The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s (yes, that’s really its name) is a limited-run variant celebrating the G-Wagen’s rich heritage. But it’s sadly not for SA…
Heritage styling over modern underpinnings? You have our attention, Stuttgart. Meet the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s. As you might have guessed from its unnecessarily wordy name (a play on the “Stronger Than Time” G-Class tagline) and that retro-tastic green paint, this limited-run derivative celebrates the Geländewagen’s heritage.
Just 460 units will be built (a nod to the original W460 model code, no doubt), with the German automaker billing it as a “hugely desirable collector’s item”. Unfortunately, this special model is not destined for local roads, with Mercedes-Benz South Africa confirming to Cars.co.za that it’s “not planned” for Mzansi.
Effectively a tribute to the W460-series 280 GE, the G-Class Edition Stronger Than The 1980s – that’s the last time we’ll use its full name, we promise – will be built for global markets in both G500 and G450d form (incidentally, the latter turbodiesel engine derivative recently arrived in Mzansi).
The special retro model will be offered in 3 paint colours, each harking back to the tastes of the 1980s: agave green, cream and Colorado beige. In addition, the indicator lamps are orange, while the bumpers, grille, wheel arches and side-mirror caps are all finished in black, as is the underbody protection.
As standard, the limited-edition G-Class rides on classic 5-spoke light-alloy wheels. The star on the bonnet takes the form of the brand’s historic emblem, featuring “Mercedes-Benz” lettering and the laurel wreath on a blue background. Round back, you’ll find the 1980s-style silver “Mercedes-Benz” script as well as an edition-specific spare-wheel cover.
Other standard items include mud flaps, darkened headlamps, all-terrain tyres and protective grilles for headlamps (though the latter 2 features won’t be offered in all markets). The pictured roof luggage rack is furthermore available as an option.
Inside, the centre panel of each black leather seat is covered with dove-grey fabric that Mercedes-Benz says was “incredibly popular at the time”. The trim moulding of the passenger-grab handle bears “Stronger Than The 1980s” lettering, while the front-door sill panels feature the topography of the famous Schöckl mountain near Graz.
The traditional “Schöckl Proved” badge at the base of the B-pillar has been designed in what the brand calls “a classic 1980s style”, displaying a historical G-Wagen in the matching vehicle colour. Each example furthermore features “1 of 460” lettering on the centre console. Modern features such as a Nappa-leather-trimmed multifunctional steering wheel, a glass sliding sunroof and a Burmester 3D surround-sound system all remain in place.
As a reminder, the G450d employs a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel motor generating peak outputs of 270 kW and 750 Nm. Thanks to a new mild-hybrid system, an additional 15 kW and 200 Nm are available for short bursts, too. Fitted with a 9-speed automatic transmission (with low-range) as standard, the G450d will complete the 0-100 kph dash in a claimed 5.8 seconds, while maximum speed is limited to 210 kph.
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