in the flesh).

Thanks anyway Mercguy. Cheers

[Mercguy]

Isn't this what you're saying here? "Any 461 you wish to buy right now will be MBaust retained stock, on a valid purchase order."

I won't be naming any dealer...But he said, they don't have a demo G Professional Wagon, and he didn't know when they'll be getting one. If I wanted to see one here I would need to pay a deposit (valid purchase order). I said, you might struggle to sell one sight unseen. He said, you'd be surprised. I said, thanks anyway. (...not that I was about to purchase one, I was just curious about looking at one in the flesh).

Thanks anyway Mercguy. Cheers


Not quite exactly what I was saying- there are a lot of complex and political to-and-fro's to get a pre-launch stock allocation onto the forecourt. The dealer you are speaking to doesn't have enough 'cache' with mbau to get one this time around.

Some of those pre-launch vehicles will have a 'gag order' placed on them (display only not for sale until xx-yy-zzzz) simply because MBau expect demand to outstrip supply - supply is limited and they want top $ profit for them. As soon as the stock gets a demonstration plate on it, then the price premium goes out the window and you're buying a used vehicle... and someone in the market for a 461 right now, is a new car buyer, not a used car buyer..... MB know this, and this is why supply is being restricted more than it normally would be.

Yes, he's right - there is limited available stock right now. Dealers will want a confirmed deposit so they don't have one sitting in their showroom for the next 2 years... It's very slow moving product. Also, MB au may also be asking for confirmed sales order, before they release stock to the dealer, to prevent any one particular dealer having a monopoly on the limited first round supply.
Also it's not a familiar product to the sales guys... Theyre used to selling upscale AMG Gwagens with every option under the sun in them, and these new 461's are like selling a vito alongside an s class and trying to convince the buyer they are exactly the same car underneath (even though they aren't exactly the same, they are the same basic vehicle) while demanding a price premium based on the 'rugged' sales pitch.

But, in the same sentence, I was over at Peter Warren the other day and the 461 ute was there, doing nothing and noone interested in selling it..... it just happens that I'm in the market for a new shopping trolley...

I mentioned it and the sales guy dismissed it as if I wasn't the kind of person who would want one...... how presumptive... and misguided.

This is why I have no time for dealer sales BS.

The 461 is basic like a defender, it's not a luxury barge like the 463 is. they come from opposite ends of the spectrum. It's the fundamental mechanical specification and differences that are the big change. the engine can run on the ****test fuel known to man, the drivetrain is about as brutish as it can get and the interior is a hose-out special complete with drain plugs in the floor.

Basic. more basic than a 76 series, but better built.
More like comparing a perentie to a defender, than comparing a disco to a rangie... if that makes sense.

Yes, they are worth looking at - if you like looking at defenders...

[Zeros]

Looking forward to seeing a G Professional Wagon, whenever the dealers get their hands on demo models.

I had a look at second hand G wagons, there are a few G350's for under $100,000 with low kms ($180K new). If you were in the market for one, it could be a difficult choice!

[Mercguy]

Looking forward to seeing a G Professional Wagon, whenever the dealers get their hands on demo models.

I had a look at second hand G wagons, there are a few G350's for under $100,000 with low kms ($180K new). If you were in the market for one, it could be a difficult choice!

It really depends on what your intended use purpose is.

the 463 is like a Disco. It's got plastic bits in areas where they should have solid metal protection and the risk of damage is high when driven offroad on tougher tracks. Cost of replacement G parts is eye watering - and I mean seriously eye watering.

The 461 is more akin to the old 460 - which was the original model released in 1979. Far more spartan / basic, but built like brick outhouses.

I can think of more suitable 'towing' rigs - for less serious offroad work - like the new GLE (aka ML) which is more 'sensible' for most things- I wouldn't take it over the canning or up the creb track though. Seen them in the vic high country a lot - but not on the double-black runs.

the 463 I'd take on the tele or over canning, without issue. But I'd still outfit it with 2 things - a properly decent sized donaldson filter with water trap and some proper serious metal barwork - because I'm personally paranoid about panel damage. The 461 would cope better with ****ty fuel than the 463.

