While I was in Afghanistan, I had an early 1980’s G-Wagon that was once owned by a Soviet general. That truck could anywhere in any weather. I loved that truck.
@@SAMPLETEXT285 when I grow up I really want a G wagon. It seems so much fun to go off road with it. The suspension and power! It can go over everything! Absolute monster. Really shows that Mercedes is the best
Back in the 80's when I was in the Army stationed in Germany, my unit had a Gelandewagen in our fleet. It was a 2 door no frills utilitarian military vehicle and I drove it a lot. I never imagined 30 years later, it would become a $120,000 mall crawler.
German army does have some cool G wagons to this day. They were on ft Bliss while i was there. I still think our humvee is a better vehicle for the job. Give me an old toyota anyday.
unfortunately i opted out of the military because of my medical situations but the g is kinda fitting for greek soil considering greece's rally history
My father, a former Mercedes engineer, once ran accidentally in some German soldiers who tested their tank in the same area where he was testing a G-Class. They discussed the capabilities of their vehicles and eventually, since the soldiers insisted that their tank would be better for driving through that terrain, proposed a bet. For keeping the story short: My father enjoyed his beer :-)
Well i watched a vid from "dersievi" who did mandatory service in the german military back in the day and decided it was a good idea to take the wolf (bundeswehr name for the g) on to the tank training track. He spent the rest of the day shoveling mud
A great story, but not sure it's super likely. I drive the G wagon at work. Lovely piece of kit, but except very specific terrains it won't keep up with a tank.
I work for Mercedes and I absolutely love the g wagon! The training for the older g wagon went in depth about the differential locking system, now the training is just about the added luxury. But they are absolutely fun to drive!
They still do make a hardcore G-Wagen, it's called the "Professional". Keeps the sold front axels, hose down interior, diesel engine, and upgraded suspension. It's borderline the same vehicle sold to the military. it's not uncommon for Mercedes Benz during press events of the G-Wagen to have a few "Professional" models for support. It's literally the G-Wagen to help when the normal G-Wagen can't make it. They even made a 6x6 version for the military, which got turned into the AMG 6x6. It was never sold to the public in North America, but in some parts of the world, you can still get the true monster. Look up "Military-Spec Mercedes-Benz G-Class W464" and you will see it. Mercedes Benz for some reason has gone to great lengths to make this difficult to find for the public. I wonder why?
@@Shepard_AU the Germans lost both world wars, but they are successful invading our militaries light recon/transport vehicle systems. Canada also bought G-Wagens which ended up being very liked by our military. But surplus’s units sadly were not sold to the public like the USA did with Humvee’s sadly. Actually one did make it to an auction by mistake and almost instantly got pulled. Darn
First time I stayed for the ad since K&N is the only company that has been advertised here and has products available in my country. And their air filters are great too. Just clocked 200.000 kilometres with a K&N air filter in my Fiat Seicento.
The Marine Corps had them in the early 2000s. We called them IFAV, Intergrated fast attack vehicle! You could fit 2 in the back of a 46 or 53 instead of slinging them underneath. I got to admit, they can handle some pretty impressive stuff!
I’ve heard it be explained this way: “The G Wagen is the kind of car that if you love it, you love it, and if you hate it, it’s because you can’t afford it.”
Not sure why people are saying they are affordable, either I am broke or other people are simply comfortable spending over 30k on a nearly 20 year old model.
Drove the 1982 G-Wagon for a year in the norwegian army. Great offroad car. Almost all the original parts still. An amazing car with its tiny 72hp (probably way less now). Loved it:) rode it last year btw!
The 2018 Geländewagen facelift was actually very significant. All earlier versions of G were a mashup of other Mercedes models interior components, had solid front and rear axles, cross over steering system and mainly only engine/transmission variants changed. Post facelift G's are more rounded in the corners have very unique interior compared to the rest of vehicles offered by Mercedes as well as having independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering which makes the new G handle wayyyy better on road than the previous one. That being said, I would take a 2013 G550 (last year of the NA m273 V8) or 2006 G55 or G500 with a m113 over a new one. Prefacelift G definitely has more personality and feels more rugged and less posh than the new one.
2015 was the last year of the M273. 2010-2015 is the sweet spot IMO. Still naturally aspirated and simple to work on but had more modern interiors. I’m in the process of buying one to tow my other AMG and for weekend trips to the beach.
15:10 "Thanks to the marines, Mercerdes never stopped producing the G-Class..." I don't think that's true because the German Bundeswehr (german armed forces) is using it since ~1990 all the way up to this day in various varients and has around 12,000 of them. So, i doubt Mercedes continued production just because of 157 cars the marines ordered.
I think he means by stopped producing the G-Class in the US, they always talk about the USA without taking into consideration the other countries sometimes... Same with the Toyota Land Cruiser, said they stopped making it, but forgot to precise In the USA.
my dad ran across one for sale in the 90s on his way to work and immediately stopped and bought it off of the guy. ever since i realized how special the car is in the states i’ve been keeping my eye out for another one. never have i seen another w460 2 door drop top in this country. truly a special feeling to have one
I worked at a shop that built these. They are all the same from the 80s to 2018. Had the pleasure of meeting Russ, the guy from europa. He truly loves these things. We om606 diesel swapped one for off road racing and also put a 5.5supercharged in a 2 door (they only came in lwb 4 door). Super cool machines
@@mijnnaamisaaron Clearly you don't know shit about Top Gear, because if you would you'd know how much there is to tell about it and a regular episode of up to speed would be waaay too short to tell the whole story.
