One of the Best ’80s SUVs Is Getting a Glorious Reissue That Oozes Old-School Aura

The vintage-inspired design evokes the vehicle’s off-road heritage, yet it’s still loaded with modern amenities.

Mercedes Benz G Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s closeup

Published April 16, 2025

·

Updated April 16, 2025

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

When it comes to classic off-road SUVs, a few iconic models immediately come to mind. These include the Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Defender, Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco and, of course, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.

The latter is especially historically significant, dating back to its military-exclusive precursors and the 1979 Geländewagen — the first Mercedes SUV made available to civilians.

Now, the brand is paying homage to the G-Wagen’s rugged roots with an exclusive release called the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s. Despite its mouthful of a name, this retro off-roader is stunningly exceptional.

Mercedes Benz G Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s on rocks — This G-Wagen is directly inspired by the legendary 280 GE and harkens to the model’s off-road heritage.

Harkening to off-road heritage

This vintage-inspired model draws its design cues from a few different places across the G-Class’s history. Namely, it borrows from the legendary 280 GE and the first-ever G-Wagen model series, the W 460.

One of the biggest nods to its history is in its exclusive paint jobs. This model is available in a trio of finishes: Agave Green, Colorado Beige and Cream. The brand has also blacked out its front fascia, radiator grille, brush guard, underguard, front and rear bumpers, side sills, flared wheel arches and exterior mirror housings.

Perhaps the best vintage touch, however, is the amber indicator lights above each headlight. It doesn’t hurt that this G-Wagen also comes standard with a roof rack and rear ladder.

Mud flaps and all-terrain tires are also standard features to lend it more off-roading flair. Even without the retro touches, it might be the best production G-Wagen off-roader in years — or at least the best without an AMG badge.

Mercedes Benz G Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s rear end — Sadly, only 460 examples of this stunning retro off-road SUV will ever be built.

Vintage styling, modern amenities

While this SUV certainly looks retro on the outside, it’s still highly modern on the inside. For instance, it still has a wide touchscreen infotainment system set into the dash.

Furthermore, the interior is still slathered with premium leather. However, there are some retro touches, like checkered Dove Grey fabric inserts on the seats — which were popularized in the 1980s — and “Stronger Than The 1980s” branding on the passenger-side dash handle.

The front door sill panels also feature the topography of Schöckl mountain near Graz, and the “Schöckl Proved” badge is emblazoned at the base of the B-pillar.

As far as the powerplant goes, this SUV is still a 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 550 at its core. The brand hasn’t given any indication that it has changed anything about its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six that offers 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes Benz G Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s interior — While this G-Wagen’s exterior styling is highly retro, the cockpit is decidedly modern and high-tech.

Pricing and availability

Only 460 examples of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s SUVs will ever be made — complete with badging indicating this exclusivity on the center console.

While pricing is not yet announced, this special edition is expected to cost well above the standard G-Class’s $150,000 entry point and could even be as high as $175,000 (or more).