When it comes to iconic Mercedes-Benzes, few indeed are as immediately recognisable at a glance than the iconic G-Class, colloquially known as the “Geländewagen” or G-Wagen for short. The 500,000th G-Class was produced in 2023, a significant milestone that reflects the unprecedented demand it continues to enjoy from enthusiastic and delighted owners, something that Mercedes-Benz is now further tapping into with the G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s. Channelling the legendary 280 GE AMG in its combination of historic colours, exclusive design elements and specific equipment details, it fully captures the off-roading legend’s spirit. It also pays tribute to the first generation W460 series G-Wagen that won many hearts among enthusiasts with superlative on- and off-road capabilities in the 1980s, becoming a key factor for its successors’ iconic cult status right up to the present W465 generation. A production run of just 460 examples has been set for the G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s, making it a highly exclusive & desirable collector’s vehicle for the most ardent G-Wagen enthusiasts.
The available variants for this Edition will be the G 450 diesel and G 500 petrol. Offering the latest advanced technology and comfort features with nostalgic 80s charm, they can be ordered in three signature colours derived from the classic G-Class’ first paint options that bring its historic cult status immediately to mind. The first of these is MANUFAKTUR Agave Green Solid, an earthy, radiant shade that emphasizes the classic G-Class’ robustly functional off-road capabilities and harmony with nature.
Meanwhile, MANUFAKTUR Cream Solid recalls the timelessly classic colour that proved popular among owners who used their G-Wagen for more urbane pursuits, exemplifying an elegant and sophisticated character.
Finally, MANUFAKTUR Colorado Beige Solid brings the spirit of adventurous freedom to mind with its warm, sandy tones, emphasizing the 1980s G-Class’ versatile character.
All variants will feature classically orange coloured turn signal indicators, along with Night Black Magno finished front end, radiator grilles, bumpers, flared wheel arches and exterior mirror housings, echoing the first generation G‑Wagen’s rugged look and rounding off this Edition’s vintage inspired aesthetic. Other heritage elements include classic 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, and a Mercedes bonnet star formed according to their historic emblem’s design with Mercedes-Benz lettering and laurel wreath contrasted with a blue background. A silver brand badge with black “Mercedes‑Benz” lettering also originating from the 1980s adorns the rear door, alongside an edition-specific spare wheel cover.
PROFESSIONAL Line Exterior equipment elements consisting of front and rear mud flaps, protective grilles for the darkened headlamps and all-terrain tyres also enhance the G-Class Edition model’s striking off-roading appearance. Exterior mirror logo projectors provide an enhanced entry experience for both drivers and passengers by shining an illuminated “G – STRONGER THAN TIME” lettering on the ground.
Moving inside, the G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s’ cabin also pays homage to the off-roading icon’s earlier pioneering days, with the black leather seats’ central panels trimmed in a checked Dove Grey fabric that proved to be a popular option during those earlier times. Each Edition G-Wagen will come with a “1 of 460” center console lettering that further highlights its exclusivity, while “STRONGER THAN THE 1980s” lettering adorns the passenger grab handle’s trim moulding. Another nod to its heritage is the Schöckl mountain topography graphic that appears on each front door sill panel, showcasing the test track near Graz that has played a role in proving every G-Class’ exemplary off-road capabilities ever since 1979. Finally, a “Schöckl Proved” heritage badge appears at the B-pillar base, featuring a historical G-Wagen painted in each respective vehicle’s colour according to the classic 1980s graphic style.
All of this is now available to order, at a starting price of 160,055 Euros for the iconic limited G-Class Edition. In a luxury SUV market seemingly dominated by the Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus and BMW X7, this definitely makes for an aesthetically characterful alternative. Hopefully we’ll see more of them getting down and dirty on proper off-roading & overlanding excursions, rather than just posing for admiring glances up the local high street.