Donut Media's BEST MAN! The sheer amount of research he does on every topic, is just perfection. Infuses his reproting with a fun, more relatable twist. Ingenuity like this gave Jeremy Clarkson his shine 3 decades ago, over everyone else at Top Gear. Keep it up.
I remember back when this channel started and I subscribed. I love that I’m coming back after more than 10 years it feels like and he’s still doing the same thing and is getting recognized for it. Keep up the great work, this channel is amazing!
Use my '02 V8 as a daily driver (200k miles) with camping and off-road traversing on wknds. Will never give this beast up !! Hand Built, metal frame, fenders, and bumpers and leather. Just a joy to drive. 8-14 mpgallon is also a blast - LOL - they do hold value in a beautiful way
I have so many questions. Looking at getting a 2002 with 109,000 miles on it. It wouldn’t be a daily, what issues have you run into so far (if any). I was a big Land Cruiser fan but I’ll be honest…..something about the G wagon calls to me
I drove one of those things on highway a couple of times. With that much power and body on frame design, it feels like its chassis has its own mind. But it’s a off-road beast and highway is not where it belongs. Despite that I really hope I can get my hands on 6x6 one day. That thing is outrageous.
as mentioned around 3:24, Steyr was not only in charge of assembly, Steyr engineers were heavily involved in the design and engineering of the G Wagon, in fact the head of engineering for the G-Wagon was Erich Ledwinka, Chief Engineer of Steyr Daimler Puch (son of legendary Tatra-Engineer Hans Ledwinka). Erich Ledwinka was also the mastermind behind the Haflinger, Pinzgauer and the Steyr 4x4 drive as a whole.
@@variszarins it was never called G-Wagen in German speaking markets, especially not in the US, there it's often called G-Wagon as the English Wikipedia states, and you know that Austrians speak German, right?
@@antonhofmann1796 I know that Austrians speak German, That's why I couldn't understand why you're being so intellectually handicapped by not knowing that its G-WAGEN in Germany. Do I need to explain what Wagen means in German? G - Wagon is a moronic American/British/Australian pronunciation and spelling.
I want an old one of these so so bad. A '95 with a beautiful restoration sold on BaT in October for around $40k and I would have taken that thing over a brand new one any day of the week. Such cool cars and I actually think its really cool they still sell it. Wish Land Rover would have followed in their footsteps and never killed the original Defender
I had the privilege to drive it in the days ‘93-95 in the Danish army. It’s amazing - I have driven this in all terrains and if you know what your doing - it will never let you down : D
I am Austrian and we got the Puch G still in the Military and its undestructible . One of my friends is working in the Factory where the Mercedes G is assembled . I love it 😀
Hey donut, it’s Brandon here First off great video but can we get an up to speed on the racing shock technology and the advancement of off road trucks ? I will call this day 1. I’m here to stay long after the people get a video. Love your videos guys
We love our G! We'll never get rid of it. Eventually we'll get a newer one and then I'll kit this one for official off road use. One of the best vehicles I have ever owned.
During my service, I commanded a squad of these. They went everywhere. but when the Merc eventually hit soggy bottom, we all wished we had the Volvo Laplander L3314.
Good video, this needed some attention! It's worth mentioning that Mercedes has removed one (in my opinion) of the main ""Off-road capability features". New models (since 2018) don't have a solid axles option. I think all the differential lockers are still there thought!
*14:54** Malaysian Army, more specifically Royal Malay Regiment G-Wagen. The Malaysian Armed Forces choose the licensed production G-Wagen for their requirement of Quick Reaction Force for Anti-Tank and Anti-Aircraft Missile Carrier over the Land Rover Defender. The high-cost of maintenance led them gradually to be replaced by Spanish URO Vamtac and Malaysian-made Weststar GK-M1.*
Honestly I'm glad people baby these cars, Its always been my dream to own a 1990-2016 W463 and the more that are left the better for me. And you bet if I ever get my hands on one its not touching a speck of dirt.
Way back in the day, Indonesia's national TV and radio used to run a fleet of G-Wagens as mobile broadcast/satellite news gathering rigs. They're either panel vans with short chassis or wagons with extended chassis; the latter was specially ordered from Binz, a German coachbuilder, and was originally an ambulance chassis. These days the cars are sought after among collectors, a lot of them are well-restored down to their specific variant of blue paint. Fun fact: Gunther Holtorf's name is familiar to us Indonesians. Aside from travelling the world in a Merc G, he's also a known map maker. He's the first person to map the whole city of Jakarta, starting from 1977 when he presented his first whole Jakarta map to the Governor. At that point, he was the managing director for Lufthansa's Indonesian branch.
