When Mercedes-Benz introduced the G-Class in 1979, it was intended for hardcore off-roading in military services. Little did they know that the 'G' would become the cult classic it is today.
Magna Steyr's plant in Graz, Austria that has been rolling out the G-Class on behalf of Mercedes-Benz since inception celebrated a production milestone of 300,000 vehicles yesterday.
Literally unchanged in its basic design and architecture since its introduction four decades back, the G-Class is kept going by popular demand from customers and loyalists who aren't ready to give up on the boxy, old-school design and robust mechanicals yet. Of course, the engines and the interiors have undergone multiple changes to keep up with the times.
Amidst proposals to discontinue the G-Class every now and then, Mercedes-Benz were forced to keep the legendary off-roader going for various reasons. Rising sales was just one of those. Would you believe that sales of the G-Class has been going up every year since 2009 and hit an all-time high in 2016 with almost 20,000 units sold? Such is its popularity despite a flurry of plush, modern and more capable SUVs available for similar prices.
The 300,000th vehicle was a G500 painted in an unique 'Designo Mauritius Blue Metallic' colour wearing an Off-Road Package that included 16-inch black wheels shod with all-terrain tyres and a roof rack. Black leather seats with contrasting white stitching are the key highlights of the interiors. Selected by fans of the G-Class from all over the world who voted for this specification through the vehicle's official Facebook page, the 300,000th G-Class would be retained by Mercedes-Benz for display on social media networks over the next few months before possibly retiring to the Mercedes-Benz Museum.
The G-Class has also been the base for uber-exclusive limited-run models like the G63 AMG 6x6, G500 4×4² and Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet.
With Mercedes-Benz already working on the most significant refresh of the G-Class since 1979, the le'G'end will live on for another day and possibly yet another milestone!
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