The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the iconic off-road vehicle, has reached a significant milestone with the production of its 500,000th model. The G-Class has been in production since 1979, offering a unique combination of design and off-road capability, earning its reputation as the “best off-road vehicle in the world.” The anniversary vehicle commemorating this milestone draws inspiration from the 1986 model, incorporating design elements such as the exterior color, seat pattern, spare wheel cover, and brand badge on the rear door.
Mercedes-Benz owes the success of the G-Class to its loyal customers and fans, as well as its employees and production partner Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The G-Class is one of the longest-produced and longest-established passenger car model series in Mercedes-Benz history, alongside the S-Class and E-Class. It started as a vehicle with superior off-road capability and on-road driving comfort with four engine variants at the time.
Despite the many advancements in performance and technology, the G-Class has maintained its distinctive character and typical appearance, from the round headlamps to the exposed spare wheel and clear, angular silhouette, making it still recognizable today. Moreover, the latest run of the G-Class saw a significant technological leap, introducing headlamps with LED technology, modern driver assistance systems, a modern interior, and a new chassis.
Mercedes-Benz looks forward to the future of the off-road icon with the all-electric G-Class expected to launch in 2024. The company anticipates that the electrification will ensure a promising future for the off-road vehicle icon while remaining true to its technical development with an unchanged character.
For more from Mercedes-Benz, check out the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS.