Since the beginning of off-road SUVs, the G-Wagon has long been the king of the hill. Mercedes-Benz has kept the G-Wagon alive since 1979, and the design has evolved but remained recognisable. The G-Wagon still stands as an icon, and to tribute it and its history, Mercedes-Benz has launched a new limited edition called the G-Class”Stronger than the 1980s” edition. It’s a historic tribute to the first generation of the G-Class
Design
The G-Wagon has been reworked to follow the older design language. But what truly sets this model apart is the retro take on the SUV’s accessories, paint scheme, and all over exterior layout. A trio of retro colours from Mercedes’s Manufaktur collection make up the available palette of Agave Green, Colorado Beige, and Cream. As this SUV is based on the G550, no matter which you pick, the G-Class Edition “Stronger Than the 1980s” boasts a blacked-out front fascia and old-school amber turn signals mounted high over the headlamps to set it apart from other G550s clad in similar shades.
Along with that, a roof luggage rack is available as an option, which makes the SUV look even more purpose-built and pays some real homage to the original 280GE. There are also W460-inspired five-spoke light alloy wheels, a ‘historic’ take on the Mercedes-Benz bonnet star, and a silver brand badge direct from the 80s plastered over the rear.
Interior
One of the coolest features is found inside, where plaid Dove Grey fabric covers the seats instead of the usual leather pressing against your legs. There are new badges and commemorative decorations scattered around the interior, ranging from the subtle number plate on the centre console to the less-subtle “STRONGER THAN THE 1980s”embossed on the grab handle in contrasting trim. Mercedes has gone back to the basics, using hard-wearing fabric interior inserts just like the original G-Wagon used, promoting an old-school and durable feel.
Powertrain
There are various models and trim levels to choose from for this limited edition. You can either opt for a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel with 362 BHP or a 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol producing 440 BHP. Both these engine options are paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission with a low-range transfer case 4×4 system, making the G-wagon a real off-roader. It comes with many off-road specific features such as three locking differentials and a water wading depth of 700mm.
Pricing and Rivals
Only 460 variants of this new G-Class will be produced globally, with a price tag of above Rs. 4 Crore. It competes with the Defender Octa & the Range Rover Autobiography, as a luxury SUV that’s also up to the task of being a hardcore off-roader. This could appeal to those who aren’t interested in the posh and poser G-Wagons but are more attracted by the original off-road-ready nature of the G-class, which isn’t afraid to get its body work muddy.
