Mercedes-Benz celebrates 500,000 G-Wagens

The 500,000th Mercedes-Benz G-Class has rolled off the Magna Steyr production line in Graz, Austria – and the three-pointed star is celebrating with a one-of-a-kind tribute.

It’s been 44 years since Mercedes-Benz launched the G-Class to the general public.

The first-generation G-Wagen started life a military off-roader, before hitting civilian hands in 1979. The W463-generation car currently on sale debuted in 2018, although you’d have to squint to tell it apart from its predecessor.

Mercedes-Benz attributes much of the car’s success to its consistent design language.

In 1979 the vehicle had four powertrain options, with power outputs ranging between 53kW and 110kW. The most powerful model currently on sale is the G63 AMG, with 430kW of power from its twin-turbocharged V8.

The carmaker offered the vehicle with either a short wheelbase cabriolet body, or short and long wheelbase wagons at launch. Only the long wheelbase wagon lives today, although Mercedes-Benz has brought the drop-top back for a few short stints.

At launch, five colour options were available for the off-roader including the Agave Green hue Mercedes-Benz has reintroduced to its one-off anniversary edition vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz has made changes to its current G-Class design for the anniversary model, taking historic design cues from the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 280 GE.

Along with the original Agave Green exterior colour and checkered seat design, Mercedes-Benz has printed “No. 500,000” on the passenger’s grab handle to stamp the occasion.

The unique door sill trim features to show the range of personalisation options on offer in the G-Wagen.

In 2024, Mercedes-Benz will reach another milestone celebrating 45 years of G-Class production. The icon will evolve significantly into the future, though.

Mercedes-Benz plans to reveal the electric EQG in 2024, although details have been kept under wraps. The brand has said it will feature four electric motors and its batteries will be integrated in the ladder frame to ensure a low centre of gravity.

Mercedes-Benz will also reveal an updated G-Class next year, which it says aims to push the boundaries of the off-road sector.

It is expected Mercedes-Benz will include a new infotainment system which features in other models of its current line-up.

More: Everything Mercedes-Benz G-Class