Mercedes-Benz’s G-Wagen is the definition of a stalwart. It’s been around since 1978 and hasn’t changed much since, remaining largely the same for the better part of 40 years. Aside from small revisions to the powertrain and interior, the brand has stuck to its original formula of success—and given the headline of this story, it’s safe to say it worked. The 300,000th model just rolled off the assembly line in Graz, Austria, and the Daimler team is celebrating the event as the G-Wagen is now “more successful than ever.”
This especially-treasured G-Wagen was built to some of the brand’s highest specifications, as it is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, Designo Mauritus Blue Metallic paint, and black leather seats with contrasting white stitching. Rugged off-road bits like beefy all-terrain tires and an upgraded roof rack help keep the truck’s heritage in tact while celebrating its roots. Pretty cool, if you ask us.
The military-truck-turned-luxo-barge has been built in the same place for all 39 years of its life, and as tradition would have it, there are no plans of changing that in the future. Even after the fresh-for-2019 model is released, Mercedes associate Magna Steyr will keep on manufacturing the majorly-successful SUV.
“The team which has contributed substantially to this success includes employees who have been part of the story of the G-Class for 38 years. We have enjoyed decades of successful cooperation with Magna Steyr in the production of the G-Class,” Dr. Gunnar Güthenke, head of the off-road products at Mercedes-Benz, said in a statement.
Expect to see the first new G-Wagen come this fall at either the Frankfurt Auto Show in September or the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The latter would be fitting, seeing as it probably has more G-Wagens per capita than any other city, but hey, what do we know.