Why the Mercedes G Class is an icon

The Mercedes-Benz x Moncler by NIGO collaboration presents the art piece Project Mercedes-Benz G-Class Past II Future

There aren’t many cars these days that become legends. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of them; and a new iteration has just been launched

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It’s an interesting eccentricity in the world of collectors and the wealthy, that perfection is sometimes undesirable. The perfect timepiece, that tells the time more accurately than any Patek Philippe, is a cheap digital watch. The perfect car, while not yet invented, is probably electric, efficient, seats seven, is self-driving and self-cleaning; and costs a tiny fraction of the price of a limited-edition, inefficient, two-seater, impractical supercar.

‘It will plough through mudslides that would deter most normal cars’

Which takes us to the Mercedes-Benz G Class, which has achieved legendary status among a stratum of car collectors. On the one hand, the G Class (it stands for Gelandewagen, basically a car that can cross fields) is quite practical. A tall 4×4 SUV, it will plough through mudslides that would deter most normal cars.

But it’s also a development of the theme of a SUV, in the sense that a multi-complication watch is just there to show what can do, not necessarily to do it. Toy-like in appearance, with doors that “thud” shut as if you are closing the metal door of an industrial unit, it plays with themes of machismo and muscle.

‘The G-Class is a universal hero that adapts to change without losing its uniqueness’ – Bettina Felzer

Its ultimate iteration (produced by Mercedes-Benz anyway; there are plenty of companies that will tune yours up for you) is the G63 AMG, with far more power than necessary, a sound like wet stone cellar full of hungry pitbulls, and a striking, almost cartoonish, road presence.

We visited Shanghai for the launch of this new model, a perfect backdrop of dramatic skyscrapers and go-getting attitude. A car produced by the world’s oldest car manufacturer, and beloved of its newest wealthy economies. It was also dramatically launched with a collaboration with Moncler and Japanese designer NIGO: three design icons together.

‘The G63 AMG, with far more power than necessary’

Or, as Mercedes-Benz VP for digital and communications Bettina Felzer put it to LUX:

“Our G has evolved from a utility vehicle into a highly sought-after brand ambassador, establishing itself in various cultural fields. Beyond its outstanding technical features, the G-Class is a universal hero that adapts to change without losing its uniqueness. It stays true to its iconic core – timeless yet timely. Following the successful launch of the electric G-Class, we are bridging the timelines of the future and the past in our collaboration with Moncler and NIGO.”