Beschreibung
HIGHLIGHTS
* One of only 2, 597 made in this specification, confirmed by Mercedes UK
* Lesser seen long wheelbase variant
* Stylish and unique Klassen homage
* Private Plate "J44 NGW" comes with the car
THE APPEAL
Military wouldn’t be the first thing to come to mind when you see this, would it? Certainly not, but that’s where the all-famous G-Wagon nameplate comes from - over the years Mercedes would go on to make more luxurious models for civilians and thus, it became one of the longest running production cars under the Mercedes marque.
G-Wagons very quickly became a staple of wealth and style, and with it, an abundance of practicality. Fitted with three locking differentials and a smooth automatic transmission powering all four wheels, this car is nothing short of capable both on, and off the road. It’s easy to understand why so many people flock to these opulent houses on wheels.
This particular example has been modified to pay homage to the extremely sought after and limited Klassen G63, featuring a two-tone paint job, a G63 facelift body kit, genuine G63 wheels and a stunning re-trimmed interior to boot.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
* Registered in Germany in 1997
* Exported to UAE at some point in its life
* Imported to the UK in 2020 (paperwork available)
* Registered in the UK in August 2020
* Original owners handbook
* Paperwork relating to the cars specification
* Two sets of keys available
* Resprayed in two-tone gold over black
* Numerous invoices available for work carried out in the UK
*‘A’ service carried out in July 2020 at 71, 660km
* New MOT done on the 9th of June 2022
* Previous services were carried out in the UAE, however the service records are not present with the vehicle
* Up to date V5C in current keepers name
THE INTERIOR
Previously reupholstered in tan leather, originally grey
Alcantara headlining
Electric sliding/ lifting roof
Armrests for both passenger and driver
Luggage nets on the back of the front seats
Electric windows
Kenwood stereo and speakers
Fittingly, the interior of this G320 has been reupholstered by a previous owner to echo the statement made on the outside - transferring that gold and black colour scheme into a tactile experience. All four seats have been reupholstered in a tan leather which appears in good condition, however there are some signs of wear throughout. The front passenger side seat has some damage showing on the lower cushion near the front, and there are some minor issues on the seam of the driver side bolster. The rear seats are much the same, good overall condition but do show some signs of usage and could use a touch of TLC.
Sitting up in the driver seat you’re welcomed with a leather wrapped steering wheel and a nice re-trimmed dash in the same leather as the seats. The steering wheel appears in good shape with the usual signs of wear in the most tactile areas, and the dashboard leather is okay but does show the odd issue here and there, namely where the leather tucks in just above the gauge cluster. Aside from this, it seems very tidy and unarguably a very nice place to be!
Located on the centre console we see the three buttons of differential locks for front, centre and rear, as well as the Kenwood stereo with USB and auxiliary inputs to enjoy whatever music you desire from an outside source. All of the controls here work as they should and remain easily readable.
Door cards showcase more of the same tan coloured leather, showing some signs of wear on the driver door upon the black plastics and surrounding the door handle, and a similar story on the rear compartment door too. The rear door cards are in better shape with only very minor defects, much less prominent.
The owner tells us that the rear window is non-functional however there appear to be no other electrical issues present through the vehicle, and the sliding/ lifting sunroof still functions as normal with no signs of water ingress, keeping that lovely alcantara roof lining in great shape.
THE EXTERIOR
Two-tone gold over black paintwork
G63 facelifted bodykit
Later specification wing mirrors with integrated LED indicators
Clear lens front indicators
Mansory style LED headlights
Daytime running lights
Twin side exit exhaust
“V8 Kompressor” badges
“G55” rear badge
Genuine G63 21-inch alloys, black with a gold lip
Gold badges front and rear to match the paint
Straight off the bat, this G320 is instantly reminiscent of the limited-run Klassen G63 with its unique and striking paintwork and aggressive bodykit, it truly looks the part, and provides a much more “wallet friendly” approach to G-Wagon territory. Not words you often hear strung together in a sentence.
At the front of the vehicle we get a good look at that aggressive front bumper from the facelifted G63 AMG body kit along with the subtle Mansory style headlights and daytime running lights, it completely transforms and modernises the front of the car without striding too far away from what it should be. Paintwork up front appears in good shape, retaining a deep gloss and proving somewhat difficult to find any stone chips.
Moving around to the side of the car we can see the G63 21-inch alloy wheels which all appear to be in well presented condition with just some small imperfections and scratches, and are shod in Dunlops with reasonable tread depth. The neck-jerking paintwork really comes into full effect when looking side on, accentuated by the gold runners which stretch along the centre waistband of the car and of course the gold “V8 Kompressor” badges, one of which is missing an “r”. Of course, this G-Wagon sports no such engine, but in order to pay proper homage to the Klassen this car is dressed up as, the previous owner saw fit to incorporate these badges. The only defects to report here would be on the passenger side D-pillar there is a small scuff, and below on the black portion just above the fuel cap on the body curve there appears to be another. Oh and of course, who could forget the iconic side pipes!
Moving to the rear of the wagon we see that all famous spare wheel cover mounted onto the rear door. Everything back here is in pretty nice order, the paintwork is well kept and the lights appear free of damage. Mounted on the rear panels are an “AMG” and a “G55” badge - again, referencing that of a much more prestigious sibling. There appears nothing poor to report here!
Overall, a very unique car that’s had a good amount of time, money and effort poured into it by someone who has had a vision and chased it until it became a reality. Commendable, certainly!
THE MECHANICS
Longitudinally mounted 3. 2L straight-6
210bhp and 300nm of torque
Four wheel-drive configuration
Three locking differentials, front, centre and rear
4-speed automatic transmission
Recently replaced radiator, engine pulleys, belts, starter motor and more..
Don’t let the abundance of style and false nameplates fool you, this is no AMG. But it’s not meant to be. Powered by a healthy and well maintained 6-cylinder it still won't leave you lacking in power too much - although you certainly will feel the weight of this 2-tonne house on wheels.
The current owner reports that during his short two year ownership, the radiator has been replaced, along with engine pulleys, belts, starter motor, front brake discs and pads, spark plugs, coil packs, and battery. So really, no expenses spared here and has continued to stay in good mechanical order. The engine pulls smoothly, the gearbox provides opulent gear changes, and there are reportedly no knocks or bangs when cruising along either.
Certainly, this G320 isn’t going to get you any speed records, but it makes up for it in an abundance of style that those in the know will appreciate.
SUMMARY
A rare specification G320 LWB with a plethora of modifications, giving a nod to the Klassen G63, and wearing its attire very well, too. G-Wagons are renowned for their opulence and sheer road presence, you can’t help but stop and gaze as it grumbles on by down the road radiating attitude, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
This would be an interesting addition for any Mercedes aficionado, providing style and practicality wherever it may end up - in the fields or on the city streets.
