The Mercedes-Benz G-class 300 GE 4MATIC Automatic, produced from April 1990 to September 1993, represents a pivotal point in the evolution of the iconic G-Wagen. Falling within the W463 generation, this variant offered a blend of off-road capability and relative refinement, aimed at buyers seeking a versatile and durable vehicle. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the G-class lineup, it slotted between the lower-powered 230 GE and the more potent 360 GE, appealing to those who prioritized a balance of performance and fuel economy. The 300 GE was a key model for expanding the G-class’s appeal beyond purely utilitarian applications, laying the groundwork for its eventual transformation into a luxury SUV.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | G-class |
| Generation | G-class (W463) |
| Type | 300 GE (170 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production | April, 1990 |
| End of production | September, 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 18.7 l/100 km (12.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 13.4 l/100 km (17.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 235 Nm @ 4500 rpm (173.33 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 103.987 |
| Engine displacement | 2960 cm3 (180.63 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88.5 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.2 mm (3.16 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.8 l (8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2085 kg (4596.64 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2620 kg (5776.11 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 96 l (25.36 US gal | 21.12 UK gal) |
| Length | 4185 mm (164.76 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1908 mm (75.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm (94.49 in.) |
| Front track | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Rear track | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/80 R 16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6 J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 300 GE is the M 103.987, a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering during the period, features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain and multi-port fuel injection. The M103 engine family was known for its smoothness and durability. The 300 GE’s version produced 170 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributed to the G-Wagen’s balanced weight distribution, crucial for its off-road prowess. Paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic transmission, providing relatively smooth shifts but sacrificing some of the responsiveness found in the manual transmission options. This automatic transmission was a Borg-Warner unit, known for its robustness, but not for its efficiency compared to later designs.
Driving Characteristics
The 300 GE Automatic offered a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, driving experience. The automatic transmission, while convenient, dulled the engine’s performance somewhat. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 13.3 seconds, and top speed was limited to 102.53 mph. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 300 GE, the automatic felt noticeably slower, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. However, the automatic’s ease of use made it a popular choice for drivers who prioritized comfort and convenience over outright performance. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in a variety of conditions, making the 300 GE a capable performer both on and off-road. The gear ratios were optimized for torque delivery, making it well-suited for navigating challenging terrain.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 300 GE Automatic typically came equipped with a relatively basic level of standard features, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Standard equipment included power steering, front disc brakes, and a robust heating and ventilation system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, although leather was available as an option. Optional extras included air conditioning, power windows, and a sunroof. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing durability and ease of use over aesthetic flair. Trim levels were relatively limited, with most variations stemming from the addition of optional equipment packages.
Chassis & Braking
The 300 GE’s chassis was built around a robust ladder frame, providing exceptional strength and durability. Suspension consisted of coil springs and rigid axles with trailing arms, offering a comfortable ride and excellent off-road articulation. Front brakes were discs, while rear brakes were drums – a cost-saving measure common for the time. The steering system utilized a cone worm and recirculation balls mechanism, providing precise control but requiring significant driver effort. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 300 GE Automatic received generally positive reviews, praised for its off-road capability, durability, and comfortable ride. Critics noted the automatic transmission’s impact on performance, but acknowledged its appeal to drivers seeking convenience. Compared to the 230 GE, the 300 GE offered a significant power boost, while the 360 GE provided even more performance but at a higher price point. Fuel economy was a common criticism, with the 300 GE averaging around 12.6 US mpg in urban driving and 17.6 US mpg on the highway. Reliability was generally good, although maintenance costs could be high due to the vehicle’s complex engineering and the availability of parts.
Legacy
The 300 GE 4MATIC Automatic holds a respected position among G-Wagen enthusiasts. Its robust powertrain and durable construction have ensured that many examples remain on the road today. While not as sought-after as some of the more powerful or rare G-class variants, the 300 GE offers a compelling combination of capability, comfort, and affordability. The M103 engine, when properly maintained, is known for its longevity. In the used car market, prices for well-maintained 300 GE models have been steadily increasing in recent years, reflecting the growing demand for classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the enduring appeal of the G-Wagen.
