First 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class rolls out of Magna Steyr

Mercedes-Benz pulled the wraps off the all-new G-Class, preserving its iconic look as it transitions into a new decade. Unveiled during the 2018 North American International Auto Show back in January, the German automaker has kicked off production this month.

For the second-generation G-Class, Mercedes-Benz has stuck with tradition by building it in the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. The Magna Steyr plant holds significance for the G-Class as it has been the site where these models have been built since 1979. Like the past G-Class, each of the all-new versions will be mostly built by hand.

“With the model change the new G-Class experienced the biggest transformation in its 39 years-old history. At the same time we have kept the familiar and popular features of the design icon and further optimized the 'G' where ride comfort and robustness are concerned. The superior development goal for the new G-Class was to improve the off-road capabilities even more. For the production we continue to trust in our experienced production partner since 39 years, Magna Steyr,” said Gunnar Güthenke, head of the off-road product group at Mercedes-Benz.

The 2018 G-Class, which retains the W463 code, is being built alongside the previous-generation model. Dubbed the G-Class Professional, it is primarily aimed for commercial customers and government fleets. With that, Mercedes-Benz, through Magna Steyr, are simultaneously assembling bare-bones and luxurious versions of the G-Class, making them one of the few plants that build old and new versions of the same vehicle under one roof.

As production commences, it will be the US-market that will get the second-gen G-Class first before the rest of the world gets it. A majority of these will be the G550 variant which packs a 4.0-liter BiTurbo V8 with 421 PS and a staggering 610 Nm of torque. Other variants will follow as the year progresses.