Mercedes-Benz has revealed a special edition tribute to the original ‘Gelandewagen’ G-Wagen/G-Wagon – the clunkily-named ‘Stronger Than The 1980s’ edition – boasting some of the W 460’s more historic styling elements. Just 460 examples will be available worldwide (a nod to the original model’s codename), with each built atop the current W 465 generation G-Wagen. Prices start from €160,055 in Europe, with imported North American models expected to start from just over $180K USD when they arrive at dealerships “later in 2025.”
This announcement comes just a few days after news that Mercedes-Benz has potentially penciled in a compact ‘Little G,’ all-electric version of the G-Wagen for release in 2027.
Key takeaways
- Pays tribute to original ‘W 460’ generation G-Wagen that debuted in 1979.
- Two, dual-tone exterior color options available; features retro logos
- Just 460 examples available worldwide; due to arrive at U.S. dealerships “later in 2025.”
Two-Tone Paint And Special Edition Logos Galore
Like the original W 460, the production of which ran from 1979 (ironically) to 1991, the “highly exclusive” ‘Stronger Than The 1980s’ special edition will be available in one of two, two-tone paint schemes – Agave Green or Colorado Beige – which contrast the Night Black accenting around the front fascia, skirting and front grille. A direct nod to the original ’79 model, itself an urban alternative to the more utilitarian model developed for military purposes in 1972.
“Just 460 examples will be available worldwide in a nod to the original model’s codename. Each will be built atop the current ‘W 465’ G-Wagen.”
Like the W 460, the ‘shoulder’-mounted indicators, currently translucent, will be replaced with amber-tinted alternates, and the vehicle will ride on classic-look, 18-inch five-spoke alloys donned with all-terrain tires. The ‘Schöckl Proved’ emblem across the B-pillar has also been updated to include a silhouette of the original W 460, and across the back, the ‘Mercedes-Benz’ insignia has been re-styled with the same font used during the 1980s.
In a bid to promote its ‘Professional’ Line, Mercedes has also incorporated an optional roof rack, mud flaps, rear ladder and headlight mesh onto the special edition model.
Powered By Turbocharged Straight-Six From G 450d
Cosmetic tweaks to the cabin, meanwhile, are fairly minimal, the main upgrade being the ‘Dove Grey’ checkered cloth in which the front seats and rear bench are finished. The ‘Stronger Than the 1980s’ script has also been embossed on the passenger grab handle. In a neat touch, however, lights from both side mirrors will illuminate a ‘Stronger Than Time’ message on the ground when either front door is opened.
Primarily a cosmetic exercise, the drivetrain and power output on the ‘Stronger Than The 1980s’ model have gone untouched, and the 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel straight-six that traditionally powers the ‘G 450d’ retains the same 382-horsepower and 553-pound-feet figures.
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