The G.IV would be the last in the series to see action as, while development of the improved G.V did proceed, the Armistice of 1918 that brought an end to the combat came into effect before this successor could become operational.

[4] Unlike the other German twin-engined Großflugzeug-class ("G") bombers, such as the Gotha G.V and the Friedrichshafen G.III, the G.IV featured an all-metal welded-tube frame that made the aircraft considerably more durable than most of its contemporaries.

[1] The G.IV was powered by a pair of Mercedes D.IVa six-cylinder water-cooled inline piston engines; cooling was provided via automotive-type radiators positioned immediately aft of the propellers.

The wings comprised a fixed central section with detachable swept outer panels of composite construction, that being a pair of 50 mm diameter steel tube spars and solid wood ribs.

[3] The undercarriage comprised a relatively sturdy tailskid and a pair of wheels, each one mounted directly beneath each engine and equipped with shock absorbers.

[1] The rear gunner's cockpit was located on the top of the fuselage, being equipped with a hinged window in the floor for viewing and fending off pursuing aircraft.

[6] When suitably configured, dual flight controls (with the notable exception of the ailerons) could be furnished, although this facility was of limited use outside of emergencies.

[7] Furthermore, the aircraft was also converted into an armored, anti-tank gunship, the G.IVk (Kanone) with two 20 mm Becker cannon, however, this model is believed to have never entered service.

[4] Even at the start of its career, its performance in several metrics was inferior to that of contemporary Gothas, including range and payload capacity, despite typically sharing the same Mercedes D.IVa engine.

[3] In light of its relatively small payload when fully-fueled, missions typically undertaken by the type were short range, thus permitting more munitions to be carried at the expense of fuel.