Really like the toned down yet still funny informative style of this video. Just my own preference for getting information. Really like this series and channel as whole. P-p-p-p-p-p-pop up and down head lights
I'd love to know whether Steyr was roughly right. I always thought the way James said it was an Americanisation and it should sound like "STAY-er" or possibly with a more "sh" sound at the front, but nowadays I'm not so sure. Can you settle this for me?
There's an important bit of history that is missing here, Mercedes-Benz had developed 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles and off-road capable luxury cars for the elite during the 30s and 40s, the era that most people have only been informed about American and British off-road vehicles. BMW and Mercedes-Benz both made similar developments, so did Fiat, Alfa Romeo and other European manufacturers. In fact, the 6x6 G-Wagen and the 4x4 Landaulette are just tribute models to the old Mercedes-Benz G4 and G6. Adolf Hitler was actually the world's first celebrity to flex in a big obnoxious G6 6x6 Armoured Landaulette. Look them up, you will experience a revelation.
I've looked it up since your comment sparked my interest and it kinda disappointed me. I've clearly seen cars like this before in media but I've never viewed them as some kind of offroad vehicles which i thought you were reffering to. Yes, the Mercedes one is big and has three axles but I just don't see it being related to the G class in any way.
@@elvis1745 that's not related to the G-Class at all, none such classes existed back then, they were all just either big cars and small cars based on the user's requirements. But when the 6x6 G-Class was launched, it's the G6 that was being reflected at, that it has been done before and Mercedes-Benz are familiar with building such vehicles.
And we have a ton of them. 1100 were purchased back in the early years of Afghanistan. Can't wait for them to be replaced when I can finally get my hands on one civvy side
Im an iranian and we are all still against the revolution that happend The Shah Was a Great man god blesses him🙏 He did such a great job that still 50 years after people say his name as a hero
@@joshuamccormick5497 I know somebody that her monthly salary worths less than 60 dollors And their home had no glass or windows!!! They were freezing and now in iran we are entering winter
@@kingofohio5689 thank you!!!!❤ Im glad to hear that I heard there is a savior or something like a hero that comes and saves the world is noted in your holy books... Muslims also believe in him 100% and he actually exists He has told a lot of people to stop doing bad things(sins) so god would let me to come and save you and there is some signs actually that when he wants to come this signs appear like high prices and etc. I believe it and i want you to pray and want this from god ask it! At the end we are believe in one God. And we are told to respect all other religions like christians we respect you all by heart ❤ please ask the savior from god❤🙏
In Australia we use G Wagons now because Mercedes built in Falling Object Protection for us. The G Wagons are awesome and most of us lucky to work with them love them
When I was living in DC for 3 years I was cut off by 6 different G wagons and came an inch from an accident each time. Hate now fills my heart everytime I see one 😐
No kidding, i worked just accros the Street from the 500Miles Günther Holtorf G-Wagon. It was always just parked outside in the driveway. He gave it to a Museum after a while and got a new one from the Austrian Army.
I work for a car dealership in Canada and let me tell you, some car dealers are making very good money selling brand new AMG G wagons at the dealers auction, the ones who have a connection with the Mercedes dealerships are able to get one once a while, they turn around and auction it as soon as they can, they buy it from the dealership for about $260,000 Canadian dollars and they sell for $330,000-$340,000 a few weeks later.
I miss the early SWB (or 2 door wagon) 230GE my dad used to own (in the nice military green colour they kept showing off). Also amusing was that the 230GE had the same engine as the first gen 190E cosworths... But with a different cylinder head. Normally.... So we fitted the cosworth one so we use unleaded. And a side out exhaust because reasons... Long before it became the status symbol it is now.
The true Up to Speed is back. I love the G-Wagen. Other than the Range Rover, this is the ultimate luxury off-road SUV. I would love to have one eventually.
In high school, these were my favourite SUVs that I dreamt of owning. Fast forward over a decade and I prefer the G anyday. In my eyes, the Range was replaced by a few of interest, including the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
@@kurzka94 Last I checked, the G-Class is classified as an SUV. Most people call it an SUV. The GLE(formerly the ML) and the GLS(formerly the GL) are also considered SUVs. The GLA and the GLC are considered crossovers.
To a man raised in a single mother household thank you donut for teaching me more about vehicles then my mother ever could no disrespect to her at all.
In 2010 I drove the new cool IFAV which was the USMC's G-Wagon. It could fit in a Sea Stallion and we used it for for Helo operations and airfield seizures. Awesome little off-roader.
Am I the only one who noticed that the production quality of Up to Speed has gone down, like quite badly. From the animations, to the overly loud music in the background to the uncorrected green screen cutout in the background. It's honestly a shame because I love these series.
The tank at 8:40 is an IS-6 from World of Tanks. It's slow, extremely heavy, and has horrible ground resistance so it's correct that it is incapable of doing what a Mercedes G Wagon does.
I had experience driving both the military versions of the Mercedes G Wagen and the Volkswagen Type 183. The latter (although ugly as hell) was better both on and off road.
While I was in Afghanistan, I had an early 1980’s G-Wagon that was once owned by a Soviet general. That truck could anywhere in any weather. I loved that truck.
