The history of the creation of the car, in general, is quite common for a harsh SUV - the military needed the car. But unlike the tight-fisted European military, the Iranian Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi wished for his army a vehicle that was duly unique and, moreover, especially reliable. This made it possible to launch a series of projects that Mercedes and Puch, a supplier of various all-wheel drive vehicles, have been preparing since 1972 for a competition for an army off-road vehicle of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The partners lost the competition miserably - Volkswagen with the Iltis model won it. The future Gelendvagen did not pass first of all because it was more expensive and, moreover, had not yet been mass-produced. But the design potential turned out to be quite high, and the machine was developed universal - it was suitable not only for military customers, but also for civilians.

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Mercedes-Benz 280 GE LWB (W460) "1979–90

The creator of the future "Gelik" has a very specific name. And oddly enough, it makes Gelandewagen and. After all, the car was created by Erich Ledwinka, the son of Hans Ledwinka, who became the author of numerous Czech cars. He was also a car specialist off-road... By the way, the backbone frames and swinging axle shafts on modern army off-road vehicles of the Tatra brand are his legacy, as are the air-cooled engines.

His son continued the tradition: the design team under the leadership of Erich by the 70s was the author of almost a dozen all-wheel drive chassis, and it was he who was instructed to create a car for this important project. Fortunately, he dropped Ledwink's backbone frame, although it was part of Puch's signature design at the time. The rest of the car was moderately advanced. Front disc brakes, spring suspension, no leaf springs, front and rear differential locks, and a fully enclosed version set the car apart from most military off-road vehicles of the time.

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Puch G-Klasse LWB

Be that as it may, as a result of targeted funding and plans for the purchase of 20 thousand of these machines by the Iranian army by 1978, production was launched, for which a new plant was built in Graz, Austria. But then the Islamic Revolution took place, and the disgraced Shah fled to Cairo. The fundamentalists who replaced him did not want to know about any Gelendvagen. The project was suspended in the air, because the Bundeswehr army did not expect it either. The first army to buy an SUV was the Argentine, then the Norwegian. And only then did the FRG border guards and police services pay attention to the car. Numerous civil services and private buyers followed suit. Only years later, the German army changed its anger to mercy, and over time, this SUV under many brands became an indispensable attribute of almost all European military.

Prehistoric "Gelik"

The first body was named W460 and, in fact, it began the history of continuous upgrade for 35 years. To begin with, buyers were offered five body options: a short-wheelbase convertible, long-wheelbase three- and five-doors, and a van. Military customers could also choose long-wheelbase open versions for special needs.

Only four engines were offered: two gasoline and two diesel. Carburetor motor on 230G with a capacity of 90 hp with. and a 150-horsepower engine with injection on the 280G of the M 110 series complemented the OM 616 diesel engines with a capacity of 72 liters. with. on the 240GD and OM 603 on the more powerful 300 GD about 88 horses. Yes, as you can see, initially Gelendvagen had a rather modest power-to-weight ratio. But for any body it was possible to order an air conditioner, because the car was prepared for hot countries.

Improvements started right after the release began. It turned out that buyers are primarily interested in powerful motors and long-wheelbase closed bodies, which came as a surprise. With the advent of the "automatic" box, it turned out that this is a very popular option for an SUV of this class. You can see the result of the race for power and comfort now. And then the car did not have so many competitors - except perhaps the Range Rover. By 1982, the car received a winch, automatic transmission and new motor with injection of the M 102 series for the 230GE model. And by 1983, it was the “automatic” that became the standard box for the petrol Gelendvagen, while the “mechanics” became an option. In 1987, a new diesel engine for the 250GD model appeared, with a capacity of 84 hp. with. The total number of changes in technology was estimated in dozens - only fuel tank modified two times, and offered a version with a standard and increased volume. Both the exterior and the interior changed, the car managed to survive three facelifts and a couple of interior updates. It was then that the characteristic arch extensions for wider tires appeared, and they were intended for cars with wide "sandy" tires.

