Few SUVs carry a legacy quite like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. What started as a rugged, military-bred 4×4 has evolved into a modern symbol of luxury and status backed by track-inspired performance from the specialists at AMG. Since 1979, the big-box off-roader has stuck to its unmistakable silhouette and go-anywhere attitude, building a cult following that stretches from military bases to Malibu. Now, the G-Class’s legacy reaches a major milestone as Mercedes-Benz just completed its 600,000th chassis. Its latest one, a fully electric G 580, rolled off the line in Graz, Austria. While the G 580 trades its gas engine for zero-emissions power, it keeps everything fans love: the ladder frame, three locking differentials, and an iconic upright stance still recognizable on Rodeo Drive as on a rocky trail.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a G-Class celebration without a look back at its heritage. Mercedes-Benz has never been shy about the model’s backstory, and recent limited editions, like the STRONGER THAN THE 1980s tribute, highlight just how much nostalgia there is. That 500,000-unit version sparked such a wave of enthusiasm that Mercedes followed it up with even more retro-inspired versions. And given how the G-Class combines modern tech with old-school charm, it makes sense that it keeps growing without losing its soul. Whether you’re into the raw off-road feel of the early W460s or prefer a fully kitted-out AMG version with quilted leather and 20-speaker audio, there’s a G for you.
Another part of the G-Class’s success? Personalization. Mercedes has relied on letting owners spec their dream builds through its MANUFAKTUR program, which lets you choose from over 20,000 paint colors and a near-infinite number of interior combinations. Nearly every one that rolls out today has at least one bespoke touch, and most have several. That attention to detail reflects just how far the G-Class has come, from a utilitarian workhorse to a high-end statement piece that can still out-climb most SUVs on the market. With 600,000 and counting, the G-Class isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
