Few vehicles on the road have become iconic symbols for the brand they represent. One of the most iconic names in the four-wheeler space is the Mercedes-Benz ‘G-Wagon’ (Geländewagen).
Introduced in 1973, the G-Class was initially launched as a military vehicle, while later, in 1979, the civilian version of the popular off-roader was showcased.
Interestingly, while other iconic car brands have seen design upgrades to keep up with time, the G-Class, on the other hand, has retained the same basic shape since its inception. Alongside the design, the Geländewagen also continues to feature one more basic recipe to this day, the V8 engine under the hood.
The transition from a practical off-roader to a modern, luxury machine began 30 years ago with the launch of the limited-run 500 GE V8 as the first variation with eight cylinders. The 500 GE V8 debuted as the range-topper in the lineup during the 1993 Geneva Motor Show. It was equipped with the M 117 5.0-litre V8 engine, which produced 237 horsepower and 375 Nm of torque. The SUV reached 100 kmph in 11.4 seconds and achieved a top speed of 180 kmph.
In a bid to celebrate the 30th marriage anniversary of the V8 and G-Class, Mercedes-Benz has introduced the 'Final Edition' based on the current generation G500, which gets powered by the 4L V8 bi-turbo petrol engine producing 421 hp and 610 Nm. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. The G500’s 4Matic Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) system also gets three mechanically locking differentials for better off-road ability.
With 1,500 units of the Final Edition to be sold, this will mark the end for the V8 engine option with standard G-Class (excluding AMG models).
Terming it as the perfect parting gift, DrEmmerich Schiller, Chairman of the Managing Board of Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Head of the Off-Road Vehicle Division at Mercedes-Benz, noted that the Final Edition is the 30th birthday gift for the G 500, which in 1993 was considered the trendsetter and harbinger of the high-end off-roader in the luxury class.
The 'Final Edition' also features 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, which are painted in the body colour and have a high-sheen finish combined with the Manufaktur olive magno paint finish. In addition, the special model features “Final Edition” lettering from the outer protective strip to the insert in the spare wheel cover.
There is also a logo projector in the exterior mirrors, which projects the “G” logo and the lettering “Stronger Than Time” onto the asphalt when stationary. The spare wheel ring in high-gloss chrome, plus other add-on parts in both the body colour and high-gloss chrome, underline the exclusivity of the limited special model. In addition, buyers receive an exclusive indoor car cover with 'Stronger Than Time' lettering to protect.
On the inside, the limited edition vehicle gets illuminated with “Final Edition” lettering on the door sill trims. At the same time, lettering can also be found on the insert of the grab handle for passengers and a genuine silver coin in the form of an edition-specific plaque with the appropriate lettering attached to the back of the vehicle key.
Additionally, with the Manufaktur full leather package, the entire interior is lined with Nappa leather, from the luggage compartment to the roof lining and the panels on the seat adjustment switches.
The centre section of the headliner is coloured to match the seat centre panel and features the same diamond design. Combined with the obsidian black metallic paint finish, it comes in titanium grey pearl/black. In the opalith white magno lacquered variant, the centre section is coloured in platinum white/black, and in the olive magno lacquered version in espresso brown/black.
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