Mercedes-Benz has joined the tradition of giving limited-edition vehicles names that sound like rejected action movie titles. Case in point: the new G-Class STRONGER THAN THE 1980s. Yes, that is actually what it's called, all caps. It's not singing at you; it's simply singing assertively about its decade of origin.
But behind the name lies something rather compelling. It's a tribute to the original G-Wagen, which launched in 1979, or as Mercedes prefers to put it, just before "THE 1980s"- And this one isn't just a nostalgic nod. It's inspiring the landmark 500,000th G-Class built in 2023.
What's Old, What's New
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Paint options: Choose between Agave Green and Colorado Beige, directly pulled from the highlighter-friendly palette of the '80s.
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Detail: 80s Orange indicator lenses, blacked-out wheel arches, grille surround, and mirrors, all referencing the OG's unpainog's unpainOG'splastic.
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Wheels: Five-spoke alloys that look straight out of a West German brochure.
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Badging: Retro three-pointed star up front and old-school Mercedes-Benz script at the back. It's like it is, but on a car.
Add some optional headlight grilles, luggage rack, and mud flaps courtesy of the G-Class Professional Line, and you've got ya vehicle that looks rugged, retro, and oddly ready to star in a period war film.
The Cabin: Less Yacht, More Yesteryear
The usual wall-to-wall leather makes way for grey chequered fabric seat inserts, because if you're going, you go plaid or go home. There are also Schöckl mountain graphics on the door sills (the saddest test mountain in Austria, not a new theme park), and the grab handle reminds you, just in case you'd forgotten that this is indeed STRONGER THAN THE 1980s.
What's Unde? What's Bonnet?
Two engine options for the discerning time-traveller:
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G500 (Petrol)
3.0-litre inline-six
443 bhp / 600 Nm
0–100 kmph in approx. 5.9 seconds -
G450d (Diesel)
2.9-litre inline-six
362 bhp / 750 Nm
More torque, less theatre
Both come with the full-fat G-Class off-road tech suite, of course.
Exclusivity Has a Price
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Only 460 units worldwide
Yes, the name is ridiculous. But the execution? Surprisingly thoughtful. It's less about muscle flexing and more about character. A charming, heritage-soaked reminder that some things were better in the '80s, except '80s emissions.
Would you spec yours in Agave Green or Colorado Beige?
