The legendary Mercedes G-Wagen first came out in the late 70s and impressed everyone with its go-anywhere capabilities and a high reliability. Today, both the original G-Wagen and its newer iterations enjoy a huge fan-following and a cult classic status. While there are many examples of this legendary SUV in India, there are some Force Gurkha and Mahindra Bolero owners who have tried to capture the spirit of this German SUV by modifying their vehicles into a G-Wagen replica. Here are some examples –
Force Gurkha – Mercedes G-Wagen conversion 1
This is a Gurkha to G-Wagen conversion by a Kerala-based car customizer. The donor vehicle’s green paint was replaced with this X7R color, which comes from Audi. The front-end gets a complete makeover with original G-Wagen fittings. The roof was restructured to a flatter form as the Gurkha has a slightly slanted roof. Also, the wheel arches were reshaped and given Mercedes-Benz fenders. The rear fascia saw usage of a new bumper and new tail lamps. The only giveaway is the rear window panel as the G-Wagen came with a single large window.The Gurkha’s 2.6-liter CRDI turbo diesel engine has been retained in its stock format. It outputs 85 Bhp and 230 Nm. It comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox with 4X4 low and high ratios.
Force Gurkha – Mercedes G-Wagen conversion 2
Here is another Gurkha that looks too much like a G-Wagen. The biggest difference between the conversion you saw above and this one is that this one has a three-slat Mercedes grille. Also, instead of the rectangular fog lamps, this one has oval-ish units. It also has a different set of alloys. Here, again, the extra window at the rear is a giveaway of the car’s roots. However, even this Gurkha to G-Wagen conversion involves usage of many original Mercedes parts. Even this Gurkha’s roof was restructured to a flat shape. The engine and the 4×4 hardware remains in its stock form. The total cost of this conversion is said to be Rs 6.5 lakh.
While the engine of the Force Gurkha is still somewhat related to the original G-Wagen, the only connection the Mahindra Bolero has with the legendary off-roader are its clean straight lines. This has made some Bolero owners to modify their vehicles into G-Wagen lookalikes. Also, while the Gurkha can easily mimic the original G-Wagen, the Bolero, thanks to its bigger form, can be made to look a lot like the newer generations of the G-Wagen. Let’s have a look at 3 such conversions –
Mahindra Bolero – Mercedes G-Wagen conversion 1
Seen here is a Mahindra Bolero that has been modified into the Mercedes G-Wagen by R&T Auto Catalyst in Kerala. The entire front-end is new and carries new panels (grill, bumper, fenders, and even the bonnet). The headlamps and even the LED bar below them look a lot like the ones on the original vehicle. In the side profile, the Bolero gets G-Wagen-like flared wheel arches and sideboards. The rear also gets a huge makeover. You get the same tail lamp cluster that is available on the original vehicle. The fifth-door gets a spare wheel with a Mercedes cover on it. The interior has also been spruced up to make it a bit more luxurious. The stock 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine has been retained. To the untrained eye, this Bolero can easily pass off for a G-Wagen.
Mahindra Bolero – Mercedes G-Wagen conversion 2
This Mahindra Bolero to Mercedes G-Wagen conversion has been done for Rs 7.35 lakh by Jeep Studio of Coimbatore. The front-end of this Bolero gets many parts from the G-Wagen. You get new projector headlamps, LED DRLs, new grille, new bumper, and even a new bonnet. Even the front- and the rear-tracks have been altered to match those of the latest G-Wagen. Even the alloy wheels get Mercedes badges and the earlier ORVMs have been replaced with those from a G-Wagen. Specs remain same as before. You get the same 2.5 liter M2DiCR turbo diesel engine that powers the regular Bolero. It outputs a maximum power of 63 Bhp along with a peak torque of 195 Nm.
Mahindra Bolero – Mercedes G-Wagen conversion 3
A Mahindra Bolero owner in Delhi has managed to make his UV look a lot like the G-Wagen. Well, at least the front-end looks too much like the German SUV. It has the same front grille, headlamps, and LED lights as the original model. The indicators are now mounted on the hood, which further enhances the way this Bolero looks. The fenders get flared wheel arches, which make them look a bit more like what the G-Wagen offers. The rear, however, is nothing like the G-Wagen’s posterior. It still carries the original taillights. The owner has even used the G-Wagen’s tail lamp cluster but has placed them vertically instead of horizontally. The exhaust position has been changed and now terminates at the side, just like what you get on the G-Wagen.
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