You were probably one of a few people who can say that actually took their g wagon offroad considering new g wagons are pavement princess
@@SAMPLETEXT285 its not a Gwagen if it does not have a commander hatch on top
@@SAMPLETEXT285 when I grow up I really want a G wagon. It seems so much fun to go off road with it. The suspension and power! It can go over everything! Absolute monster. Really shows that Mercedes is the best
It's G-Wagen not G-Wagon. Americans...
@@variszarins yeah that's what I was confused about because all my life I thought it was wagon
Back in the 80's when I was in the Army stationed in Germany, my unit had a Gelandewagen in our fleet. It was a 2 door no frills utilitarian military vehicle and I drove it a lot. I never imagined 30 years later, it would become a $120,000 mall crawler.
Story of all SUVS
You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.
They still make military versions tho
German army does have some cool G wagons to this day. They were on ft Bliss while i was there. I still think our humvee is a better vehicle for the job. Give me an old toyota anyday.
Most people who could afford mall crawlers are well...mall crawlers.
I got to admit I have a soft spot for G wagens, since I learned how to drive on military G-240 during my service back in 2003 ❤️
unfortunately i opted out of the military because of my medical situations but the g is kinda fitting for greek soil considering greece's rally history
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a soft spot for G wagens, a G spot if you will
I got to admit I have spotted your thinly veiled bragging
I guess you could call it a soft G-spot...
My father, a former Mercedes engineer, once ran accidentally in some German soldiers who tested their tank in the same area where he was testing a G-Class. They discussed the capabilities of their vehicles and eventually, since the soldiers insisted that their tank would be better for driving through that terrain, proposed a bet. For keeping the story short: My father enjoyed his beer :-)
Well i watched a vid from "dersievi" who did mandatory service in the german military back in the day and decided it was a good idea to take the wolf (bundeswehr name for the g) on to the tank training track. He spent the rest of the day shoveling mud
A great story, but not sure it's super likely. I drive the G wagon at work. Lovely piece of kit, but except very specific terrains it won't keep up with a tank.
@@kylebrodie5860 but is still awesome that you compare it with a tank😁
Top 10 real stories
I've see a UniMog do the same thing...
I work for Mercedes and I absolutely love the g wagon! The training for the older g wagon went in depth about the differential locking system, now the training is just about the added luxury. But they are absolutely fun to drive!
G-Wagen, not G-Wagon. Jesus.
Works for mercedes but can't even pronounce wagen properly. You work for them in your dreams kiddo
I used to think the stereotype about G-Wagens everywhere in Beverley Hills was a joke until I actually went there for a day
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Dang, dude, these girls are just throwing themselves at you
@@spawnofsteve lmfao
Bro, get your girls under control🤣.
share some with us bro
At this point, I'm waiting for a D-List where James starts the episode by saying, "Cars....Ya ever heard of 'em??"
That's a really good idea
Really good idea
saddest comment ever
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@@B86432 🤣
Best part about these trucks hands down is the sound when you shut the doors. Such a satisfying *click*
I know. It sounds like nothing else.. like your closing a large pad lock 🔐 click. !!
In my country most of these are still the basic ones used for off road including the Puch variants
What country is that?
@@lmaxwell9751 Luxembourg
They were the Steyr Daimler Puch G Wagons, Mercedes bought the right's from Steyr Daimler Puch.
Croatia
@@srt4b pro PIO PIO PPP Po pio o
Mercedes already had a lot of experience on the off-road department, they've been building Unimogs since the 1940s.
They still do make a hardcore G-Wagen, it's called the "Professional". Keeps the sold front axels, hose down interior, diesel engine, and upgraded suspension. It's borderline the same vehicle sold to the military. it's not uncommon for Mercedes Benz during press events of the G-Wagen to have a few "Professional" models for support. It's literally the G-Wagen to help when the normal G-Wagen can't make it. They even made a 6x6 version for the military, which got turned into the AMG 6x6.
It was never sold to the public in North America, but in some parts of the world, you can still get the true monster.
Look up "Military-Spec Mercedes-Benz G-Class W464" and you will see it. Mercedes Benz for some reason has gone to great lengths to make this difficult to find for the public. I wonder why?
@@Shepard_AU You better get that poke pass before they show up at your door 😂
@@PissShiversss somebody needs to teach these ozzies how to defend themselves and fight back
@@PissShiversss you sound like a crazy person. nobody even mentioned anything about any sickness, much less covid. why are you like this?
@@Shepard_AU the Germans lost both world wars, but they are successful invading our militaries light recon/transport vehicle systems.
Canada also bought G-Wagens which ended up being very liked by our military.
But surplus’s units sadly were not sold to the public like the USA did with Humvee’s sadly.
Actually one did make it to an auction by mistake and almost instantly got pulled. Darn
Same reason HK does what they do.
First time I stayed for the ad since K&N is the only company that has been advertised here and has products available in my country. And their air filters are great too. Just clocked 200.000 kilometres with a K&N air filter in my Fiat Seicento.
My grandpa put it in his truck for ease of matinence. It even gives it a nice sound
In Germany, it's always been called the G class (G-Klasse or G-Modell). I've actually mainly seen it driven by foresters and hunters over here.