[Zeros]

Has anyone driven a new G Professional Wagon, or even seen one in a showroom?

...I'd love to take one for a spin to compare to my Defender, but I don't reckon there are any in the country yet?

(PS: I love how their webpage for it has a tab titled 'Fascination'! [biggrin]

[Zeros]

Has anyone driven a new G Professional Wagon, or even seen one in a showroom?

bump... still no sign of a G Professional Wagon anywhere! Anyone seen one?

[rick130]

bump... still no sign of a G Professional Wagon anywhere! Anyone seen one?

A mate went for a drive in one on Sydney's northern beaches at Christmas. He posted the photo's on FB, so they do exist!

A mate of his had bought it.

[edit]134163

[Tins]

I briefly toyed with the idea....

134164

VERY briefly...

[cjc_td5]

bump... still no sign of a G Professional Wagon anywhere! Anyone seen one?
There has been a new cab-chassis on my local MB dealer lot for several months.

[rar110]

Victoria have bought a heap.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/770.jpg

[Tins]

I was trying to get hold of a G-Prof when we got our G350. A few secondhand G350s are now starting to trickle onto the market for under $100K. Ours has just gone out of warranty and the only issues have been with minor things like power window regulators.

The G-Class outback launch video linked a few posts back does mention that the G-Professional support vehicle in that convoy had no issues. The others just had problems with shock absorbers, of which they went through all of the spares and had to get more flown in.

If you want to compare a G to a Defender (or 79 series Landcruiser), then you need to compare it to one that has front & rear lockers and a massive power upgrade and auto transmission conversion and sound deadening and build quality and...

Well, something has to justify the difference in price. The Professional G-Wagen ain't cheap.

[bee utey]

Saw this thing parked in North Adelaide, oooh what a beast: [bigsmile]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/european-manufactured/134202d1514702759-basic-model-g-wagon-sale-australia-ive-just-seen-my-mb-dealer-amg-g63.jpg


134202

[rick130]

Saw this thing parked in North Adelaide, oooh what a beast: [bigsmile]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/european-manufactured/134202d1514702759-basic-model-g-wagon-sale-australia-ive-just-seen-my-mb-dealer-amg-g63.jpg


134202There's at lat one getting around Canberra with diplomatic plates.

Re the G Professional, the bush fire brigade in the ACT have had a few for a little while now too.

[DeanoH]

Destined for the black top only with those silly wheel/tyres.

Deano

[hpal]

They are just an expensive ugly looking defender wanna-be.

[101RRS]

Well the G wagen has been around longer than the Defender and even the 110 - like LR their heritage goes back a long way - to the early 50s.

[goingbush]

Notice the ADR fail on exhaust tail-pipe location . ADR states exhaust must exit rear of opening windows / doors. ..... Try getting that past an engineer.

It seems that Euro Certification gives exemption to ADR's , its also how the Iveco 4x4 is allowed on the roads as theres is no way known the brakes comply with ADR's .



Saw this thing parked in North Adelaide, oooh what a beast: [bigsmile]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/european-manufactured/134202d1514702759-basic-model-g-wagon-sale-australia-ive-just-seen-my-mb-dealer-amg-g63.jpg


134202

[Zeros]

Thanks all, yes the G Professional Cab Chassis has been at dealers for months now.

...But the Wagon version is nowhere to be seen! Despite all the launch hoohaa. It's the Wagon I want to see. Theoretically it's the biggest competitor to next Defender.

[rick130]

Thanks all, yes the G Professional Cab Chassis has been at dealers for months now.

...But the Wagon version is nowhere to be seen! Despite all the launch hoohaa. It's the Wagon I want to see. Theoretically it's the biggest competitor to next Defender.Oh I see, I thought 'wagon' was a typo!