Early "Gelik"

The history of the car, which most of the readers know as "Gelik", began in 1989 with the appearance of the W463 body. The exterior of the car has not changed very much, but inside it has really changed.

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Mercedes-Benz 500 GE (W463) "1993

This time, the design bureau of Mercedes itself was engaged in the car, and cars in this body were intended only for the civilian market. For the military, the body was left 460, and since 1991, an even more simplified version of the W461. And nothing prevented the creation of more and more expensive and chic versions of the civilian model. Separately, I note that there was no longer any unification between the series, even the bodies and frames themselves were different. Military and "peaceful" are two different Gelendvagens.

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Mercedes-Benz 290 (W461) 1992–97

Initially, the W463 was also offered with four motors. On 230GE and 300GE there was already a new unit of the M103 series. Diesel versions of the 250 GD and 300GD also receive a new heart for the OM603 series. Since 1991, a more powerful turbodiesel appeared on the 350GD model, and weaker diesels on the W463 were no longer offered. In 1993, Mercedes renamed the models, now Gelendvagen was called the G-class and belonged to passenger cars. The names of the models looked something like this: G350TD, where the first letter denoted belonging to a class, and then there was a motor index. At the same time, the first G500 with a V8 engine of the M 117 series appeared, at that time already somewhat outdated 16-valve (two per cylinder), but quite suitable for an SUV. The power of the new engine was 241 hp. with., which was a kind of record in this class of machines. In 1994, the first multivalve motor appeared on the G320 with passenger cars series M 104. In 1996, an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission of the 722.6 series was used for the first time on a car. - the first modification with such a box was just the G350TD, but soon all other versions also received it. As for gasoline engines, the M104 was soon replaced by the most modern motors M 112 for model G320 by 1997.

Under the hood Mercedes-Benz G 36 AMG (W463) "1994–97

Intermediate "Gelik"

In 1997, another significant event took place, the second G500 was released, this time with the M 113 engine, as on the newest at that time, with a capacity of 296 liters. with. Maximum speed"Bricks" exceeded 200 km / h, which can be considered a kind of victory of brute power over reason. Work on the modernization of the cabin accelerated, and by 2000 the car finally received an updated passenger compartment with the Comand system. And airbags, ventilated disc brakes in the front, central locking and others were already in the basic configuration. In the same 2000, a new top-end diesel version of the G400 with a capacity of 250 hp appeared. with. As I already wrote in the reviews, it was extremely unsuccessful due to problems with. The power race continued on the petrol versions as well. This time the G55 AMG had 354 hp. with.

Under the hood Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI (W220) "1998-2002

In 2001, there was another salon update. This time he was shaken very thoroughly. A multifunctional steering wheel, climate control, and the Comand 2.0 system appeared. The line of diesel engines was supplemented with a 2.7 turbo diesel on the G270 CDI model - with electronic injection. 2002 was marked by the replacement of the brake system. The new ABS unit included the ESP system already for the basic configuration, the 4-ETS system, which made it possible to dispense with the inclusion of locks on light off-road, and of course, the fashionable Brake Assist, in case you are afraid to press the brake pedal properly.

Late "Gelik"

The "creeping upgrade" has slowed down a little in connection with the entry into the US markets, but the "arms race" continued. In 2002, the G 63 AMG came out with a V12 engine of the M 137 series with a capacity of 444 hp. with. But already in 2004 a new version The G55 AMG has already received a 476 hp compressor engine. from., the cheaper M 113 series, which was consistently boosted to a capacity of 500 liters at first. with. in 2006, and then up to 507 liters. with. in 2008. Again, V12 engines appeared on Gelendvagen in 2012 with the release of the G65 AMG series with an M 275 engine with a capacity of 612 hp. with., and instead of the G55 they released the G63, with an M 157 series engine with a capacity of 544 liters. with.