Just like god intended
Really? I always see rich folks and bad drivers pushing it over the Autobahn
The Marine Corps had them in the early 2000s. We called them IFAV, Intergrated fast attack vehicle! You could fit 2 in the back of a 46 or 53 instead of slinging them underneath. I got to admit, they can handle some pretty impressive stuff!
I’ve heard it be explained this way: “The G Wagen is the kind of car that if you love it, you love it, and if you hate it, it’s because you can’t afford it.”
nrmal g classes are affordable its just the useless luxury shit with a v8 that costs a ton
That's pretty cringe.
@@AnyBodyWannaPeanut not everything that's cringe is false señor
Their pretty afordable and junk cars by the way.
Not sure why people are saying they are affordable, either I am broke or other people are simply comfortable spending over 30k on a nearly 20 year old model.
Drove the 1982 G-Wagon for a year in the norwegian army. Great offroad car. Almost all the original parts still. An amazing car with its tiny 72hp (probably way less now). Loved it:) rode it last year btw!
G-Wagen, not G-Wagon. Jesus.
@@variszarins its not that important
@@sondre2902 Maybe not to illiterates.
@@variszarins you do you…
The 2018 Geländewagen facelift was actually very significant. All earlier versions of G were a mashup of other Mercedes models interior components, had solid front and rear axles, cross over steering system and mainly only engine/transmission variants changed. Post facelift G's are more rounded in the corners have very unique interior compared to the rest of vehicles offered by Mercedes as well as having independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering which makes the new G handle wayyyy better on road than the previous one. That being said, I would take a 2013 G550 (last year of the NA m273 V8) or 2006 G55 or G500 with a m113 over a new one. Prefacelift G definitely has more personality and feels more rugged and less posh than the new one.
yep, these ones are the most badass looking imo!
I too dont like how they rounded off so many corners on it it just doesn't look right
@@kh5736 It took a while to get used to. But I still prefer the prev one.
dont like the new ones at all there was a headlight change in 93(?) great looking motors.
2015 was the last year of the M273. 2010-2015 is the sweet spot IMO. Still naturally aspirated and simple to work on but had more modern interiors.
I’m in the process of buying one to tow my other AMG and for weekend trips to the beach.
15:10 "Thanks to the marines, Mercerdes never stopped producing the G-Class..." I don't think that's true because the German Bundeswehr (german armed forces) is using it since ~1990 all the way up to this day in various varients and has around 12,000 of them. So, i doubt Mercedes continued production just because of 157 cars the marines ordered.
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The Canadian military is still using G-Wagons as well
Specifically in America is what they mean
I think he means by stopped producing the G-Class in the US, they always talk about the USA without taking into consideration the other countries sometimes... Same with the Toyota Land Cruiser, said they stopped making it, but forgot to precise In the USA.
@@fathiallababidi5664 donut media is an American company UA-cam is an American platform go away 🌎
I never would’ve thought that my hometown would get a mention in a donut video!
Love your content guys and girls
Lots of love from Cologne, Germany 💯
I’ve worked on one of those 05 g55s with the superchargers. It’s one of the craziest cars I’ve ever driven. The acceleration is ridiculous.
Finally another car on up to speed (not that I didn't like the others though)
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I didn't like the others
The 2 door drop-top GWag would be amazing in the US. Everything cool about the Wrangler but with the reliability
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Occasionally you can buy one here in the US, but it's rare. Doug DeMuro has one.
Just saw one that came on for sale yesterday, in Delaware. Only one for sale in the country at the moment ($24k).
my dad ran across one for sale in the 90s on his way to work and immediately stopped and bought it off of the guy. ever since i realized how special the car is in the states i’ve been keeping my eye out for another one. never have i seen another w460 2 door drop top in this country. truly a special feeling to have one
@@calesweeden1342 If I could I would buy the one in Delaware. They will be worth a bit.
I love that Donut posts the videos as soon I’m about to each at lunch at work.
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G Wagon is my dream car! Saving for it for now 6 years! $259K, Brand new for me!
Update?
K&N air filters rock and they've been rocking for decades. Great sponsor guys /breathes in air deeply
Same! First thing I do to any car I pick up while I decide on other mods to make.
I worked at a shop that built these. They are all the same from the 80s to 2018. Had the pleasure of meeting Russ, the guy from europa. He truly loves these things. We om606 diesel swapped one for off road racing and also put a 5.5supercharged in a 2 door (they only came in lwb 4 door). Super cool machines
Damn dude Russ is a legend in the G community, musta been cool working there
We need an up to speed on Top Gear.
Y not an Up To Speed on Up To Speed?
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That's the dumbest thing i heard all day
@@mijnnaamisaaron Clearly you don't know shit about Top Gear, because if you would you'd know how much there is to tell about it and a regular episode of up to speed would be waaay too short to tell the whole story.
My grandfather drove a G-wagon over 1000km in the Croatian army .(Puch G-wagon)
Its got special meaning to me.
