Magna rolls out 500,000th Mercedes G-Class
The Mercedes G-Class is one of the most iconic luxury SUVs globally and has been built by Magna since 1979. The legendary off-road vehicle entered its 44th year of production in Graz, Austria and has reached the historic mark of 500,000 produced vehicles.
“A half-a-million of this iconic vehicle is a significant milestone which underscores Magna’s competencies as a highly flexible and experienced contract manufacturing partner. Our partnership with Mercedes-Benz has been one built on trust and collaboration which is reflected in the longevity of the program in our Graz facility,” says Roland Prettner, Interim President of Magna Steyr.
Magna’s carbon neutral state-of-the-art facility can accommodate vehicles with conventional, hybrid and electric powertrains, some on the same production line, providing versatility no other independent manufacturer can match. As one of the world’s leading contract manufacturers, Magna is a key strategic partner for existing automakers and new entrants, who are in need of engineering, design, and manufacturing. Over the years, 31 different models have rolled off the production lines in various quantities, making a total of more than four million vehicles.
Magna is more than one of the world’s largest suppliers in the automotive space. Its global network includes 343 manufacturing operations and 88 product development, engineering and sales centres spanning 29 countries.
Alongside the S-Class and the E-Class, the G-Class is one of the longest-produced and longest-established car model series in Mercedes-Benz history
Setting new standards since 1979
Alongside the S-Class and the E-Class, the G-Class is one of the longest-produced and longest-established passenger car model series in Mercedes-Benz history. Even with the first G model, the development team designed a vehicle that combined superior off-road capability with on-road driving comfort and Mercedes‑typical high safety standards. At the market launch in spring 1979, customers could choose between four engine variants with a power range from 53 kW/72 hp to 110 kW/150 hp. Both short-wheelbase cabriolets and short- or long-wheelbase station wagons were available.
Over the course of the past four decades, the G-Class has established itself from a pure commercial vehicle to a lifestyle object. However, it has retained its distinctive character and typical appearance to this day. All‑wheel drive, differential locks with 100 per cent locking effect and the robust ladder frame have been part of the G-Class since the beginning. Iconic design elements such as the round headlamps, the exposed spare wheel on the side-hinged rear door and the clear, angular silhouette ensure that the off-road vehicle icon is still recognisable today as a direct heir of the first G model.
Combustion engine model will be joined by an all-electric G-Class in 2024.
In terms of performance and technology, the G-Class has been continuously developed over the years. The greatest technological leap in the model’s history came with the new run of the G-Class, which celebrated its world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show in 2018: headlamps with LED technology, modern driver assistance systems, a fundamentally redesigned, modern interior and a new chassis provide more safety and comfort as well as improved driving characteristics both on and off the road.
The motto of the current generation launched in 2018 is ‘Stronger than Time’ and will apply more than ever in the future: with the all-electric G-Class, which will roll off the production line in 2024 alongside the combustion engine models, the off-road vehicle icon is taking a step into the future.
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