Mercedes-Benz M275 and Mercedes-Benz M137

They haven't come up with anything more powerful yet, although tuning versions are noticeably more powerful. But obviously, buyers don't really want a serial thousand-horsepower SUV with sports car dynamics. This is a purely fashion model, which enjoys well-deserved popularity, but the main demand is for diesel modifications of medium power. The next major restyling of the model took place in 2012: almost all systems were seriously updated, and once again the interior was replaced. You can identify him by the "ipadik" in the most conspicuous place and diminished brutality. Inside, the body changes are not so noticeable, but the car was "entered" into the new safety standards for frontal and side impacts. And at the same time - they completely replaced the electrics. At the moment, this is the last major update. Unless, of course, you count the release of monsters and. Against the background of this splendor, with the W463 series, the quiet changes of the "service" W461 were "lost". It has not been listed in the company's catalogs for a long time, it is offered only to order - both in the army and in "civilian" companies that need an unpretentious SUV. The main units were also updated there - the most popular version received a modern OM642 diesel engine with 183 hp. with. At the same time, the interior, bodywork and electrics are still the same as about fifteen years ago.

A little about what kind of car it is

You should not take Gelendvagen as a chic and super comfortable car. In general, prestige and comfort do not always go hand in hand, and our today's hero perfectly illustrates this principle. At the heart of this machine is an old military "truck", and for all the years it has not been possible to get rid of this legacy. Moreover, the M-class appeared precisely because it is simply unrealistic to do something with the classical construction of the G-class. Cars run hard, and the more powerful the motors, the harder the car is on the move. It even seems that on low-profile tires the usual "Gelik" is harder than other sedans from AMG - the soul can be shaken out easily and naturally. True, while doing this you will smile, as the feeling of energy intensity and durability is combined with quite interesting handling. As long as the car's suspension is in good working order, it manages to drive well on the asphalt. True, only on an even level and not higher than 130-140 km / h, but still this is an achievement. And in turns, he is able to surprise - a hefty and tall car accurately prescribes a curve without exorbitant rolls, and the steering wheel is filled with a pleasant weight. But the reservation about the serviceability of the suspensions is not without reason: a little wear, the wrong rubber and ... little manners remain from the nobility. We figured out the comfort of the suspensions. The situation is the same with the salon. If you look closely, then even in the latest versions, for all the luxury you can see a typical "military UAZ". Thin door frames with eternal drafts, stools instead of chairs, small and not very assembly flaws. Why is that?

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Gelandewagen (Gelendvagen) - what is this car?

Very often you can hear the word "Gelik" on television or radio. Remember at least the famous series "Fizruk", where the hero of Dmitry Nagiyev drives Gelika. Well, on Yotube you can find the popular video "Gelik Vani".

Gelik is the abbreviated name for Gelendvagen, that is, the model Mercedes-Benz G-class... Gelendvagen literally translates from German as "off-road vehicle". Also, this model is often referred to simply as "Cube" because of its characteristic body shape.

There is even a certain similarity between the Russian UAZ-451 or more advanced, which we previously talked about on the site, and the Mercedes-Benz G-class. True, this similarity is only external, since Gelik is significantly superior to UAZ in all characteristics:

• comfort level;
• specifications;
• and, of course, the price.

Although both cars were initially developed for the needs of the army, and only then became available to a wider range of motorists.

History of creation

First of all, it must be said that Gelendvagen is only sold under the Mercedes-Benz trademark. In fact, it is produced in Austria at the factories of the Magna Steyr company. This company, in turn, belongs to the Canadian corporation Magna International - one of the world's leading manufacturers of spare parts for almost all car brands.

Magna Steyr is the world's largest automobile manufacturer and does not have its own brand.

In addition to Gelendvagens, they produce here:

• Mercedes-Benz E-class;
• BMW X3;
• Saab 9-3 Convertible;
• Jeep Grand Cherokee;
• some of the Chrysler models, such as the Chrysler Voyager.

The company produces about 200-250 thousand cars a year.

Gelendvagen in the civilian version first rolled off the assembly line in 1979, and since then its characteristic body shape has not undergone any changes at all, which cannot be said about the exterior and technical characteristics.

The very first Gelik is a Mercedes-Benz W460. It was adopted by various power structures and the army. It was produced in two versions: for 3 or 5 doors. Designed for 4-5 people. The armored version was supplied specifically to the Norwegian Armed Forces.