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Donut Media's BEST MAN! The sheer amount of research he does on every topic, is just perfection. Infuses his reproting with a fun, more relatable twist. Ingenuity like this gave Jeremy Clarkson his shine 3 decades ago, over everyone else at Top Gear. Keep it up.
I remember back when this channel started and I subscribed. I love that I’m coming back after more than 10 years it feels like and he’s still doing the same thing and is getting recognized for it. Keep up the great work, this channel is amazing!
Use my '02 V8 as a daily driver (200k miles) with camping and off-road traversing on wknds. Will never give this beast up !! Hand Built, metal frame, fenders, and bumpers and leather. Just a joy to drive. 8-14 mpgallon is also a blast - LOL - they do hold value in a beautiful way
Wildfires and hurricanes are also a blast.
@@FabriDragon as are experimental vaccines that don't actually inoculate. But everyone seems to love them nonetheless
02' here as well...but 321k on the clock... People that are scared of high mileage G500's clearly don't know how solid they are...
I have so many questions. Looking at getting a 2002 with 109,000 miles on it. It wouldn’t be a daily, what issues have you run into so far (if any). I was a big Land Cruiser fan but I’ll be honest…..something about the G wagon calls to me
I drove one of those things on highway a couple of times. With that much power and body on frame design, it feels like its chassis has its own mind. But it’s a off-road beast and highway is not where it belongs. Despite that I really hope I can get my hands on 6x6 one day. That thing is outrageous.
we need an up to speed on Ken block and the hoonicorn, it’s amazing how he turned a pure American muscle car into a drift missile
for sure
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There's probably pretty much nothing left from the muscle car
Pretty sure it's tube chassis
Good to watch the oldies
Wish you guys mentioned the suspension and drive line. It's freaking amazing
as mentioned around 3:24, Steyr was not only in charge of assembly, Steyr engineers were heavily involved in the design and engineering of the G Wagon, in fact the head of engineering for the G-Wagon was Erich Ledwinka, Chief Engineer of Steyr Daimler Puch (son of legendary Tatra-Engineer Hans Ledwinka). Erich Ledwinka was also the mastermind behind the Haflinger, Pinzgauer and the Steyr 4x4 drive as a whole.
G-Wagen, not G-Wagon. Jesus.
you dumb455, g-wagen is German. facepalm
@@variszarins it was never called G-Wagen in German speaking markets, especially not in the US, there it's often called G-Wagon as the English Wikipedia states, and you know that Austrians speak German, right?
@@antonhofmann1796 I know that Austrians speak German, That's why I couldn't understand why you're being so intellectually handicapped by not knowing that its G-WAGEN in Germany. Do I need to explain what Wagen means in German? G - Wagon is a moronic American/British/Australian pronunciation and spelling.
I want an old one of these so so bad. A '95 with a beautiful restoration sold on BaT in October for around $40k and I would have taken that thing over a brand new one any day of the week. Such cool cars and I actually think its really cool they still sell it. Wish Land Rover would have followed in their footsteps and never killed the original Defender
I had the privilege to drive it in the days ‘93-95 in the Danish army. It’s amazing - I have driven this in all terrains and if you know what your doing - it will never let you down : D
I replay the last second of this video to fill the void in my heart. Thank you james.
I am Austrian and we got the Puch G still in the Military and its undestructible . One of my friends is working in the Factory where the Mercedes G is assembled .
I love it 😀
Hey donut, it’s Brandon here
First off great video but can we get an up to speed on the racing shock technology and the advancement of off road trucks ? I will call this day 1. I’m here to stay long after the people get a video. Love your videos guys
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That would rather be a topic for bumper to bumper.
you and hoonigan upload at the exact same time or super close every single time i love it
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Ive seen a Landaulet driving around during Monterey Car Week. My friends didn’t understand why I was so stoked on it until they looked them up.
We love our G! We'll never get rid of it. Eventually we'll get a newer one and then I'll kit this one for official off road use. One of the best vehicles I have ever owned.
Merc should give this guy a super endorsement deal; he literally resold the wagon by 7 folds with its herstory.
I have been waiting 4 1/2 years for this episode. I eventually gave up on it. You guys got most of it right, very good video!
During my service, I commanded a squad of these. They went everywhere. but when the Merc eventually hit soggy bottom, we all wished we had the Volvo Laplander L3314.
Ok
VALPEN elller galten 16 är bäst
Soggy bottom
Up To Speed episodes are always my favorite 🔥🔥
Good video, this needed some attention! It's worth mentioning that Mercedes has removed one (in my opinion) of the main ""Off-road capability features". New models (since 2018) don't have a solid axles option. I think all the differential lockers are still there thought!
Fun facts: Puch was very famous in Europe for their mopeds, aka small
And firearms lol
*14:54** Malaysian Army, more specifically Royal Malay Regiment G-Wagen. The Malaysian Armed Forces choose the licensed production G-Wagen for their requirement of Quick Reaction Force for Anti-Tank and Anti-Aircraft Missile Carrier over the Land Rover Defender. The high-cost of maintenance led them gradually to be replaced by Spanish URO Vamtac and Malaysian-made Weststar GK-M1.*
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Almost there 6 million btw I'm from gy
“Wagen” finally a Dutch/German word😎
@@angelina6959 bro
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@Damar Fadlan U sure about that?
