The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagon, is renowned for its ruggedness and off-road prowess. However, a recent listing for a 1995 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Model 29GD/34, formerly used by the Singapore Army, has raised eyebrows due to its advertised tare weight of 4,200 kg. This figure, equivalent to 9,260 pounds, places it in the weight category of much larger vehicles like the Unimog, which seems disproportionate for a G-Wagon, especially considering its visual appearance in the provided images.
To put this into perspective, the listing explicitly mentions the weight necessitates a more stringent Certificate of Fitness (COF) inspection in New Zealand, as it surpasses the 3,500 KG threshold for a standard Warrant of Fitness (WoF). This weight claim becomes even more puzzling when comparing it to other G-Class models. For instance, a 1982 280GE LWB is reported to have a curb weight of around 2,065 kg and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 2,800 kg.
The crucial question arises: how can a 1995 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 29GD/34, seemingly equipped with a flat bed and fabric roof – features that generally reduce weight compared to a full steel body – possess a tare weight double that of a comparable older model? Tare weight, defined as the weight of an empty vehicle, should logically be lower, not significantly higher.
Could this discrepancy be attributed to heavy-duty modifications implemented for military use by the Singapore Army? Perhaps reinforced chassis components, additional armor plating (though not visibly apparent), or specialized equipment mounts contribute to this substantial weight increase. Alternatively, could there be an error in the listed specifications?
Further investigation into the specific configurations of military-spec 1995 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 29GD/34 vehicles is warranted to unravel this weight mystery. Understanding the potential structural and material differences could shed light on whether this 4,200 kg tare weight is an accurate reflection of its robust design or simply a specification error. It also begs the question of whether upgrading a standard G-Class to such a high tare weight is even feasible or practically relevant for civilian applications.
