The iconic G Wagon has its own legions of followers, and a big part of the appeal of this boxy brute is the off-road history that it carries on its muscular shoulders. Mercedes-Benz knows this and hence it continues to bring special editions laced with anecdotes from its past. This new edition is called ‘Stronger than the 1980s,’ and while this is a long name, a cursory glance shows the clear 80s theme. The design is not as overly flashy as the usual AMG G wagons, as instead it has a simple look which ties itself to the first-gen model, which is the W 460. The other talking point is the earthy green hue, while there are two other sepia-tinted shades as well. An obvious 80s touch is the amber indicator lights, while more black cladding across the front further gives it a military vibe. Even the wheels are not some monstrous chrome-lined specimens, as instead they are simpler 18-inch 5-spoke units finished in silver. Attention to detail has been poured further with Mercedes Star having a historic emblem, and the tailgate getting an edition-specific wheel cover. Add in a roof rack, all-terrain tires, and it looks all ready to get itself covered in mud. The interior similarity has retro elements doused all over with black leather seats with a grey fabric, while there is a topography of the Schöckl mountain top. The powertrain of choice for this car is a V8, but robust power or an AMG-like roar isn’t on the menu, and there are serious things to do with this car, you assume.
The G Wagon is built at a factory where analogue is the ethos and not filled with robots, which ultimately shows in this car. It is a love letter as to why this boxy utilitarian off-roader emerged as a pop icon. This one, though, trades flash for capability, and it isn’t for mooching around Sunset Boulevard rather than tearing up the scenery across some mountain. This new edition shows why the original G Wagon was such a bulletproof off-roader, and it remains firmly placed as an automotive icon. It is simple, minimalist, and hardcore, and that is what we love. Mercedes-Benz might be embracing electrification and sci-fi tech, but the G-Wagon remains unperturbed by all of this and soldiers on calmly with its cool demeanour.