Specifications:

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• four-wheel drive;
• the length varied in the range of 2400-2850 millimeters;
• wide range of different versions power unit- gasoline, diesel, turbodiesel with a volume of two to three liters.

The most powerful engine - 280 GE M110, had a volume of 2.8 liters, developed power of 156 hp, and ran on gasoline. Later, a modification of the Mercedes-Benz W461 with a three-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 184 hp appeared. This model (G 280/300 CDI Professional) was produced until 2013, albeit in a limited edition.

Geländewagen in car dealerships in Russia

If you have a desire to proudly call yourself "the owner of Gelik" so that everyone turns around when you drive, then desire alone, unfortunately, is not enough. You need to have at least another 6,700,000 rubles. This is how much the cheapest new Geländewagen G-350 d costs.

The prices for the Mercedes G-class SUVs presented in car dealerships at the beginning of 2017 are as follows:

• G 350 d - 6.7 million rubles;
• G 500 - 8,380,000 rubles;
• G 500 4 × 4 - 19 million 240 thousand;
• Mercedes-AMG G 63 - 11.6 million rubles.

Well, for the most expensive copy of the AMG special series - the Mercedes-AMG G 65 - you will have to pay as much as 21 million 50 thousand rubles. Indeed, only very wealthy people can afford this pleasure. True, reading the news about street racers on Gelendvagens, one gets the impression that there are quite a lot of such wealthy people in Moscow.

All presented cars are equipped with four-wheel drive 4Matic. They are installed exclusively automatic boxes gear:

• 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission - with its help the driver can easily switch, for example, from seventh gear to fifth;
• Automatic transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC - for comfortable handling, there are three gearshift modes: Controlled efficiency, Sport, Manual.

You can choose both gasoline and diesel engines... The G 500 and AMG G 63 are equipped with an 8-valve Gas engine volume of 4 liters (421 hp) and 5.5 liters. (571 hp). For the AMG G 65 model, a super-powerful 6-liter 12-valve unit has been developed, which develops an output of 630 hp. at 4300-5600 rpm. And the speed is limited at 230 km / h.

The diesel engine for the cheapest Gelendvagen G 350 d has a volume of 3 liters, while its power is equal to 180 kW at 3600 rpm, that is, approximately 244 hp. (how to convert Kilowatts to HP). As you can see, even the most affordable model has excellent performance.

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The history of the G-Class began in 1972. Initially, a military version was developed, and in 1979 the first civilian version was released. The cars of the first series 460 were equipped with in-line four-, five- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines with a capacity of up to 156 liters. with.

In 1990, a car of the current 463 series appeared with continuous axles in front and rear, permanent all-wheel drive, electric lock and ABS actuators. The range of engines was made up of a four-cylinder engine (116-126 hp), as well as powerful units R6 (170-210 hp), V6 (215 hp) and V8 (241 hp). An update in 2000 brought the SUV not only a new interior, but also another engine - a V8 5.0 with a capacity of 296 hp.

In parallel with this, the AMG version also developed, which began to be produced in 1994. The first model, the G 36 AMG, was equipped with a 3.6 inline-six (272 hp), and four years later the company released the 55 AMG variant with a 354-horsepower V8 5.4 compressor engine. After the update in 2005, the engine power increased to 476 hp. with.

The next restyling of the SUV took place in 2006. As part of the modernization, the list of equipment was expanded, new trim options were added, and instead of the G 270 CDI and G 400 CDI versions, the G 320 CDI version (224 hp) appeared. The power of the G 55 AMG version has grown to 507 hp. with., and its sales continued until 2012.

In 2008, an improved SUV was introduced. It received a radiator grille with three large slats, the version of the G 500 was equipped with a V8 5.5 engine (388 hp). A year later, the G 320 CDI version was replaced by the G 350 CDI version, although the 224 hp turbodiesel. with. remained the same. In 2010, the Germans began offering the G 350 BlueTec variant with a 211-horsepower engine, and in 2011 it was announced that the production of the three-door version was discontinued.

