Mercedes-Benz G-Class Hits 600,000 Production Milestone, Maintains Global Off-Road Icon Status

Mercedes-Benz has rolled out the 600,000th unit of its legendary G-Class SUV from its production facility in Graz, Austria — a landmark achievement for a model that has been in continuous production since 1979. The milestone vehicle, a G 580 with EQ Technology in obsidian black metallic, marks the evolution of the “best off-road vehicle in the world” into the electric age, boasting zero CO₂ emissions and a combined energy consumption of 30.3–27.7 kWh/100 km.

Built exclusively in Graz by Magna Steyr for Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class is exported to markets across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Africa. Its strongest markets include the USA, Germany, Japan, China, and the UAE, where demand remains robust despite its luxury price tag.

In India, the G-Class competes in the ultra-luxury SUV segment against models like the Range Rover (₹2.39 crore onwards), Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (₹2.10 crore), and Lexus LX 500d (₹2.84 crore). While the Land Cruiser appeals for its rugged reliability and the Range Rover for its opulent comfort, the G-Class stands apart with its unique blend of heritage design, unmatched off-road capability, and celebrity cachet. The upcoming all-electric G 580 adds a new dimension, targeting eco-conscious luxury buyers without compromising off-road prowess.

Since its debut, the G-Class has transformed from a utilitarian 4x4 into a status symbol, retaining hallmark features like round headlights, a ladder-frame chassis, three locking differentials, and an exposed rear-mounted spare wheel. Special editions, such as last year’s Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s, continue to fuel collector interest, while the MANUFAKTUR program offers over a million personalisation possibilities — including up to 20,000 paint colours introduced in 2024.

Alongside the S-Class and E-Class, the G-Class is one of Mercedes-Benz’s longest-running passenger vehicle lines, with over four decades of evolution. This latest milestone reinforces its enduring global appeal — a rare blend of heritage, luxury, and off-road supremacy that keeps it relevant against both traditional rivals and new electric contenders.