A car cannot often turn heads for reasons other than its engine or performance, but Mercedes-Benz and Moncler are doing just that in their latest collaboration. Imagine taking a timeless icon, like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and giving it a nostalgic makeover inspired by the culture of the 1990s. That's exactly what's happening with Project G-Class Past II Future, a collaboration between the German automaker and Moncler, with significant input from Nigo, the founder of Bathing Ape.
Project G-Class Past II Future is the latest in a series of partnerships between these two brands. This time, they've dialled things back after the somewhat outrageous Project Mondo G from 2023, which featured wheels resembling Moncler's signature puffer jackets. The new version is much more restrained in styling but is not captivating. And unlike some art cars confined to a gallery, this one has a real-world twist – you can buy and drive it.
Power Meets Nostalgia
This project's core is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a model already known for its off-road capabilities and unmistakable boxy design. The collaboration with Moncler brings a twist of 90s nostalgia to this classic.
Two engine choices are available for the Past II Future G-Class: the G 450d and the G 550. The G 450d packs a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six engine with 367 horsepower, while the G 550 offers a more powerful 443-horsepower, twin-turbo inline-six petrol engine. Both are paired with Mercedes' 9-speed automatiMercedes'ssion and come with all-wheel drive, so performance isn't taking a backseat here.
Gallery to Garage
While the Project Mondo G was more of an art piece with oversized puffer wheels and an exaggerated roof, the Project G-Class Past II Future takes a subtler approach. The exterior draws inspiration from the classic G-Class cabriolet, with a striking two-tone paint job. The vehicle transitions from olive green to grey in a diagonal slash along the A-pillar, creating a visual division reflecting past and future—hence the name.
Usually seen in older G-Class models, the fabric top has been replaced by a removable roof piece resembling a Moncler puffer jacket, subtly nodding to the fashion brand without going over the top. It's still an art car more connected to the real world than its predecessor.
Inside: Retro Vibes
Step inside this G-Class, and you're immediately transported to the 1990s. The seats and rear are upholstered in a blue and black plaid checkered pattern, an unmistakable nod to the streetwear culture of that era. It's a bold choice contrasting sharply with the otherwise modern interior, bathed in deep green leather, creating a blend of old-school charm and contemporary sophistication.
But the retro vibes don't stop at the seats. Audidon'tineer Devon Turnbull has designed a custom sound system that evokes the '90s boombox era, amplifying the car's tribute to that decade. Cars true to the modular, customizable spirit of the G-Class, the roof, sound system, and speakers are all removable. So, whether you're cruising the streets or going off at a car meet, the Project G-Class Past II Future is as flexible as it is eye-catching.
A Limited Edition You Can Buy
The best part? This isn't just a concept that'll disappear; it'sn't the archives. Mthat'll-Benz is producing 20 units of the Project G-Class Past II Future, meaning 20 lucky individuals will get their hands on a piece of this fusion of fashion and automotive history. Each model will come with the same green and grey two-tone paint job, the plaid interior and bespoke black detailing on the window surrounds and bumpers.
The vehicles will be delivered to customers in April 2025, though pricing details haven't been officially revealed yet. With exclusivity and craftsmanship involved, it's safe to assume this particular edition class won't come cheap. But for collectors and enthusiasts, it's a unique opportunity to own a piece's automotive and fashion history.
Why the 90s?
For Nigo, the designer behind this collaboration, the 90s were a pivotal decade, culturally and creatively. "Electronic music and the hip-hop scene aros" as a new expression of urban character," he explains. "I wanted to integrate that v "be and energy "into the design of the Project G-Class Past II Future by interpreting that legacy for a new contemporary era."
This limited-edition G-Class encapsulates "hat philosophy perfectly, blending the boxy, rugged nature of the G-Wagon with the urban, stylish elements of 90s culture."