One of the most ambitious updates was noted in 2012. In the exterior of the model, LED running lights, new mirror housings and different rear optics. The interior has changed completely, now the top of the front panel was decorated with a tablet. The G 55 AMG was replaced by the G 63 AMG with a 5.5 twin-turbo V8 (544 hp) and the G 65 AMG with a six-liter twin-turbo V12 (612 hp).

In 2013, the Germans launched the three-axle G 63 AMG 6x6. The car was built on the chassis of an army all-terrain vehicle Mercedes G 320 CDI. The body length was 5875 mm, and the ground clearance increased from 210 mm to 460 mm. The car was equipped with a V8 5.5 engine and a seven-speed "automatic".

The last restyling before the change of generations, the SUV experienced in 2015. The car received new bumpers and alloy wheels as well as widened AMG wheel arches. The 5.5 engine was replaced by a V8 4.0 turbo engine with two turbochargers (422 hp). The power of the turbodiesel for the G 350 version was increased from 211 to 245 liters. with. The "charged" modifications were now sold under the Mercedes-AMG brand.

"Gelika" can be called a real German veteran: it has been produced since 1979. Nevertheless, this car, apparently, is not going to indulge in oblivion. The demand for it does not differ in enchanting indicators, but it always remains stable. Our compatriots believe that the reason for this is the generally accepted admiration for the German car industry, the real durability of the Mercedes, as well as its unchanging appearance. Indeed, the quality of the car does not cause doubts, and the design remains the same from generation to generation, although the Mercedes Gelendvagen is certainly undergoing some modernization from time to time.

By the way, another reason for the spread of this car among us, many drivers call the traditional identification of it with representatives of the "dashing 90s", when a tightly tinted black "suitcase" that stopped in front of you foreshadowed serious troubles. In general, the history of the operation of this Merc in Russia is quite rich, so it's time to get acquainted with the personal opinions of its owners.

Brutal

Appearance Mercedes Benz Gelendvagen is very simply described by some nicknames that the car has acquired during its entire stay in Russia: this is both a "cube" and a "refrigerator". Indeed, the car has rough rectangular features. As the owners say, it is this look, firstly, that attracts most of all, and secondly, it matches the essence of an SUV as much as possible. He's powerful, brutal and serious. For all the years of production, the Germans have made not so many changes to the body:

• Of course, the most serious change was the appearance of a hard roof (and at first the "Gelik" had a soft convertible top) and the lengthening of the base. But these changes were associated with the transition from a military police car to a civilian car;
• optics were periodically modernized, especially for the restyling of recent years;
• and since 1981, a model has appeared with a protective grill on the headlights.

Perhaps it makes no sense to consider in detail appearance car, since everyone knows it, and our drivers did not reveal any peculiarities. Let's better look inside.

According to the owners, the car interior, especially when it comes to the most expensive trim levels, is truly royal. What is positive about the interior?

• First of all, very high quality finishes. Since plastic is present in the cabin in a minimal amount, the manufacturer did not skimp on the best option. Over the years of operation, no one complained about creaks, rattles, other noises of individual elements of the exterior;
• Convenient, according to motorists, and the fact that after opening the door wheel automatically lifts up, which is done specifically to facilitate the driver's entry. The exact same combination occurs after removing the key from the ignition for a convenient exit from the car;
• The owners speak positively about the factory music system, which is able to give true pleasure to a clean, soft sound.

But there are some disadvantages in the "Gelika" salon:

• First of all, we are talking about sound insulation. Classically, it is made in the best traditions of the German automaker. However, all its properties are nullified by the shape of the body and, as a result, by low aerodynamic qualities. Experienced drivers say that cars made before 2000-2002 were generally very noisy when driving over 100 km / h. If the Gelendvagen is new, then there is an additional seal of the passenger compartment, which somewhat reduced the noise, but it was not possible to completely get rid of this;
• There is also a definite visibility issue. If we talk about the front of the car, then everything is good here: some compare the quality of visibility with classic Zhiguli according to the principle "where the hood ends, the car ends there." The only nuance that car owners warn about is associated with backward visibility. The fact is that backdoor has very wide struts, besides, part of the view is covered by a spare wheel. In addition, drivers say the rearview mirror is too small for such a car. In this situation, excellent side mirrors, as well as rear-view cameras, are installed as an option or in the standard package of versions from AMG, save this situation.

