Mercedes-Benz celebrates 40 years of G-Class
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 17th Jun 2019
MERCEDES-BENZ has marked the 40th birthday of its iconic G-Class off-roader with the release of three Stronger Than Time Edition specials, although not a single one has been confirmed yet for the Australian market.
While Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific media relations and product communications manager Ryan Lewis did not rule out offering the Stronger Than Time Edition in any capacity, he said that the company’s focus remains on delivering the initial Edition 1 versions of G-Class’ AMG G63 flagship, which are in limited supply and sold out into 2020.
In G400d and G500 form, the Stronger Than Time Edition distinguishes itself with several cosmetic upgrades, including the fitment of three options packages (AMG Line, Night and Stainless Steel) as standard alongside black 20-inch alloy wheels.
Buyers can also choose between two cabin themes, either traditional black or luxurious two-tone, both of which are covered in Nappa leather upholstery from top to toe.
The G63 instead makes its presence known with a Dark Chrome grille and a Silvershadow matte chrome finish for its side-exit exhaust tailpipes, running boards, side-mirror covers, bumper trim and spare-wheel cover plus matte-black 22-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, a two-tone black/Titanium Grey theme is standard alongside carbon-fibre trim.
For all three variants, unique puddle lights project the ‘G’ logo and ‘Stronger Than Time’ lettering onto the ground when G-Class is locked or unlocked at night.
The same lettering is also applied to the badges on the A-pillars and the engraving on the leather-trimmed grab handle on the passenger side of the cabin.
The G400d is motivated by a 243kW/700Nm 2.9-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine, while the G500 and G63 are powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8, albeit in two states of tune: 310kW/610Nm (G500) and 430kW/850Nm (G63).
As reported, the G400d is firming for Australia, with MBAP expected to opt for it over the previously confirmed G350d, while the G500 has been ruled out.
In keeping with the special’s nameplate, Mercedes-Benz claims that 80 per cent of all G-Class vehicles produced in history are still in use, which is a “testament to the outstanding quality of the off-road legend”.
“Forty years ago, the combination of on- and off-road properties was a revolutionary concept. The current G-Class continues this tradition. Its top technological performance today forms the basis for its status as an automotive icon,” said Mercedes-Benz head of off-road vehicle product unit Gunnar Guethenke.
“We are celebrating this exceptional status with lots of highlights for our customers and fans. I am convinced that, for the G-Class, it is just the beginning.”
Following the launch of its new model in December, sales of G-Class have exploded this year, with 158 examples sold to the end of May – a massive 243.5 per cent improvement over the 46 deliveries made during the same period in 2018.
Nonetheless, G-Class has maintained its position as the fifth best-selling model in the $100,000-plus upper-large-SUV segment, trailing the Lexus LX (197 units), Range Rover (183), BMW X7 (174) and Audi Q8 (172).
