Mercedes-Benz G-Class returns to the 80s with retro tribute edition

aving gone on-sale in South Africa last week, Mercedes-Benz has debuted a retro tribute version to the original G-Class the local market won’t be receiving at all.

Limited to 460 units as per the first G’s W460 internal moniker, the Stronger Than The 1980s also draws inspiration from the 500 000^th G-Class that rolled out of the Graz assembly plant in Austria two years ago.

Throwback touches

Paying to the tribute to 280 GE that topped the W460 range, the Stronger Than The 1980’s visual differences comprises a magno black finish on the grille, wheel arches, bumpers and mirror caps, retro silver five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, a black underbody protection plate and a retro three-pointed star logo, complete with a blue background and laurel wreath, on the bonnet.

ALSO READ: VIDEO: All-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class G580 an electrifying ride

Incorporating elements from the more hardcore G-Class Professional that underpinned the 500 000^th example nets the Stronger Than The 1980s with bespoke mud flaps, protective caps for the headlights and an optional roof rack.

Finally, the tailgate gains a silver badge with black Mercedes-Benz script as on the original Geländewagen, Schöckl Proved badges in reference to the Schöckl mountain range where testing has been taking place since 1979, puddle lamps projecting G – STRONGER THAN TIME on the ground, and a choice of three Manufaktur colour inspired by the W460; cream, Colorado Beige and Agave Green.

Retro meets modern

Inside, and unlike the W460, the Stronger Than The 1980’s keeps the modern surrounds of the W465 G-Class, but with retro additions namely dove grey inserts on the black leather seats, Stronger Than The 1980’s wording on the grab handle and a topography monogram of the Schöckl mountains on the door sills.

A Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel, panoramic sunroof and the otherwise optional Burmester sound system rounds the interior off, together with a numbers plaque for all 460 units on the centre console.

Petrol or diesel only

Up front, the Stronger Than The 1980s will have a choice of two 48-volt mild-hybrid assisted engines: the 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol in the G500 that makes 310kW/560Nm, and the 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel in the G450d that pumps out 270kW/750Nm.

As standard, both are paired to the 9G Tronic automatic transmission, with the hybrid system adding an additional 15kW/200Nm for short spells.

Not for us

Now available in Europe priced from €160 055, which equates to a directly converted R3 428 019, the G-Class Stronger Than The 1980s has reportedly been given the thumbs down for South Africa, according to a report by cars.co.za.

As such, the local line-up will consist solely of the G450d, the AMG G63 and the all-electric G580 with EQ Technology.

NOW READ: From army hero to civilian icon: Mercedes-Benz G-Class turns 45