Celebrating the origins of the G-Class, Mercedes-Benz has whipped the wraps off the G-Class ‘Edition Stronger than the 1980s’, a limited-edition model designed to capture the magic of the Three-pointed Star’s iconic off-roader. Only 460 examples will be made…
Available with the choice of three “nostalgic” exterior paint options — ‘MANUFAKTUR agave green solid’ (seen here), ‘MANUFAKTUR cream solid’ and ‘MANUFAKTUR Colorado beige solid’ — the limited-run G-Class’ ‘PROFESSIONAL Line Exterior’ package contributes to its off-road-focused look. The kit includes protective grilles for the headlamps, fore and aft mud flaps, and all-terrain rubber, the latter wrapped around a set of “classic” light-alloy wheels, replete with five-spoke design.
Stepping inside, the centre panels of the special edition’s black leather seats feature “dove grey” fabric inserts. The multifunction tiller is trimmed in Nappa leather. Other features include touchscreen infotainment, digital instrumentation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system and a panoramic glass roof.
So, how much can you expect to pay for the G-Glass ‘Edition Stronger than the 1980s’? Well, this special Geländewagen will set you back €160 055, which, at the current Rand-Euro exchange rate translates to R3 425 847.63.
Now, it may seem curious that this limited-edition G-Class is around R125 000 less expensive than the model it is based on. In South Africa, the G450d is priced from R3 557 169 and currently exclusively available in ‘AMG Line’ level of specification.
However, it is worth noting that the aforementioned price is, well, the starting price, and we expect the fortunate few who do manage to get their hands on one will likely specify their examples with several cost options to tailor it to their individual tastes.
As a reminder, the G450d, which replaces the G400d in the Three-pointed Star brand’s local G-Class model portfolio, which comprises the G580 with EQ Technology and barnstorming Mercedes-AMG G63, employs the firm’s familiar 3.0-litre inline-six oil-burner.
The turbocharged diesel unit churns out 270 kW and a healthy 750 N.m of torque, the latter of which available from a lowly 1 350 r/min and up to 2 800 r/min. However, thanks to the incorporation of mild electrification in the form of 48 V hybrid technology, an additional 15 kW burst, thus lifting peak power to 285 kW, is available for short durations Power and twisting force are, of course, sent to all four corners via a Mercedes-Benz’s nine-speed (9G-Tronic) automatic cog swapper, replete with low-range transfer case.
The Stuttgart-based manufacturer claims the G450d sprints to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 5.8 seconds, before topping out at 210 km/h. Average fuel consumption is rated at 9.4 L/100 km.