45 Years of Iconic: Mercedes Celebrates G-Class Legacy With Bold New Editions
by AutoExpert | 22 October, 2024
Mercedes is marking the 45th anniversary of the G-Class with two unique releases: a special edition G-Class and an offbeat concept art collaboration. First up is the "Project G‑Class Past II Future," a quirky one-off creation born from a partnership between Mercedes and luxury fashion brand Moncler.
Japanese designer NIGO modified this design based on a 1990s convertible G-Class. The concept features a matte two-tone paint job in grey and olive green, accented with black and gold details. Perhaps the most outlandish feature is its soft top, which takes inspiration from Moncler’s signature puffer jackets.
The design also includes a golden fuel canister and a custom sound system with boom boxes mounted on the roof’s linkages. Completing the look are black steel wheels and retro-inspired fabric seats. While not everyone will be a fan of this unconventional aesthetic, it certainly makes a statement. Meanwhile, Mercedes has also unveiled a special edition G-Class inspired by the concept but with more subdued styling.
It keeps the grey and green exterior, black accents, and "Past II Future" badging, along with unique black wheels and a custom spare tire cover. The interior gets a few nostalgic touches, including retro upholstery and special lettering identifying it as "One of 20." Delivery will commence in April 2025, with a production cap of just 20 units. These limited-edition models will be based on the G 450d and G 500 versions.
The G 450 d comes with a 3.0-liter diesel engine that delivers 362 hp (367 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque, propelling the SUV from 0–62 mph in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h). The G 500 features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 443 hp (449 PS) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque, shaving the 0-62 mph time to 5.4 seconds, though the top speed remains the same at 130 mph.