Mercedes Takes The G550 Back To Its Roots
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the origins of the G-Class with a new limited-run model called the 2025 G550 “Stronger Than The 1980s” Edition.
Key Points
- Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the limited-run 2025 G550 “Stronger Than The 1980s” Edition, with 460 units built as a tribute to the original W460 G-Class.
- The retro-themed model features classic design cues like amber turn signals, black lower cladding, 18-inch five-spoke wheels, and throwback color options including Agave Green.
- Built at the Graz, Austria facility, the edition emphasizes the G-Class’s utilitarian roots, offering a more rugged alternative to luxury-focused AMG variants.
2025 Mercedes G-Class Stronger Than The 1980s Edition: All The Details
Inspired by the early civilian G-wagens of the 1980s and the recent one-off built to mark the 500,000th G-Class, this retro-themed special edition will be limited to just 460 units—an intentional nod to the original W460 chassis code.
Based on the standard G550, the “Stronger Than The 1980s” edition adopts a more utilitarian aesthetic that aligns with the G-Class’s heritage as a rugged, no-nonsense off-roader rather than a shuttle for ballet practice and AAA hockey tournaments.
Retro touches include amber indicator lights, black lower body cladding, retro-style badging, and classic five-spoke 18-inch wheels. Mercedes will offer the model in three exterior colors from its Manufaktur catalog: Agave Green, Cream Solid, and Colorado Beige. Each unit will include a numbered plaque denoting its place in the production run.
The special edition moves away from the oversized wheels and chrome-heavy finishes seen on higher-spec AMG models, opting instead for a setup more aligned with the G-Class’s roots.
The interior maintains modern comfort and tech but includes period-inspired styling details, like grey plaid cloth seat inserts. While the G550’s twin-turbo V8 remains under the hood, the overall package is geared more toward backcountry trails than boulevards.
Production will take place at the G-Class’s longtime home in Graz, Austria—a facility that still assembles vehicles largely by hand, with minimal automation. It will arrive at select U.S. dealerships later in 2025.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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