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Mercedes G-Class ‘Edition Stronger than the 1980s’ might be the most ridiculous car name yet

The special-edition G-Class will be limited to just 460 units costing £152,815 each

The Mercedes G-Class’ image has changed quite drastically in the past few decades, with the once rough and ready off-roader now a staple of posh London streets. But providing a slight antidote to this is the new ‘G-Class Edition Stronger than the 1980s’. 

That name is a reference to the original W 460 G-Class, which was produced throughout the eighties. A further tribute comes in the fact that just 460 ‘Stronger than the 1980s’ will be built. 

Mercedes previewed this special edition back in 2023 with a one-off that celebrated the 500,000th G-Class. The new model, which is priced at £152,815, is based on the G 450 d and uses the same 362bhp mild-hybrid 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine and nine-speed automatic gearbox. The chassis hasn’t been fettled with either, so the ‘Stronger than the 1980s’ G-Class will be just as competent off-road as the standard car, with 70cm of wading depth, three differential locks, hill descent control and a special ‘G-mode’ to aid rock crawling. While the G-Class can now be had with whopping 22-inch wheels in full-fat AMG guise, this edition sits on smaller 18-inch five-spoke rims

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Fans of the classic G-Class (or G-Wagen, as it was known) will recognise the exterior of the ‘Stronger than the 1980s’ as similar to that of the ‘flying G-Wagen’ of 1979. This short-wheelbase 240 GD was launched over sand dunes during the car’s world premiere, demonstrating its go-anywhere ability. 

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Two colours are available on the new special edition: ‘Agave green’ and ‘Colorado beige’, both popular choices on the original eighties model. And to give the new car an old-school look, amber indicators have been added to the bonnet, while the grille, bumpers, wheelarches and mirror housings are finished in black, as is the underbody protection. 

Mercedes G-Class ‘Edition Stronger than the 1980s’ - green rear angled

There’s also an older-style Mercedes badge on the bonnet, and the ‘Mercedes-Benz’ plaque on the rear is an original item from the eighties, too. Mudflaps, headlight covers and all-terrain tyres are added, while a roof luggage rack is available as an option. To remind you of the model’s robust nature, there’s a puddle light displaying the words ‘G - Stronger than time’. 

Inside, you’ll find suitably retro tweaks with period-appropriate black leather seats with dove grey inserts in a chequered pattern. There are also various ‘Stronger than the 1980s’ badges and a ‘Schöckl Proved’ logo at the base of the B-pillar, along with an image of the Schöckl mountain in Austria, where Mercedes tests and develops the G-Class’ off-road capability. There’s also an individual badge on the centre console for each of the 460 units. 

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Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

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