[Zeros]

In Europe the new G Professional wagon is a 350D model, with upgraded dash, more creature comforts than the 300D supposedly in Australia. ...NB: still not one G Professional Wagon sighted in Australia, despite being released here in September last year!

For tough guys: the G 350 d Professional. - Mercedes-Benz (https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/vehicles/passenger-cars/g-class/for-tough-guys-the-g-350-d-professional/)

[cripesamighty]

Was watching a G-Wagon review recently on YouTube and they mentioned that the new 2018 model has been slightly lengthened and widened. Biggest change for a long time.

[rick130]

Is the Professional still a front live axle?

Looking at the up market '18 versions they've gone wishbone front at the least.

[Zeros]

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Mercedes-Benz-G300-2017/OAG-AD-14838880
Yes live axles. ..:but it's now 6 months since the Wagon version was launched on oz and still of one actual vehicle for sale anywhere in oz! Is it lack of supply or demand?

[Zeros]

There is now one single MB G Professional Wagon on carsales.We've taken a wrong turn (https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Mercedes-Benz-G300-2017/OAG-AD-15756805)
...but its a 2016 model demo and they’re still asking $120,000!!! Strange. Looks like there’s no demand whatsoever, or they all just sell on order.

[Zeros]

Is anyone actually driving a new G Professional?

Washing the Merc? — Exploring Overland (http://www.exploringoverland.com/overland-tech-travel/2018/9/28/washing-the-merc)

Putting the mud on! LOL

145975

[Arapiles]

This one's for sale:

2017 Mercedes-Benz G300 CDI Auto AWD-OAG-AD-16496794 (https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Mercedes-Benz-G300-2017/OAG-AD-16496794/?Cr=3)

And this is where it's been:

Best 4WD: Mercedes-Benz G300CDI?Professional'review | Drive.com.au (https://www.drive.com.au/new-car-reviews/mercedes-benz-g300-2018-118401)

[Zeros]

This one's for sale:

2017 Mercedes-Benz G300 CDI Auto AWD-OAG-AD-16496794 (https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Mercedes-Benz-G300-2017/OAG-AD-16496794/?Cr=3)

And this is where it's been:

Best 4WD: Mercedes-Benz G300CDI?Professional'review | Drive.com.au (https://www.drive.com.au/new-car-reviews/mercedes-benz-g300-2018-118401)

Yes saw that one...it came last in the review LOL. Not comfortable enough for the soft reviewers.

...The price is simply ridiculous. If it was $70K it might be worth a look. I wonder if it comes with paint on mud?

[Arapiles]

Yes saw that one...it came last in the review LOL. Not comfortable enough for the soft reviewers.

...The price is simply ridiculous. If it was $70K it might be worth a look. I wonder if it comes with paint on mud?

The weird thing about these wagon versions is that you only get to have 3 passengers - a restriction which must relate to payload - yet they claim that it can carry over a ton. Are they thinking that a particularly large person is going to sit in the middle?

[Zeros]

The weird thing about these wagon versions is that you only get to have 3 passengers - a restriction which must relate to payload - yet they claim that it can carry over a ton. Are they thinking that a particularly large person is going to sit in the middle?

Yes the walk through middle row is a bit strange. Defender has a one tonne payload with five seats.

The wierdest thing to me is the price. They are not a luxury vehicle and they’re not really any more heavy duty than a Defender or a Landcruiser. Cachet alone is clearly no match for pragmatic value for money. So what do MB think they’re doing? It’s bonkers. If JLR try to follow suit with Defender it will fail. Range Rover prices for pragmatic vehicles. Only the minority pay for image alone.

[Zeros]

I've just read a great quote by Solmanic on the G Wagon forum, comparing new G to the mythical new Defender. I remain intrigued...