That's all the features of the Mercedes interior. As you can see, the interior has minor flaws, but they are forgotten immediately after they are inside. Judge for yourself: already basic configuration includes high-end seat upholstery, air conditioning, airbags, full power accessories and ABS.

Powerful German

But the main advantage of Gelika lies under its hood. The range of engines in the Merc is quite wide: there are also modest 2.7-liter and 3.2-liter diesels, and there are also powerful 500-horsepower and 614-horsepower compressor units from AMG with a volume of 5.5 liters. Experience shows that the volume and power of the engines of the "Gelik" affect exclusively fuel consumption and soundtrack. For example, a 5-liter unit requires at least 22 liters of fuel in the city and about 15 liters when driving on the highway. There are also much more economical options, but, according to the firm opinion of the owners, for such a car, the consumption rate is quite appropriate.

As for the characteristics of the engine themselves (and the reviews are almost the same, the volume and power do not matter, if we talk about the quality of the work of German motors), then we can note several moments that are most important from the point of view of our compatriots.

Taking into account the fact that the stock of "horses" at the "Gelik" is usually solid (we have got accustomed to the most "charged" versions of it), it should be understood why the accelerator pedal is so tight. Otherwise, one could simply lose control over this beast. And so, the drivers say, the movement of the car is very smooth, soft, without jerks. However, if necessary, a quick leap forward is also possible - a sharp press on the gas pedal turns the car into a real projectile.

“One acquaintance told me that the wheelbarrow takes away just in an instant, as if a loader had smashed empty boxes. Figuratively, but very accurately. "

With all this, the units delight their owners with a wonderful uterine sound, which, according to the honest admission of drivers, is sometimes so pleasant to listen to that you forget to get under way. In general, at the first acquaintance, there is always an acute desire to buy a Gelendvagen.

What to expect from helicopter control?

Summarizing all the reviews of drivers about how the famous German behaves on the road, several nuances should be noted:

• the most comfortable driving speed is 100-110 km / h. At higher acceleration, the already mentioned noises from air currents begin to make themselves felt. In principle, motorists say, it is possible to drive at speeds of 130, 150, even 180 km / h. But in such cases, there is no need to talk about high comfort;
• taking into account the size of the car, you need to very carefully enter the turns. Fans of "Gelik" note excessively large rolls;
• its suspension is still pretty stiff. But, according to motorists, the concept is relative. In general, the picture is such that irregularities and pits make the car shudder, although no shocks are transmitted to the body;
• deserved special praise from the car brake system... The 2.4-ton vehicle stops almost instantly and at the same time smoothly when you press the brake pedal. Those of the owners, who drove the passenger compatriots of the SUV, say that in this regard, "Gelik" has surpassed its younger counterparts.

Finishing the conversation about driving performance of this car, here is one of the warnings from experienced owners:

“The side wind is very well felt on this car. Unaccustomed, it can be decently carried off course, so hold the steering wheel firmly. "

“But what about off-road qualities? " - you ask. The fact is that very few owners of this SUV, especially when it comes to a relatively new model, will agree to use it in field conditions... But still there is some experience. Actually, from this side, the car has no flaws at all. Neither mud, nor snow, nor the complete absence of road surface at all scares him. But it is not intended for this, although it has solid potential.

Final words on operation

Thus, one can express general impression our compatriots in the following words: Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen is really a very good, reliable and status car. Its appearance will invariably attract attention, the interior will always surround you with comfort and a sense of security, and the impeccable engine will allow you not to worry about moving around the city. Outside the city, "Gelik" will not let you down either, will not be afraid to get dirty and will calmly take you to your destination.

