Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition bids farewell to the V8
Starting 2024, V8-powered Mercedes-Benz G Class will be no more
The first time a V8-powered Mercedes-Benz G-Class was made available to the public was way back in 1993. Dubbed the 500 GE, this particular G-Class (or G-Wagen) came with a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 that made 241 PS and 365 Nm of torque.
What also made this V8 G-Wagen special was the fact that it was only made available in 1993 - making it quite rare. And since it came with a special engine (at the time), it had plenty of luxurious appointments like heated seats, central locking, a sliding sunroof, power windows, and more. This also marked the beginning of the G-Class as a luxury 4x4 rather than a rugged SUV.
Fast forward to 2023, and a twin-turbo V8 is now the standard powertrain of choice for the Mercedes-Benz (not Mercedes-AMG) G-Class. There is a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four version but that’s reserved for the Chinese market due to taxes. But come 2024, the V8 will be no more for the regular G-Class.
To celebrate the 30th birthday of the V8-powered SUV, the automaker has revealed the limited-run G 500 Final Edition - a fitting swan song for the G 500.
“The Final Edition is our 30th birthday gift for the G 500, which in 1993 was considered the trendsetter and harbinger of the high-end off-roader in the luxury class. With its exclusive equipment details, the limited special model is also a fitting parting gift from the V8 biturbo engine in the G 500,” said Dr. Emmerich Schiller, Chairman of the Managing Board of Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Head of the Off-Road Vehicle Division at Mercedes-Benz.
Only 1,500 units of the G 500 Final Edition will be made, and all will come with special 20-inch AMG lightweight alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, a unique “Final Edition” lettering on the spare wheel cover, and embossed logos on the door knobs. In addition, the G 500 Final Edition will come in three paint choices - Obsidian Black, Opalith White Magno, and Olive Magno - each capped at 500 units to coincide with the 1,500-unit model run.
Inside, those fortunate enough to buy can expect a luxurious interior the G-Class has become famous for. But to really make it special, it has some special features exclusive to the Final Edition. Firstly, when you pop the doors open, you’ll be greeted by the “G” logo and “Stronger Than Time” text that’s projected onto the floor via puddle lamps. These can also be found inside via the indoor car cover that comes with the last G 500 V8. Last but not least, the door sills and grab handles also feature the “Final Edition” lettering to remind everyone that this is the end of an era special.
Other high-end features available inside the G 500 Final Edition include a Burmester surround sound system, two-tone Nappa leather seats, and a leather headliner with diamond stitching to reflect the center-colored section of the seats.
As mentioned earlier, the Final Edition comes with a V8 - a 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine that doles out 421 PS and a herculean 610 Nm of torque. Power goes to a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz will start making the G 500 Final Edition from September 2023 until March 2024. And with only 1,500 units to be made, expect this special edition to run out quickly. But while the regular G Class will say goodbye to the V8 starting in 2024, the Mercedes-AMG G63 will continue to get V8 power under the hood.
