Handmade crafts are special, and most of the time, they’re expensive, not just because they’re handmade, but because they require a lot of time and demand makers to be extremely careful and attentive to the process. It is no surprise that the Mercedes-Benz G-class is a legendary off-roader; it is orchestrated with such precision and dedication, all by human hands.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also known as the Big G, is exclusively produced in Graz, Austria, the only production base globally since 1979. Handcrafted in a 5.7 million square meter facility, the G-Class is a unique and meticulous creation, with workers working 38.5 hours per week and earning an average of 30 euros per hour.
Durability
The G-Class, which was first created for military use, continues to live up to its tough image. About 5,000 units are made annually for military use, further solidifying its reputation for dependability and robustness.
Creation process
The G-Class body is made of an aluminum alloy and ultra-high-strength steel. Manual welding is necessary to preserve structural integrity because of the design’s complexity. The hand-sewn craftsmanship of Hermes bags is a key selling factor, as is this attention to detail.
After the body is welded, it undergoes a meticulous hand polishing process to achieve a smooth, flawless surface. This step ensures that the iconic square shape is perfectly maintained. Each vehicle requires at least two hours of fine hand polishing.
To stop rust and oxidation, a primer is applied within 30 minutes of sanding. Paint processing involves degreasing and phosphating. This improves paint adherence and eliminates grease impurities.
A protective base coat is created by applying an epoxy resin layer using electric currents. Door frames and roof seams are coated with PDC sealant, and for added durability, chassis armor is applied thereafter. The chassis armor, sealant, and electrophoresis are given to the G-Class, guaranteeing that it can survive harsh conditions like saline terrain and forest areas.
Interior
Inside the assembly shop, the luxury interior is crafted using scar-free calf skin sourced from Germany and Austria. Each leather piece is laser-scanned to ensure perfection and stitched using French high-end linen thread, renowned for its durability and texture.
Powertrain and performance
With a 48-volt hybrid system, the AMG G63 model’s 4.0-liter V8 turbo engine generates 585 horsepower and 85 Nm of torque. It is coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It just takes 4.5 seconds to launch from zero to 100 km/h. The G-Class retains a fuel consumption of 20L per 100 km despite its strength.