"This new model just highlights how badly Land Rover are cocking up their Defender replacement program. Here Mercedes have been able to produce a new vehicle that is unmistakably a G-Wagen but on a majorly overhauled platform, and bring it to market without a break in production. By contrast, Land Rover have stopped production of the original Defender, lost several commercial & military contracts in the process, have presented a weak prototype of the replacement that was universally panned, and still have no real advice on what the actual replacement will be or when it will be on sale! And this was the spiritual bedrock of their entire company."

You've described it well and I'm actually coming around a bit on why the G Wagon is so expensive. Although, the basics shouldn't cost anymore, so it remains a conundrum for me.

Do I have $100K to spend on a G professional? NO. or $200K+ to spend on a new G500 when they arrive? NO

But I really like them!

Am I unhappy with my Defender in comparison? Well not at all for the price differential (I paid under $40K for a new 2014 Defender). But if they were both the same price - say $60K? Hmmm...

The build quality of the G looks a bit better, more solid. The G has safety features like airbags. The G is auto. The G has 3 difflocks standard. But then there are even fewer of them in Australia.

Solmanic if you're there...it would be great to hear more from you re the G!

[inside]

The wierdest thing to me is the price. They are not a luxury vehicle and they’re not really any more heavy duty than a Defender or a Landcruiser.
Hmm the price. Some shots of the engineering, I would say more heavy duty than a Defender.

https://i.ibb.co/DCfjrJ5/IMG-20190313-211735-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/85gQYC6)
Snorkel mount to A pillar


https://i.ibb.co/09R1wN2/IMG-20190313-211750-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/PWvJSpj)
Top mirror mount to door


https://i.ibb.co/47CLC8T/IMG-20190313-211922-1746x2328.jpg
(https://ibb.co/nb4y47c)Rear seat fold mechanism. Storage under seat.


https://i.ibb.co/wzsLxDf/IMG-20190314-184857-1746x2328.jpg
(https://ibb.co/5RF9fqP)Channel rail in roof rack


https://i.ibb.co/X3k51p2/IMG-20190314-185026-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/txP2gcm)
Channel rail in floor




https://i.ibb.co/h9VN8vm/IMG-20190314-185411-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/2hdrKBk)
3 diff locks, heated seats, volt and hour meter.


https://i.ibb.co/KVP8NFp/IMG-20190314-185524-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/p47kWJB)
Top left is idle up, middle increases or decreases idle. Top right send power to winch. Bottom left is recirc. Big knob makes air con cooler.



https://i.ibb.co/tL7D8Jk/IMG-20190314-185812-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/dmdDG51)
Lot of attention to vehicle earthing.



https://i.ibb.co/6RnQpgt/IMG-20190314-190403-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/jv6txgw)
Guard bolts with gas strut holding bonnet open



https://i.ibb.co/dtCJrb1/IMG-20190314-190518-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/jz0ZTVB)
Bracket holding side steps on.



https://i.ibb.co/qshpRQ4/IMG-20190314-190642-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/HzRqr8M)
Track rod.




https://i.ibb.co/W5V7gSM/IMG-20190314-192947-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/pwhNJCM)
Spare area for adding additional electrical stuff. Has two holes with grommets to pass through wire.




https://i.ibb.co/vXhf9q8/IMG-20190317-153222-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/qJCh6jw)
This is the front of the centre console. All computers are here. Both always on and accessory power available.




https://i.ibb.co/ph1nKhW/IMG-20190317-153244-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/kmGMDm3)
This is the cover plate, notice sealing to limit dust/water.




https://i.ibb.co/Vgftsy0/IMG-20190317-154519-2328x1746.jpg
(https://ibb.co/1rFLkVY)Top of centre console. There's a second fuse box top of passenger foot well.


https://i.ibb.co/6YSHHXz/IMG-20190317-154802-1746x2328.jpg
(https://ibb.co/wyqSScV)Ventilation holes in spare wiring area.


https://i.ibb.co/H2p49dH/IMG-20190317-162139-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/TTq2NLg)
How to walk on the bonnet

https://i.ibb.co/zZVWt8s/IMG-20190317-162813-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/fHdVT8M)
How to make the water go away when it comes in.


https://i.ibb.co/J2QS7cR/IMG-20190317-164411-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/k01P8Gg)
Underseat storage in both front seats. Drivers side houses bottle jack.




https://i.ibb.co/YBp5Tjw/IMG-20190317-171612-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/GQcZ3PN)
Rear cargo area. Defender has probably twice the length but smaller door opening




https://i.ibb.co/3B3YvTG/IMG-20190317-171742-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/FgrqXhN)
Tread plate on rear bumper.

