This special G takes you back to the 80s

Apr 1

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its off-road legacy with a special edition of the G-Class that bridges classic design with modern engineering. The new G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s pays homage to the original W460 Geländewagen, reviving key styling cues from the 1980s in a limited production run of just 460 units worldwide. That is indeed the actual name of the car.

This edition reflects a deliberate nod to the past, designed not only to evoke nostalgia but to remind enthusiasts of the G-Class's roots as a utilitarian, go-anywhere vehicle. With its upright silhouette and minimalistic design details, the Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s emphasizes function and durability over flash.

Visually, the limited-edition G-Class stands apart. Available in two period-correct colors—Agave Green Solid and Colorado Beige Solid—the vehicle features orange indicator lenses, a matte black finish on the grille, wheel arches, and mirrors, and classic five-spoke alloy wheels. Mercedes-Benz has intentionally steered away from chrome and high-gloss finishes in favor of a more rugged, understated look.

Heritage details continue throughout. A retro-style silver badge is mounted on the tailgate, and the hood wears a reimagined version of the traditional Mercedes-Benz star. Even the puddle lamps project the phrase “G – Stronger Than Time,” a subtle yet playful addition to the vehicle’s character.

The special edition can be configured in one of two variants: the G450d, powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel producing 362 horsepower, or the G500 (badged as the G550 in some markets), which features a 3.0-liter inline-six petrol engine generating 440 horsepower.

Both retain the core mechanical architecture that defines the G-Class: body-on-frame construction, permanent all-wheel drive, three locking differentials, and a low-range transfer case. While performance models like the G63 often dominate urban settings, this edition is more aligned with the G's original purpose—serious off-road ability paired with timeless design.

Inside, the cabin reflects the same retro-modern blend. Black leather seats are contrasted with dove-grey fabric inserts, reminiscent of the materials used in 1980s G-Wagens. On the door panels, “STRONGER THAN THE 1980s” is prominently embossed—an unapologetic reference to the model’s inspiration.

Mercedes also incorporates references to Schöckl mountain, the iconic Austrian testing ground for every generation of the G-Class. These appear as badging on the door sills and interior trim, reinforcing the vehicle’s connection to its off-road heritage.

The production cap of 460 units is no coincidence—it’s a direct reference to the W460, the chassis code of the first civilian G-Class. Each vehicle will carry a “1-of-460” plaque, further emphasizing its exclusivity. Pricing in the UK starts at £152,815, reflecting both the G-Class’s luxury status and the limited-edition appeal.

This isn’t the first time Mercedes has leaned into its past. To commemorate the 500,000th G-Class built, the company unveiled a one-off tribute vehicle styled after a 1986 280GE, finished in Agave Green and equipped with vintage design cues. Enthusiast response to that model appears to have influenced the decision to bring the “Stronger Than the 1980s” concept to life in limited production.

In a world where many G-Class models feature oversized wheels and chrome accents aimed more at urban luxury than trail durability, this special edition takes a different path. It rides on 18-inch wheels, wears mud flaps, and avoids unnecessary embellishments.

It’s a version of the G-Class that feels more in tune with its origins—intended not to impress in a valet line, but to perform on challenging terrain. Still, even if buyers never take it off-road, the aesthetic and engineering roots make it a compelling statement.

The G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s is more than a visual throwback. It’s a reminder of what made the original Geländewagen special: resilience, simplicity, and capability. In an age of hyper-digital, ultra-sleek luxury vehicles, this retro-inspired G-Class offers a tactile, timeless alternative—one that celebrates the journey as much as the destination. For those who value authenticity in design and performance, it’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of Mercedes-Benz history—modernized, but never diluted.

Yash Stalin

Yashwanth (Yash) Stalin has been sincerely passionate about cars for as long as he can remember. What began as a childhood hobby of simply naming cars on the road has grown into a career-defining passion. Inspired by years of consuming countless articles and videos, his love for cars evolved into a desire to write his own material and help others in the way those articles helped him. This ambition led to the creation of HEEL & TOE, through which he channels his enthusiasm and knowledge, providing readers with informative content about the automotive industry.

This special G takes you back to the 80s

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