Mercedes G-Class Marks 600,000th Model with G 580 Milestone
Mercedes G-Class production milestone: The 600,000th G-Class, a G 580 with EQ Technology, celebrates four decades of legendary off-road and luxury SUV success.
A global milestone for a timeless icon—here’s why the G-Class still matters
After 45 years in production and more than a few adventures off the beaten path, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has hit its 600,000th unit. The off-road legend—a G 580 with EQ Technology in Obsidian Black Metallic—rolled off the Graz, Austria production line this week, and that’s no small feat for a vehicle whose original purpose was to scale mountains and outlast dictators. If you ever doubted the world’s appetite for a boxy, burly, go-anywhere luxury SUV, try finding a new G-Class on a dealer lot. The waiting list stretches on, and the orders keep piling up. That’s staying power in a world obsessed with the next big thing.
You may also like:Monterey Car Week 2025: Police Prepare for Exotic Car Chaos
Why does this car matter right now?
First, the G-Class is a rare case of a car that’s never really gone out of style—just ask the celebrities, off-roaders, and world leaders who park them alongside supercars. The G 580 with EQ Technology ushers the G-Wagen into the electric era without erasing its soul. Four decades ago, Mercedes-Benz set out to build a utilitarian, no-nonsense 4×4. Today, the G-Class is a global status symbol, yet it remains a legitimate off-road bruiser. Hitting the 600,000-unit mark with a new electric variant shows Mercedes can adapt to the future without sacrificing the DNA that made the G-Class a legend in the first place.
You may also like: 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ Redefines Off-Road Luxury
How does it compare to rivals?
Stack the G-Class up against its rivals and the numbers tell a story. The 2025 Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology pairs legendary all-wheel drive and three locking differentials with a battery-electric powertrain, keeping up with Range Rover and Jeep Grand Wagoneer in luxury, but outmuscling both when the pavement ends. Its ladder-frame construction, 100% locking differentials, and near-mythic ground clearance set it apart from softer, road-biased luxury SUVs. Meanwhile, customization via the MANUFAKTUR portfolio gives buyers a dizzying array of heritage colors and unique finishes, something the competition can only envy. In short: if you want capability and presence, few vehicles hold a candle to the G.
On pricing, the G-Class remains an elite buy, starting in the six-figure range and climbing rapidly as options and bespoke paint colors stack up. Yet 90% of buyers worldwide choose at least one MANUFAKTUR feature—proof that this is an SUV bought as much for personality as practicality.
You may also like: Chevy Silverado EV Sets 1,059-Mile Range Record
Who is this for—and who should skip it?
The G-Class isn’t for shrinking violets. It’s for those who want to be noticed, whether they’re cruising city streets or climbing the side of a mountain. The electric G 580 with EQ Technology expands the appeal: early adopters, luxury connoisseurs, and the sustainably minded now all have reason to look twice. This is the SUV for adventurers with a sense of humor—and a taste for hand-stitched leather. That said, if you’re seeking subtlety, value-for-money, or want to squeeze into tight city parking spots, look elsewhere. The G is a statement, not an apology.
You may also like: SUV Showdown: Palisade vs Telluride vs Grand Highlander
What’s the long-term significance?
The G-Class’ 45-year run is a testament to staying true to an idea while evolving with the times. The original 1979 model was built for military and agricultural use, yet here we are, 600,000 units later, with a luxury icon that retains its ladder frame, exposed spare tire, and unmistakable silhouette. Mercedes has managed to electrify the G without dulling its edge—a move that’s already shaping the conversation around electrified off-roaders. The record production number proves that genuine authenticity, not just nostalgia, drives enduring demand.
Safety-wise, the G-Class has consistently met or exceeded global standards. Although the latest crash test results are still pending for the G 580 EQ, previous generations have scored highly in Euro NCAP and IIHS evaluations, thanks to Mercedes’ obsessive approach to structural integrity and driver assist systems.
So as the 600,000th G-Class leaves Graz in its glossy Obsidian Black, it carries with it the hopes of every off-road purist and luxury lover who still believes a car can be both tough and timeless.
Like what you’ve read? Stay in the driver’s seat with more insider automotive insights. Follow @NikJMiles and @TestMiles for stories that go beyond the press release.
