Mercedes G 500 Final Edition is swansong V8 G-Wagon

Mercedes-Benz had first introduced the V8 engine on the G-Wagon 30 years ago in – 1993 – on the 500 GE. The German carmaker has now introduced the G 500 Final Edition, which celebrates three decades of the original 500 GE V8, and as the name suggest, marks the end of the V8 engine in the G 500. The G 63 AMG version, however, will soldier on for a few more years.

1. G 500 Final Edition will be limited to 1,500 units worldwide
2. Powered by a 421hp, twin-turbo V8 engine
3. Will be manufactured between September 2023 and March 2024

Mercedes G 500 Final Edition exclusive options, specifications

The G 500 ‘Final Edition’ comes in three exclusive colour options – Obsidian Black, Opalith White Magno and Olive Magno. The latter two are Manufaktur colour options and each colour is limited to just 500 units. It comes fitted with 20-inch AMG alloy wheels in a twin 5-spoke design, which are body-coloured on the Olive Magno paint shade and black with a high sheen finish on the others.

There are ‘G’ logos embossed on the key fob and door handles, and while the door projects the 'G' logo on the floor with the message ‘Stronger Than Time’, the key fob has a silver coin on it as a special plaque. There are also ‘Final Edition’ badges on the door sills, fender flares, passenger side grab handle and spare wheel cover – all part of the G500 ‘Manufaktur logo package’.

Mercedes has wrapped the interior with Nappa leather on every surface possible, including the cargo compartment and the panel for seat adjustments. Additionally, the seats are draped in two-tone leather, with the leather headliner mimicing the same shades. There’s also a Burmester hifi surround sound system.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 Grand Edition

Alongside the G 500 Final Edition, Mercedes has also introduced a new ‘Grand Edition’ of the G 63 SUV. Limited to just 1,000 units, all will be finished in an exclusive Manufaktur Night Black Magno colour option with gold graphics. It rides on larger 22-inch, centre-lock forged AMG wheels, which are also finished in gold.

There are more gold accents on the front and rear bumpers, front skid plate, spare wheel ring and various interior details, including the seat stitching. As with the G 500 Final Edition, this interior is also wrapped with Nappa Leather on every possible surface and there’s a ‘Grand Edition’ badge on the passenger side grab handle.

Mercedes G500 pricing and powertrain specfications

The G 500 Final Edition shares the same 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 motor with its AMG counterpart, although it’s detuned to produce 421hp and 610Nm of torque. In G 63 spec, the same engine produces 585hp and 850Nm of torque. Both versions come mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels.

Mercedes G wagon future line-up

Mercedes-Benz will discontinue the V8 from the regular G-Wagon post the Final Edition Series. It will likely be replaced by a smaller six-cylinder unit for the next-gen. It will also be complemented by a fully electric version called the EQG with the same styling.

There’s no word about the allocation of these limited-run G-Wagons for India, but the G 63 already has a wait time of over two years. Mercedes recently also introduced the G 400d in India to help reduce the waiting period on the higher-spec model.