I´m from graz. Sometimes trains pass by from MAGNA with 100+ G Wagons loaded at once
Honestly I'm glad people baby these cars, Its always been my dream to own a 1990-2016 W463 and the more that are left the better for me. And you bet if I ever get my hands on one its not touching a speck of dirt.
The G-Wagon has been my dream car since I was 12!!! 🤤
That GThang is lit!!
Ima keep asking for a Up to speed on Fangio till I get it, the best F1 driver ever deserves it, damn it!
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I had an early 300GD, absolutely fantastic off-road but on the road even 60mph was a struggle.
The same happened with the Range Rover. It's great off road but it's almost always seen at your local coffee joint in holywood.
Way back in the day, Indonesia's national TV and radio used to run a fleet of G-Wagens as mobile broadcast/satellite news gathering rigs. They're either panel vans with short chassis or wagons with extended chassis; the latter was specially ordered from Binz, a German coachbuilder, and was originally an ambulance chassis.
These days the cars are sought after among collectors, a lot of them are well-restored down to their specific variant of blue paint.
Fun fact: Gunther Holtorf's name is familiar to us Indonesians. Aside from travelling the world in a Merc G, he's also a known map maker. He's the first person to map the whole city of Jakarta, starting from 1977 when he presented his first whole Jakarta map to the Governor. At that point, he was the managing director for Lufthansa's Indonesian branch.
"The most tragically misused car in the history of cars."
Can't get any further than that about the old G-Wagen obviously.
My favorite will always be the G65, the V12 AMG model. It’s so unnecessary, a 620 HP V12 in a shoebox. What more could you want.
The Brabus 900 HP model?
Started watching this channel a month ago and I'm HOOKED🙌💯🙌
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YES been waiting for this one! Up to Speed is my favorite series of yours. Cant wait for a Sprinter one.
Really like the toned down yet still funny informative style of this video. Just my own preference for getting information. Really like this series and channel as whole.
P-p-p-p-p-p-pop up and down head lights
As an Austrian being close to where Puch is coming from, it's funny af to hear James pronouncing Puch almost like Puke
Man i would love to have a 6x6 steyr puch pinzgauer, ive heard that they made some with a turbine engine.
I'd love to know whether Steyr was roughly right. I always thought the way James said it was an Americanisation and it should sound like "STAY-er" or possibly with a more "sh" sound at the front, but nowadays I'm not so sure. Can you settle this for me?
@@Josh_Quillan james did i right, just the r was a bit off, should be like an "ah"
@@derosiflo6524 great to know, appreciate it
There's an important bit of history that is missing here, Mercedes-Benz had developed 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles and off-road capable luxury cars for the elite during the 30s and 40s, the era that most people have only been informed about American and British off-road vehicles. BMW and Mercedes-Benz both made similar developments, so did Fiat, Alfa Romeo and other European manufacturers. In fact, the 6x6 G-Wagen and the 4x4 Landaulette are just tribute models to the old Mercedes-Benz G4 and G6. Adolf Hitler was actually the world's first celebrity to flex in a big obnoxious G6 6x6 Armoured Landaulette. Look them up, you will experience a revelation.
I've looked it up since your comment sparked my interest and it kinda disappointed me. I've clearly seen cars like this before in media but I've never viewed them as some kind of offroad vehicles which i thought you were reffering to. Yes, the Mercedes one is big and has three axles but I just don't see it being related to the G class in any way.
@@elvis1745
That was an off road vehicle then.
@@elvis1745 that's not related to the G-Class at all, none such classes existed back then, they were all just either big cars and small cars based on the user's requirements. But when the 6x6 G-Class was launched, it's the G6 that was being reflected at, that it has been done before and Mercedes-Benz are familiar with building such vehicles.
Fun fact, the Canadian Army uses the GWagen as Armored utility vehicle.Turbo Inline 5 CDI
And we have a ton of them. 1100 were purchased back in the early years of Afghanistan. Can't wait for them to be replaced when I can finally get my hands on one civvy side
Literally don't ever stop being who you are💪🏽
As watching you guys from germany… and also being a german… i just wanted to take a moment and appreciate all of your german flavored videos… love it
James trying to pronounce German words might be the funniest thing I've heard this year hahaha
Him trying to pronounce Jackie Ickx was even better Lmao
no when nolan was supposed to pronounce
"Högertrafiksömvändning"
Im an iranian and we are all still against the revolution that happend
The Shah Was a Great man god blesses him🙏
He did such a great job that still 50 years after people say his name as a hero
I hope the Iranian people break free of this regime one day
@@joshuamccormick5497 Me too alot of people even cant buy water to drink its so bad please pray for us
@@joshuamccormick5497 I know somebody that her monthly salary worths less than 60 dollors
And their home had no glass or windows!!!
They were freezing and now in iran we are entering winter
@@AmirAlliAbbassi i pray for you guys in iran wanting liberty from theological tyranny and bring back shah and have constitutional monarchy! ❤❤
@@kingofohio5689 thank you!!!!❤
Im glad to hear that
I heard there is a savior or something like a hero that comes and saves the world is noted in your holy books...
