This is Merc's G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s

Mercedes-Benz's milestone 500,000^th G-Class rolled off the production line in 2023, and nearly two years later, the brand is celebrating the achievement with a highly-limited special edition of its iconic off-roader: The G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s. (Yes, that's its full name.)

Available as either the G450d or the G500, only 460 units of the special edition are slated to be produced. This vision of the G-Class pays direct homage to the first G-Class series in the 1980s, known as the W 460, allowing customers the choice between two nostalgic colours that have grown to be associated with that car: MANUFAKTUR agave green solid, and MANUFAKTUR Colardo beige solid.

The G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s will be offered in either MANUFAKTUR agave green solid, or MANUFAKTUR Colardo beige solid

The former is described as an earthy green - meant to emphasise the car's outstanding off-road capabilities - while the latter is a warm, sandy colour that instead "conveys a sense of adventure and freedom".

It's not just the paintwork, however, that should keep the nostalgia brewing.

The special edition G-Class will also feature turn signal indicators in the typical orange colour of the 1980s, while the car's overall vintage aesthetic is further accentuated by a night black magno finish over its front, radiator grille, bumpers, flared wheel arches, and exterior mirror housings. Also finished in black is the car's technical underbody protection.

The limited-edition car also marks a return to the brand's original silver brand badge at the rear

Elsewhere, the G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s will ride on massive all-terrain tyres with classic five-spoke light-alloy wheels, and replace the modern Mercedes-Benz star with the historic emblem featuring the Mercedes-Benz lettering and laurel wreath on a blue background.

Right behind, the rear-end door also gets the silver brand badge - featuring the black "Mercedes‑Benz" lettering and an edition-specific spare wheel cover. Merc states that this is an original part from the 1980s.

Keen-eyed fans may note that the special edition G-Class has been kitted out with the PROFESSIONAL Line Exterior too, which includes PROFESSIONAL mud flaps at the front and rear and a PROFESSIONAL protective grilles for the head lamps, on top of darkened head lights. Those who want the truly rugged look can additionally opt for the PROFESSIONAL roof luggage rack.

The "Shockl Proved" badge pays homage to the rigorous proving rounds on which the G-Class has been put through its paces since 1979

The G-Class has been put through its off-roading paces at the test tracks of the Schockl mountain near Graz since 1979, and the car honours this tradition too: With its front door sill panels displaying the topography of the mountain, and the traditional "Schockl Proved" badge at the base of the B-pillar.

The latter is said to boast a classic 1980s style, displaying a historical G-model in the respective vehicle colour.

Not one to skimp on the details, Mercedes-Benz has also gifted its special edition G-Class an interior that looks like it's gone through some time travel, with a highlight being a dove grey fabric for the seat upholstery (said to be popular in the 1980s.)

Apart from the iconic dove grey fabric covering the seats, the special edition G-Class will also get unique accents to highlight its special status on the front passenger's grab handle and centre console

Finally, occupants will never be in doubt about the special machine they've gotten into, thanks to trim moulding of the passenger grab with "STRONGER THAN THE 1980s" lettering, as well as a '1 of 460' badge on the centre console.