[Zeros]

Thanks posting for all of those pics, lots of interesting attributes that are different to Defender. it would be great to see more of the chassis, driveline, etc if you feel inclined.

What’s it like owning a G? How does it compare to a Defender day to day?

[inside]

Bit too early to tell as I haven't owned it long but the positives of the Defender are still there. Some of the things that I've really welcomed are some aircon and heating, heated seats are nice too. It doesn't drip water in my foot yet. The suspension is hard and the handling is quite direct, sits flat in corners, it does have a 1.2T payload so it's going to be hard. Auto box will take some getting used to, it seems old school and holds gears a little long sometimes but it's only a 5 speed, 100km/h is 2100rpm, it's much happier at 90-95km/h. Shutting the doors takes an insane swing, you are always slamming the doors, there's just no other way. Locking/unlocking the doors is so satisfying. Engine has some grunt when you need it but mostly it's happy to lope along, it's no race car. You get looks in traffic, mostly from Defender owners!

It'll grow on me I can tell, it has character.

Hard to take good shots from underneath but some low quality shots for you.

https://i.ibb.co/z4PtQ7F/IMG-20190318-192107-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/wzp2Bw7)
https://i.ibb.co/8MQD4pS/IMG-20190318-192113-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/5TJWxyf)
https://i.ibb.co/kqkrrJF/IMG-20190318-192123-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/sskDDCr)

https://i.ibb.co/0mD5Vbb/IMG-20190318-192202-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/7jYhNmm)
https://i.ibb.co/rd79SCp/IMG-20190318-192206-1746x2328.jpg (https://ibb.co/7kYh5wp)
https://i.ibb.co/jTxMD4K/IMG-20190318-192314-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/W6dyfK9)
https://i.ibb.co/821PXPp/IMG-20190318-192322-2328x1746.jpg (https://ibb.co/WFmBsBw)

[Zeros]

Hey thanks for the pics. Looks really robust underneath with some decent protection. Sounds like it feels really solid to drive too. ...will look forward to hearing more when you’ve had it longer. ...assuming it’s G Professional, will be great to hear what it’s like on the gravel and dirt and on long drives. My Puma sits on 2000rpm at 100kmhr, so sounds pretty similar. Is the cabin relatively quiet?

[inside]

Is the cabin relatively quiet?
You can do 110km/hr, have the radio on and have a conversation, a-may-zing! There's wind noise from the rack/mirrors and it's Defender in shape so it moves around a bit depending on cross wind. You have to be relatively concentrated but I like that type of driving, no cruise control either although seems to be able to be retrofitted.

I'm starting to like the auto box, when in D it's a tap to the left or right to go down/up. When you want some engine braking you can push to the left it'll drop down a gear, when you want D again you just hold to the right from any gear and D is selected. Very simple and easy. In low and with any gear selected it won't auto shift up which is what you want. I need to get it off road though, Easter can't come soon enough.

149468

[Zeros]

Very nice! Congrats. Looks awesome. That auto box sounds excellent too.
Hmmm still love my Defender though [thumbsupbig] ...But they could be related :)

149472

[101RRS]

Hmmm still love my Defender though [thumbsupbig] ...But they could be related :)

149472

This is more closely related to the G Wagen than a Defender [thumbsupbig]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4585/24332000808_b73effc112_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/D58S8j)20160725_123706 (https://flic.kr/p/D58S8j)

[inside]

Breathershttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190323/8a9f98d006e4057b00146acb05261b81.jpg

[Zeros]

Breathershttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190323/8a9f98d006e4057b00146acb05261b81.jpg

impressive, how high up is that?