Muslims also believe in him 100% and he actually exists
He has told a lot of people to stop doing bad things(sins) so god would let me to come and save you and there is some signs actually that when he wants to come this signs appear like high prices and etc.
I believe it and i want you to pray and want this from god ask it! At the end we are believe in one God. And we are told to respect all other religions like christians we respect you all by heart ❤ please ask the savior from god❤🙏
In Australia we use G Wagons now because Mercedes built in Falling Object Protection for us. The G Wagons are awesome and most of us lucky to work with them love them
all is right in the world, when there is a new episode of up to speed. love yall man
I love catching these videos so fresh. James, you should do and up to speed on the super duty and the POWER STROOOKE DIESEL!
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My favorite SUV of all time
When I was living in DC for 3 years I was cut off by 6 different G wagons and came an inch from an accident each time. Hate now fills my heart everytime I see one 😐
G-Wagen, not G-Wagon. Jesus.
@@variszarins it doesn't matter
@@orereo2328 for those with an IQ below 70 it might not matter :)
No kidding, i worked just accros the Street from the 500Miles Günther Holtorf G-Wagon.
It was always just parked outside in the driveway. He gave it to a Museum after a while and got a new one from the Austrian Army.
I work for a car dealership in Canada and let me tell you, some car dealers are making very good money selling brand new AMG G wagons at the dealers auction, the ones who have a connection with the Mercedes dealerships are able to get one once a while, they turn around and auction it as soon as they can, they buy it from the dealership for about $260,000 Canadian dollars and they sell for $330,000-$340,000 a few weeks later.
PLEASE do an up to speed on the firebird
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And on Opel, Seat and Škoda as well
*Day 22 of asking for an Up To Speed on*
1) Yamaha
2) Suzuki
3) MV Agusta
4) Aprilia
5) KTM
6) Triumph
6) Honda ( Motorcycles )
Don’t click Links now there German too? The Bots got European
Also on: opel, seat and Škoda
Donut: "Today, we're talking about a tragedy. The most tragically misused car in the history of cars. The Mercedes G-Wagon."
Land Rover: 😑
Where’s our up to speed on the Land Rover defender lol
The G55 AMG might be one of the most beautiful looking vehicles ever made.
I miss the early SWB (or 2 door wagon) 230GE my dad used to own (in the nice military green colour they kept showing off).
Also amusing was that the 230GE had the same engine as the first gen 190E cosworths... But with a different cylinder head. Normally.... So we fitted the cosworth one so we use unleaded. And a side out exhaust because reasons...
Long before it became the status symbol it is now.
The true Up to Speed is back. I love the G-Wagen. Other than the Range Rover, this is the ultimate luxury off-road SUV. I would love to have one eventually.
In high school, these were my favourite SUVs that I dreamt of owning. Fast forward over a decade and I prefer the G anyday. In my eyes, the Range was replaced by a few of interest, including the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
a g class is not an suv. a ml or gl is but not the g class.
@@kurzka94 Last I checked, the G-Class is classified as an SUV. Most people call it an SUV. The GLE(formerly the ML) and the GLS(formerly the GL) are also considered SUVs. The GLA and the GLC are considered crossovers.
@@johnnymason2460 it’s a Geländewagen not an suv.
@@johnnymason2460 think about the old g class and tell me that it has one bit of a sports utility vehicle with under 100hp.
To a man raised in a single mother household thank you donut for teaching me more about vehicles then my mother ever could no disrespect to her at all.
I was a marine and I'm surprised to hear that the marine corps is the reason why the G wagon still exists
In 2010 I drove the new cool IFAV which was the USMC's G-Wagon. It could fit in a Sea Stallion and we used it for for Helo operations and airfield seizures. Awesome little off-roader.
Editing is great on this one!
The day I actually am able to buy one will be the best day of my life. This has been a goal for awhile because it is my wife’s dream car.
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Great episode! every one of your episodes is like a history lesson! But cooler and funnier and more interesting!
Am I the only one who noticed that the production quality of Up to Speed has gone down, like quite badly.
From the animations, to the overly loud music in the background to the uncorrected green screen cutout in the background.
It's honestly a shame because I love these series.
No James in audience either
@@sorryi6685 Thats what i miss.
The tank at 8:40 is an IS-6 from World of Tanks. It's slow, extremely heavy, and has horrible ground resistance so it's correct that it is incapable of doing what a Mercedes G Wagon does.
Dude Champagne Papi is a B-tier artist at best
I had experience driving both the military versions of the Mercedes G Wagen and the Volkswagen Type 183. The latter (although ugly as hell) was better both on and off road.
normal ones look good
Ok 2 questions, where did Donut get snow machines in Los Angeles and how the heck did they get them to work in Los Angeles?
Drake comment aged bad 😂😂💀
another awesome ad guys love that you are getting the sponsorship you deserve !
We have a 1987 Mercedes Geländewagen Norwegian Army and a 1997 Mercedes Geländewagen in black colour, they are so amazing!
You've got a Nazi flag in the shot at 11:26