The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is known today for being a glitzy, posh box that tends to cruise Beverly Hills more than exploring Moab. That wasn’t always the case, as it started as a vehicle for military use, and then became a very utilitarian SUV in the vein of the old Land Rover Defender. To honor those original G-Class SUVs, Mercedes has created a limited edition that has one mouthful of a name: Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s.
Dead Ringer For The Originals
Mercedes didn’t make major changes to the G-Class, or more specifically, the straight-six-powered G 550, to create this retro SUV, but the effect is seriously convincing. Most of the changes are to the exterior. It’s available in three colors not normally available on the G-Class: Agave, Cream, and Colorado Beige, all shown at top. They’re simple, gloss earth tones like what would’ve been offered on the SUVs decades ago. The entire front end, fender flares and rear bumper are all finished in matte black. The Professional Package offers many of these parts in a similar finish, but it doesn’t include the headlight and grille surrounds like the special edition.
More unique additions include the amber turn signals and the rear tire cover. Instead of a hard cover, Mercedes added a plain vinyl cover with a printed three-pointed star logo. In the lower right-hand corner of the tailgate, there’s a vintage-inspired name badge spelling out “Mercedes-Benz” on a silver field. Mercedes also includes exclusive split five-spoke 18-inch wheels on all-terrain tires taken from the Professional Package. The exterior is finished with rubber mud flaps, and the Agave versions also get a roof rack and rear ladder.
The story is similar inside the Stronger Than The 1980s G-Class. Most of the interior is left alone, except for the seats. These are now wrapped in Dove Grey checkered plaid cloth similar to past Mercedes SUVs. The special edition name is also spread across the dashboard grab handle, and a numbered badge adorns the center console. In the door jambs, the “Schöckl Proved” badge has been redesigned to look more like it could have been created roughly 40 years ago. The puddle lights also now project the following: “G – Stronger Than Time.”
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Mercedes Is Making Very Few Examples
Despite being one of the coolest G-Class models in ages, Mercedes is only making a very small number of these editions. A total of 460 will be built for the whole world. Since they’re all based on the G 550, they come with a turbocharged and electrically supercharged 3.0-liter inline-6. It makes 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It also naturally has four-wheel drive and a full complement of differential locks. Mercedes didn’t give any pricing, but it will surely cost more than the $148,250 base price (sans destination charge) of the G 550. Though very limited in number, some will make it to the US, and they will arrive at dealers later this year.