[inside]

That's top of firewall, filter next to it is for cabin air.

[inside]

Well I've had it for a while and have completed some trips in it, the engine has loosened a bit so time for a bit of a review. Now just remember I come from a 110 Perentie with a 4BD1T.

In Australia if you're into touring you need to cover a lot of boring bits of bitumen, you get a 3L V6 with 140KW and 400Nm, it has some poke if you work the accelerator and it has no problem cruising at 110km/hr. There is power to overtake when required, brakes work very well and because it has fat sway bars it handles bends in the road nicely. It's not a wallowing 4WD that requires concentration when rounding corners at speed. You get no cruise control and it can take some concentration to keep it on the straight and narrow when you have a wind blowing. Noise levels are low when cruising which is nice however you can hear the roof rack at times. Seats are nice enough and adjustment is good, headroom great for all, you get some aircon and a seriously warm heater should you need it. On the safety side of things you get 2 airbags, traction control, ABS and stability control.

Off road, so I've done some boring dirt road touring and it handles this very well. Loaded up and with the tyres at the right pressure it is very very good. It will soak up bumps, corrugations and large holes with ease. So much so you have to watch your speed as your confidence in the vehicle can get a little too high for the conditions. I absolutely loved my 110 with Koni Raids on dirt roads at speed and I am pleased the G is great in this area. It must be the strong chassis and solid axle combination. I do not know how it would be on seriously corrugated roads that you can find in Australia but so far so good. Dust sealing is good, no rattles or vibrations.

The 4WD system works similar to the Defender, it's permanent 4WD with a centre diff. Low range can be shifted to on the fly, you put it in neutral, hit the low range button and then move back to drive. This process is seamless and simple with little to no lag. When you lock the centre diff all aids are turned off so no traction control or ABS which I see as good thing as you now have a relatively dumb vehicle that you need to rely on suspension, gearing, brakes, your right foot and how you as the driver use these to get where you need to go. There are front and rear lockers which while good can take some time to lock and unlock requiring you to reverse and go forward at times to get them to do their thing. This can be a little frustrating when you are at the bottom of a hill waiting for lights to go on before you ascend.

Suspension travel is minimal, I think Merc have decided to fit big sway bars to give it on road handling and then overcome the downside of that with the fact it has lockers. The G will lift front wheels very easily as can be seen here. It weighs 3.2T here.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atx4zeZxpLo

Wading depth I think is 600mm I think, water will enter the front fog lights, these will need to replaced with LED units in the future.

This is front a rear lockers and plenty of right foot in the High Country.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE1CARQUps4

Some downsides to the vehicle, it has TPMS which is good and very relevant to a 4WD however the implementation is poor. You would think you could drop your tyres to say 28PSI then if you got a hole the alarm would sound and you can have a look. Well that's not the case because once the tyre pressure drops below 30PSI you get a warning light on the dash and calibrating it won't allow you to reset it. The owners manual confirms this is the correct operation so a missed opportunity from Merc there. Front bar options for a winch are poor, nice of Merc to offer the wiring for it though [bighmmm]

The rear storage space is low, need to get creative here. Also the rear door hinges on the wrong side for Australia and the opening is not that large being a 70s designed vehicle. You only get 4 seats but you do get space between the two of them to add a fridge or whatever else. Storage space is minimal with some front door pockets being the only real storage, they are a good size though. No remote central locking.

Overall it is a solid vehicle, the build quality is outstanding, 4WD capability is excellent, payload is excellent (1.2T). Shame it is not cheaper but people add autos and rear track changes to 70 series cruisers and think they are great. That's 30K with those two mods alone and you get no dealer support.

[inside]

Some more video. Trying to keep it LR relevant so we have a D4 in there [wink11].


https://youtu.be/v2oRk8eu130