Limited Edition, Retro Touches: Mercedes-Benz G-Class Stronger Than The 1980s

Were the 1980s particularly strong? They were if you were the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which launched at the end of 1979.

That’s why the German automaker is producing a very limited special edition. It is looking to recapture some of the magic (or at least nostalgia) of the original with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s special edition.

Seriously, What Is That Name?

Ignore the name, which is longer than the entire decade of the 1980s. We’re not sure if the G was stronger than the ’80s either, though if it’s still around today, it must have had some fortitude.

Instead, focus on the vehicle, which comes loaded with nostalgic details. Want some 1980s malaise-era paint? Benz has you covered with a choice of the military green-style Agave Green, a German taxi-like Cream shade, and a sand-like color called Colorado Beige.

Other wonderfully retro-style details include a 1980s-look front fascia and grille, as well as the classic G-Wagon brush guard, all in black. Even the turn signals are retro, with Benz going back to a massive amber lamp on the fender that can probably be seen across the EU.

Benz’s “Professional” series mud flaps add to the look but also add function. The all-terrain tires are all about getting more work done, and the wheels aren’t very G. But they are quite 1980s Merc sedan. If you pick the Agave Green paint, you’ll also get a Professional roof rack in black.

The cabin is retro, too, at least aside from the massive digital dash and touchscreen display. The seats wear a dove grey plaid that’s similar to one that was popular back when the G was new.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class 1980s Is an Ode to Schöckl

Mercedes-Benz has added a motif to the front door sills showing the topography of Schöckl Mountain. It’s a peak near Graz, where the G is built. The mountain is home to the G-Wagon test track and inspired the Schöckl Proved badge, which Benz added to the base of the B-pillar.

The dashboard passenger grab handle has a massive “Stronger Than The 1980s” logo. The puddle lamps outside project “G — Stronger Than Time” instead of the usual Benz logo.

Mercedes based the special edition around a 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 550, with its 4.0L twin-turbo V8 making 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. That’s a far cry from the original 280 GE that inspired this rig.

It made 156 horsepower from a 2.8L I6, enough to get it from 0 to 60 in 14 seconds. The base model, the 230 G, was even slower, with just 90 horsepower. No wonder it was durable!

Mercedes-Benz is only planning to make 460 copies of this special G-Class. It won’t be serialized, but each one gets “1 of 460” badging. It is coming to the U.S., though Mercedes didn’t say how many copies would be available. Expect it this fall, with pricing closer to the on-sale date.