Mercedes Will Successfully Make Us Sick of the G-Class

The myth of the Mercedes G-Class is gradually crumbling under the weight of special editions aimed solely at elites.

Mercedes continues to capitalize on the timeless aura of the G-Class, this time with a limited edition “STRONGER THAN THE 1980s”. More than just the best, it’s a whole program! With only 460 units, this version pays homage to the beginnings of the iconic off-road vehicle from the 1980s. An enticing program on paper, but in reality, it’s yet another variation that could well seal the G’s fate as a simple luxury object, far from its off-road roots.

There are plenty of nods to the past: retro colors, vintage orange turn signals, and classic badges. However, what Mercedes offers here bears little resemblance to the adventurous spirit of the original G-Class. The noble explorer roaming muddy trails is now relegated to an elitist collector’s item. It’s beautiful, exclusive, but also disconnected from reality. The off-road tires and roof rack do not suffice to hide the truth: this G-Class is primarily designed for stylish avenues, not the mountains of Graz.

The G-Class loses its soul

The interior follows the same logic, blending nostalgia and opulence. Nappa leather seats and the Burmester sound system sit alongside “Schöckl Proved” badges and vintage dove-gray fabric. Overall, it is undoubtedly comfortable, but it’s hard to see how it truly honors the heritage of robustness and functional simplicity of the original model.

Ultimately, this limited edition fits into a strategy that gradually drains the charm of the G-Class. Multiplying bourgeois variants, Mercedes seems determined to extract every last drop of prestige, even if it risks nauseating us. What was meant to be a heartfelt tribute now appears as a final display of vanity.

The legendary Geländewagen deserved a better ending, a flamboyant exit—not this slow dilution into ostentatious luxury. Imagine a stripped-down version, lightweight, equipped with durable materials fit for all elements. A true tough guy ready to conquer the world—that’s what it would have deserved.

READ ALSO: The incredible Mercedes G-Class electric!