The Mercedes G-Class was first released as a civilian model in 1979. Also known as the “Wolf” when it first debuted, the G-Wagen had military roots and was originally engineered with a leading focus on utility and durability. Despite its origins, the G-Wagen has rapidly grown into a bonafide status symbol and now stands as one of the most popular luxury SUVs in existence. And after spending close to four and a half decades on the market, the G-Wagen has just achieved a major milestone, as Mercedes has announced that the 500,000th unit has just rolled off the assembly line. To mark the occasion, the German marque has opted to build a retro-inspired one-off dubbed the “500,000th G.”
While it boasts a slew of nods to various models from throughout the G-Class’s more than 40-year production run, the 500,000th G is based on the 1986 280 GE. The build wears a full set of the ‘80s era off-roader’s bodywork that’s been cloaked in a historic agave green livery that’s offset by new indicator lenses. In a bid to highlight the donor’s go-anywhere capabilities, the SUV has also been fitted with a roof rack, a rear ladder, and a full-sized spare. Another noteworthy exterior touch on the build is its choice of wheels; a five-spoke sterling silver rim-set that’s been shod in all-terrain rubber.
To bring the project to life, Mercedes also called on its exclusive in-house G Manufaktur customization program, which has treated the one-off to details such as a special “Schöckl” door sill trim and logo-embossed door knobs. Taking further inspiration from the 280 GE, the interior of the celebratory build has been upholstered in a checkered fabric that was available on the ‘80s-gen model.
This one-off celebratory G-Class build isn’t for sale, though with the G-Wagen’s 45th anniversary coming up next year, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a similar limited edition version offered to the public.
