Mercedes-Benz celebrates 500,000th G-Wagen

MERCEDES-BENZ has celebrated a significant milestone in the production of its long-running G-Glass this week as the 500,000^th example rolled off the production line in Graz, Austria.

The veteran off-roader – which has been in production since 1979 – was commemorated as a unique one-off model combining elements of the 1986 G-Wagen 280 GE, including Agave Green paint (one of the first colours available for the early G-Class) and a retro-inspired chequered upholstery motif.

“On the occasion of the 500,000^th anniversary, we would like to thank both our loyal customers and long-time fans, as well as our employees and our production partner Magna Steyr in Graz,” said Mercedes-Benz Off-Road Vehicle Production Division manager and Mercedes-Benz G chairman and CEO, Dr Emmerich Schiller.

“We are proud of this figure, which also underscores the exclusivity of the G-Class. After all, four whole decades have led to this significant anniversary. This makes the G-Class anything but a mass product.

“With the all-electric G-Class launching in 2024, which will push the boundaries of the off-road sector, we look forward with anticipation to the future of the off-road icon.”

Other anniversary details of the commemorative model include retro indicators with 1970s era orange lenses, a wheel cover featuring a large three-pointed star badge, brand badging on the rear doors, and sterling silver five-spoke wheels.

The model is denoted internally with “No. 500,000” lettering in agave green on the passenger-side grab handle, an embossed doorknob in black, and Schockl door sill trim (part of the manufacturer’s current customisation range).

Alongside the E-Class and S-Class, the G-Glass is one of the longest-produced models in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. The original was designed to offer “superior off-road capability with on-road driving comfort” and was launched in the spring of 1979 with four engine options, ranging from 53kW to 110kW. Both short wheelbase cabriolet and short- or long-wheelbase wagon body styles were available from launch.

Continually updated over 45 years, the most recent Mercedes-Benz G-Class (launched in 2018) includes modern touches like LED headlights, state-of-the-art driver assistance technologies, a thoroughly modern interior and a new chassis to further the vehicle’s off-road capabilities and on-road comfort – as well as bringing its dynamic capabilities in step with modern expectations.

From next year, Mercedes-Benz will offer its G-Class with an all-electric option it says will set “new standards with its off-road capabilities”.

The model will be powered by four individually controlled electric motors positioned close to the wheels to enable what the German brand says are “unique driving characteristics”, while the batteries will be integrated within the ladder frame to ensure a lower centre of gravity.

Dr Schiller hinted that the electric G-Wagen will offer near-instantaneous maximum torque and deliver “tremendous power, controllability and responsiveness” which he believes will make it an “off-road icon optimally prepared for the adventures of the future”.