The only "but" of this car is the cost of its maintenance. As motorists say, this pleasure is too expensive: service will cost you at least $ 300 just for changing shoes. Of course, you can not be serviced by dealers, but then everything, as they say, is at your own peril and risk.

In general, the car is worth spending money on. True, the cost of a Gelendvagen in the version from AMG with the most powerful engine and in the maximum configuration is as much as 14,000,000 rubles.

Mercedes-Benz assigns alphanumeric designations to vehicles. It is difficult for an inexperienced person to understand this marking, so let's talk about it.

Class marking

First, let's figure out the markings when there are letters after the name. Mercedes-Benz cars... The letter after the model name denotes the car class, which goes in the following order: A-class, C-class, CLK, CL, E-class, S-class, SL, SLK, M-class, V-class, G-class. Knowing the class of the car, you can find out the approximate dimensions car.

A-class- micro-van, the overall length of which is about 3.5 meters.

C-class- a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon of the middle class (European D-class). The first representatives of this class were created on the basis of the 190 (W201) with slightly increased body dimensions.

CLK- cars of the middle class: coupe convertible. Created on the basis of the C-class.

CL- a luxury coupe without a B-pillar, with powerful engines. Name - presumably an abbreviation English words Comfort, Luxe ("luxury, comfort").

With Sportcoupe- a three-door coupe based on the C-class. Despite the fact that this model formally belongs to the Mercedes C-class, the company positions it separately, since the Mercedes C-class itself is one step higher.

E-class- sedan, heir to the well-proven cars "123" and "124" series (W123 and W124). The company also produces station wagons based on it.

S-class- the top class in the Mercedes hierarchy, a 5-meter four-door sedan. Earlier, in the seventies and eighties, the letter S was not before, but after the digital three-digit index.

SL-class- a luxury-class coupe-convertible with a folding aluminum roof, the successor of the 129 series.

SLK- a coupe-convertible with a folding hard top (a car of the lower middle class, according to the European classification - C-class). The name of the car is an abbreviation of the German words Sportlich, Leicht, Kurz ("sporty, light, short").

M-class - four-wheel drive car for outdoor activities. The latest models are designated ML.

G-class- SUV. Easily recognizable by the angular body shapes. Known as "Gelendvagen" (German Gelandewagen - "off-road vehicle"), but the German company does not use this name in the catalogs.

V-class- a minivan based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito car.

Digital indexes Mercedes

Numeric indexes of Mercedes-Benz cars usually appear after the letter designations that indicate the engine displacement.

If there are three digits, then you need to put a comma after the first digit to get the engine displacement in liters. For example, let's take a Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 - its engine displacement is 3.2 liters. But you should not unconditionally believe these numbers, because there are exceptions to any rule. For example, the C 240 has an engine capacity of 2.6 liters, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 has 1.8 liters.

But in addition to the three numbers after the designation of the car model, there are markings with two numbers. It's even easier here, you just need to put a comma after the first digit and we get the engine displacement.

Take the Mercedes-Benz SL 60 AMG as an example, which has an engine displacement of 6.0 liters. But there are also exceptions: Mercedes SL 55 AMG and E 55 have an engine capacity of 5.4 liters. But here, most likely, the true designation of the engine displacement was rounded, which will get a more beautiful number. After all, E 55 is perceived much better than E 54.

Body number

The body number of Mercedes-Benz cars is always designated by the Latin letter "W".

The body number is needed in order to distinguish between Mercedes-Benz cars of different years of production by digital marking. For example, let's take a Mercedes 200 in the back of a W123. Body W123 means that the car was produced from 1976 to 1980, and cars in the body W124 were produced from 1984 to 1990.

There are letter designations after the digital index, but they denote either the engine design or the car body structure. Let's take a look at each letter separately.

E - was in the marking of cars that were produced from the 70s to the 90s and meant that there was an injection under the hood gasoline engine... Example - Mercedes-Benz 230E.

D - everything is very simple here. This letter stands for diesel engine(D is the first letter of Diesel). Now the letter "D" is not found in the marking, it was replaced by the marking CDI, which stands for variable direct injection. Example: Mercedes-Benz CLK 270 CDI.