Mercedes-Benz

Saying goodbye is never easy. The V8-powered Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been around for 30 years, and during that time has brought passengers to some of the most unwelcoming terrain in the world in luxury and style. But come 2024, the standard G-Class SUV won’t be packing a V8 under the hood any longer. Mercedes is giving the V8 the send-off it deserves with the “Final Edition” G500.

The final version coincides with the V8 G-Wagon’s 30th birthday. Mercedes has revealed a last run of 1,500 units for the G500 “Final Edition” to celebrate its long 3-decade run. Each of these special-edition rides will be decked out with 20-inch AMG lightweight alloy wheels, exclusive colors, and “Final Edition” tags. It’s a fitting birthday gift from Mercedes-Benz.

Related: Here's Why They Decided To Build The Perplexing Mercedes-Benz Moon Wagon

Mercedes-Benz

The G500 Final Edition will be available in three different colors, limited to 500 units each. First, there's the classic metallic obsidian black. Also available are two MANUFAKTUR paint options— opalith white magno and the all new olive magno. MANUFAKTUR is an exclusive range of options from Mercedes, which includes premier paint finishes and high-quality interior features.

The Final Edition of the G500 is also rolling out on some seriously sweet 20-inch AMG light-allow wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design. If you opted for the MANUFAKTUR olive magno paint finish, you’ll also receive wheels that match, complete with a high-sheen finish.

The other two wheel options come in an equally sleek black with that same high-sheen finish. The spare wheel ring gets a treatment as well; it comes in a high-gloss chrome, along with other add-on parts that come in that come in either that same high-gloss chrome or the olive magno body color to match.

In addition to the alloy wheels and unique color options, the limited-run G500 features “Final Edition” lettering almost everywhere you look. It runs along the outer protective strip, spare wheel cover, and is even embossed on the doorknobs.

Also, the exterior mirrors feature a logo projector that beam the “G” logo on the asphalt when stationary, along with the words “Stronger Than Time.” Wrapping up this package is an exclusive indoor car cover displayed with the “Stronger Than Time” lettering, keeping your ride dust and scratch-free.

Related: 10 Mercedes-Benz SUVs You Should Avoid Buying Used

Mercedes-Benz

The G500 has been known for its high-quality interior equipment since day one, rivaled by few others apart from the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The “Final Edition” carries on this legacy, and then some. As soon as you open the door, you’re met with the illuminated “Final Edition” lettering on the door sill trims, ushering you into the luxurious interior.

You will also find this exclusive lettering on the passenger’s grab handle insert. Owners of the G500 Final Edition will also receive a genuine silver coin on the back of the vehicle key with an edition-specific plaque, just to remind you that you’re not just driving any car.

The G500 Final Edition also comes with a few other special features. It includes the Superior Line with the Burmester Surround Sound system and the Active Multicontour Seat Package Plus. These seats are dressed in two-tone MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather, which are smooth, comfortable, and stylish.

The MANUFAKTUR full-leather package extends beyond just the seats. The entire interior is all perfectly coordinated with the exterior paint job, including the luggage compartment, roof lining, and even the panels on the seat adjustment switches. The center of the headliner is colored to match the seat center panel and is complete with the same diamond design.

Mercedes have carefully thought out the color combinations. With the obsidian black metallic paint finish, the interior comes in a slick titanium gray pearl and black. If you chose the opalith white magno lacquered variant, the interior comes in a platinum white and black combo.

Finally, the interior of the olive magno lacquered version comes in an espresso brown and black color scheme. Whichever option you choose, the G500 Final Edition will make sure you’re riding in style.

Related: 10 Amazing Mercedes-AMG Models: Combining Luxury And Power

Mercedes-Benz

The G500 Final Edition looks amazing, but what makes it a real beast lies under the hood. Nothing is changed from the standard version, and you’ve got the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that cranks out a whopping 416 horsepower and 449 lb-ft of torque. All of that power is managed by a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

This is a far cry from the original 500 GE, which came with 237 hp. This power jump isn’t just about more horses under the hood— it’s a testament to the leaps and bounds Mercedes-AMG have made in engine technology.

Over the years, these improvements have turned the G500 from a strong SUV to a legendary off-roader. While we’re saying goodbye to the G500 V8, we’re also celebrating just how far it’s come.

Back in 1993, Mercedes-Benz partnered with AMG to build the first test vehicles in Affalterbach. That partnership gave us the 500 GE. Under the hood was an eight-cylinder engine, borrowed from Mercedes’ passenger car lineup. It was officially unveiled at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, and people lined up to see a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon powered by a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 for the first time.

What also made this 1993 G-Wagon such a big deal was that it was made available for that one year alone, making it quite rare. The ‘93 G-Wagon also came loaded with luxury features to match the jump in power. This included heated seats, central locking, a sliding sunroof, and power windows, among other features. The loadout set apart the G-Class as more than just a rugged SUV— it was a luxury 4x4.

30 years later, Mercedes-Benz will start producing the Final Edition G500 from September 2023 to March 2024. Aspiring owners will have to act fast, as there will only be 1,500 units available, and they’re sure to be snapped up quickly. The Final Edition can be ordered for €196,350 Euros, or the equivalent of approximately $214,210.

Although this is the end for the V8, Mercedes-Benz will still produce a six-cylinder version for now. But it will also be complemented by a new electric sibling, the EQG, rocking the same iconic, boxy style. For die-hard fans of the V8, the Mercedes-AMG G63 will still have one under the hood.