Mercedes reveals puffer jacket-inspired G-Class and new ‘past’

In one fell swoop, Mercedes unveiled a new “art piece” and a special edition G-Class. Both celebrate the model’s 45th anniversary, but are likely to be divisive.

Starting from this concept, Mercedes and Moncler have teamed up to launch the one-off Project G-Class Past II Future. It is based on a convertible from the 1990s and modified by designer NIGO.

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The resulting piece won’t please everyone, but it has a matte two-tone look of gray and olive green. Black and gold accents and a soft top inspired by Moncler down jackets.

The latter makes the model look ridiculous, but that’s not the only oddity, as there’s also a gold fuel tank as well as a custom sound system with “speakers” mounted on links on the roof. