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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ธ.ค. 2021
- Thanks to K&N for sponsoring today’s video. Head on over to knfilters.com/donut for special discounts!
The Mercedes G-Wagen is one of the most capable off-roaders ever built. You might not know that. Because somewhere along the way this badass military mover became a hyper-luxurious status symbol for fancy folks, who’ll probably never take them off the pavement. How did this happen? And is the 2022 G-Wagen as capable as its military ancestors? Find out with host James Pumphrey as he dives into the odd saga of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen!
High-five to Ryan Hailey for the edit. Check out his TH-cam channel for more of his hilarious content: / ryansshorts
Thanks to Megan Stump for the animations. Check out more of her work at: www.megantstump.com
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Donut Media is at the center of digital media for the next generation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts. We are drivers, drifters, and car enthusiasts who love to tell stories. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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 🤣
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
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
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...
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.
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
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.
Mercedes already had a lot of experience on the off-road department, they've been building Unimogs since the 1940s.
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...
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. !!
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
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!
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.
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
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 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!
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
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.
YES been waiting for this one! Up to Speed is my favorite series of yours. Cant wait for a Sprinter one.
another awesome ad guys love that you are getting the sponsorship you deserve !
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…
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 TH-cam is an American platform go away 🌎
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 replay the last second of this video to fill the void in my heart. Thank you james.
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.
I love that Donut posts the videos as soon I’m about to each at lunch at work.
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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
Wish you guys mentioned the suspension and drive line. It's freaking amazing
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.
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.
G Wagon is my dream car! Saving for it for now 6 years! $259K, Brand new for me!
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!
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!
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
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.
all is right in the world, when there is a new episode of up to speed. love yall man
Up To Speed episodes are always my favorite 🔥🔥
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
First time on ur channel. U crack me up! Keep it goin man! Great vid!
Literally don't ever stop being who you are💪🏽
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.
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...
Editing is great on this one!
Great vid. Love the up to speed episodes. Didn't know the first gen 2 door convertible was stock. Shout out to the V12 G65, the Brabus G63 800 / G65 900 and the G 4x4 2 that didn't make it to the vid.
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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I´m from graz. Sometimes trains pass by from MAGNA with 100+ G Wagons loaded at once
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.
Love it. Angular cars are awesome. It would be epic to see a few of those old angular models as an EV, like the iconic Vauxhall Viva. I'm sure they'll sell like mad.
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
The G- Wagon really is a brilliant off roader with so much style and heritage and practicality (sort of). I too want one
Merc should give this guy a super endorsement deal; he literally resold the wagon by 7 folds with its herstory.
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 😀
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 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
Congratulations to donut media I didn't know you guys were in dirt5
I'm playing it now I'm super hyped
Awesome video. Keep up the good work.
In Burnside (which is a South Australian version of Beverly Hills) G-wagons are all over the place.
"The most tragically misused car in the history of cars."
Can't get any further than that about the old G-Wagen obviously.
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
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.
you and hoonigan upload at the exact same time or super close every single time i love it
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That GThang is lit!!
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.
Finally! A new Up To Speed!!! Thank you!
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
Great episode! every one of your episodes is like a history lesson! But cooler and funnier and more interesting!
The G-Wagon has been my dream car since I was 12!!! 🤤
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.
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
th-cam.com/video/GTebO8ofAFk/w-d-xo.html👍
That would rather be a topic for bumper to bumper.
Started watching this channel a month ago and I'm HOOKED🙌💯🙌
th-cam.com/video/GTebO8ofAFk/w-d-xo.html👍...
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.
I remember those military wagons coming off our ship in the Navy. They were kinda cool.
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
I had an early 300GD, absolutely fantastic off-road but on the road even 60mph was a struggle.
love the vids and i would like to suggest a video about the icon Chip Foose
Whatever they’re paying you James, isn’t enough….you’re awesome!!! Keep up the awesome vids
“Wagen” finally a Dutch/German word😎
@@angelina6959 bro
th-cam.com/video/GTebO8ofAFk/w-d-xo.html👍
@@jarrack47 watch out. This sexy girl is a sexy bot.
@@damarfadlan9251 U sure about that?
*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.*
th-cam.com/video/GTebO8ofAFk/w-d-xo.html👍
Almost there 6 million btw I'm from gy
likin the more chill vibes
Im to the point where ive seen every episode and now im rewatching them
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❤🙏
PLEASE do an up to speed on the firebird
th-cam.com/video/GTebO8ofAFk/w-d-xo.html👍...
And on Opel, Seat and Škoda as well
Love the video ! Can you guys do an up to speed on maybach next 🤙
This is my favorite car ever thanks for this.
Ima keep asking for a Up to speed on Fangio till I get it, the best F1 driver ever deserves it, damn it!
th-cam.com/video/GTebO8ofAFk/w-d-xo.html👍...
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
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.
I'm in love with these videos, it was a fun way to learn more about my dream car. for now I'll just drive my Miata haha
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"
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
Thanks for the yellow bar
That helps
love the vids! Could you review a landrover defender not new model? thanks!
This is the best up to speed. The G Wagon is legendary!
I love catching these videos so fresh. James, you should do and up to speed on the super duty and the POWER STROOOKE DIESEL!
th-cam.com/video/GTebO8ofAFk/w-d-xo.html👍
7:27 those got Jeep XJ vibes going on, plus you know the solid axles front and rear just like em
1000% agree with the intro.
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?
My favorite SUV of all time
The G55 AMG might be one of the most beautiful looking vehicles ever made.
very true bro!!!!!!! keep making good videos