How to Draw a Mercedes-Benz G-Class

In this lesson you will learn how to draw a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, one of the longest-living icons of the German car industry.

For more than thirty years, this model has evolved from a military vehicle into a civilian version while keeping its distinctive boxy silhouette.

Over time, the G-Class has also become associated with representatives and very influential people, and in some countries even carried a reputation tied to its use in less formal circles.

In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to draw the unique shape and details that make the Gelandewagen really luxurious and legendary.

How to Draw a Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1 – Sketch the boxy silhouette of the G-Class

Gelendvagen has changed little since the ’70s, from that era when angular cars were fashionable. In the first step, we will just mark the body of this brutal SUV with very light and loose lines. Mark the rectangular proportions, where front should look nearly vertical, and the rear is squared off no slope.

Step 2 – Sketch the SUV’s wheels and angular windows

Despite its squareness, the wheels of the G-Class are still round. So now, using very light lines, draw two large circles for the wheels of the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen. Above, sketch the window line as straight rectangles, making the surfaces flat.

Step 3 – Sketch the angular doors and mirror

As already mentioned, the lines of the Gelandewagen are very straight, including the doors. Sketch these straight doors with sharp vertical and horizontal strokes, giving them a flat rectangular look. Next, draw the boxed rear-view mirror of your Gelandewagen. Finally, lightly sketch the spare wheel mounted on the back door – a key G-Class feature.

Step 4 – Sketch the straight-lined wheel arches and bumpers

Cars usually have round arches, but the G-Wagon sticks to its own style, so even the arches are made up of straight and angular lines. First, refine the arches as squared shapes with angled edges. Add the front and rear bumpers with blocky shapes that extend slightly beyond the body. Inside the wheel outlines, lightly sketch circles for the rims, leaving room for more details later.

Step 5 – Draw out the front of your Mercedes-Benz G-Class

It is time to start tracing and darkening the details that will be performed with bold lines. First, trace the side edge of the front grille. Then, reinforce the hood lines so it looks flat and strong, darken the bumper, showing its boxy construction. Also, add the air intake, molding, and turn signal on the side of the hood. Next, detail the angular wheel arch above the front wheel.

Step 6 – Refine the squared Mercedes G-Class greenhouse

It seems to us that when designing the G-Class, the designers did not think about aerodynamics at all. So here we will trace the angular cabin of the Geländewagen (which by the way translates from German as “SUV”) with dark lines. Darken the side window frames, add the pillars separating the glass sections, and detail the boxed side mirror.

Step 7 – Detail the angular windows, doors, and moldings

Now, draw out the straight lines of the doors and draw out the moldings on the side of your Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Just below, trace the side skirt and a double exhaust pipe, located in an unusual place. Also, draw the door handles, that have very simple and retro look.

Step 8 – Draw the rims of your Mercedes G-Class

Trace the round tires (compasses can be used, by the way) and detail the pattern of the rims. Add the same multi-spoke rims as in the example, or AMG rims as in our Mercedes-Benz S Coupe drawing tutorial. Inside each wheel, carefully add symmetrical spokes radiating from the very center. Also, darken the outer tire edges and erase the guidelines from your sketch.

Step 9 – Shade the G-Wagen and add glossy reflections

Using shadows and highlights you can make your Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen drawing look more voluminous and realistic. Add simple hatching inside the squared arches and to the unlit planes. Also, use diagonal hatching on the windows, to create glossy glass reflections.

Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen design features

This car is a real icon and especially loved in Eastern Europe. G-Wagen is driven by both military and gangsters.

Many people believe that a real G-Wagon should be black (a classic black square, so to speak). So you can paint it either black or any other color to give even more realistic.

The Gelandewagen is one of those rare vehicles that has managed to keep its design almost unchanged since the moment it was first introduced.

The sharp edges, flat surfaces, and upright proportions have remained consistent for decades, which makes it a true design outlier.

For comparison, models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe have gone through multiple radical changes in form and styling over the years, reflecting how most cars continually adapt to new trends.

By the way, don’t forget to visit our Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe drawing tutorial to learn completely different design language.

At the same time, the G-Class has undergone a remarkable transformation in its cultural meaning. What started as a utilitarian off-road vehicle has turned into a symbol of wealth and luxury.

This car is impossible to miss on city streets as much as on rugged terrain. Its presence alone communicates exclusivity, and this shift is one of the most fascinating aspects of its history.

For those who enjoy drawing square, angular cars, the G-Class is just the beginning. Be sure to check out our DeLorean drawing tutorial, where you’ll find another design built on sharp geometry and straight lines.

And don’t forget to practice the fundamentals in our main car drawing tutorial, which will help you develop the base skills needed for any vehicle.

Finally, visit our SUV drawing category to explore more lessons on off-road vehicles and boxy designs.