New Mercedes-Benz g-Class ‘Edition Stronger Than The 1980’ Revealed

The latest W465-gen Mercedes-Benz G-Class sees a new 'Edition Stronger Than The 1980s' limited-run special edition.

The latest generation (W645) Mercedes-Benz G-Class has gained a new retro-inspired special, though the choice for its name might be a little too apt for some. That’s because this special has been christened as the ‘Edition Stronger Than The 1980s’ – yes, that’s a mouthful indeed.

Should this special’s name not put out the obvious, then the way it is styled should. No doubt, Mercedes-Benz chose to amplify the ‘retro’ look and feel of this special, and this is largely inspired by past generations of the renowned G-Class, or what fans fondly call the ‘Gelandewagen’ - or 'G-wagen' for short.

As its name aptly suggests, this special takes plenty of cues from the original Mercedes-Benz G-Class model from the 1980s seen here on the right.

Firstly, this special swaps out the modern G-Class model's clear bonnet signal repeaters for amber-tinted replacement that look like they came straight off the 1980s G-Class model. Also inspired by said 1980s original are the classically styled five-spoke alloy wheels it rolls on.

Next comes the choice of two two-tone liveries, which sees either Agave Green or Colorado Beige base hues being contrasted with Night Paint around the front fascia, skirting and grille. The latter again harks back to the 1980’s original ‘G-wagen’.

Note the 1980s-styled ember-tinted signal repeater (left) and special 'Schöckl Proved’ B-pillar emblem.

Elsewhere, you’ll also find this special rocking a 'Schöckl Proved’ emblem mounted on the B-pillar featuring a design updated to feature the original G-Class. Matching this at the rear end is a Mercedes-Benz script badge that uses the same font as in the 1980s original.

Adding a rugged touch to things here are the roof rack, mudflaps, rear ladder and headlight meshes. We’ll also point out that all these rugged additions were taken from the current G-Class model’s Professional catalogue of optional accessories.

On board, the retro theme is amplified further by Dove Grey checkered cloth seat upholstery. Present in the passenger grab handle is the 'Stronger Than The 1980s' inscription text.

Inside, this special’s cabin amplifies the nostalgia through its Dove Grey checkered cloth seat upholstery. Present here too is the ‘Stronger Than The 1980s' script inscribed right in the passenger grab handle, and puddle lights that projects the message ‘G – Stronger Than Time’.

Mechanically, this retro-harking special edition G-Class can be ordered in either G450d or G500 guises, meaning European buyers can opt between petrol or diesel power. The former sees its 3.0-litre straight 6-cyl turbo-diesel heart yield a respectable 382 HP and 750 NM of twist.

The G500 guise, on the other hand, also brings a 3.0-litre straight 6-cyl turbo mill, albeit one that runs on petrol instead. This one puts out a peppier 443 HP and 560 NM, altogether enabling 0-100 KM/H dashes is a respectable 5.3 secs instead.

Just 460 units of this retro-styled special edition will be available, though no pricing, as well as availability outside Europe, as well as right-hand-drive (RHD), were confirmed.

In total, just 460 units of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class in ‘Edition Stronger Than The 1980s’ detailed will be produced by the three-point star. However, price, availability overseas outside Europe, as well as availability in right-hand-drive (RHD), weren’t disclosed.

Closer to home, the W465-gen G-Class is only available officially through Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) in Mercedes-AMG G63 guise. Launched back in Nov last year, this V8-engined performance special is tagged at RM1,948,888 apiece.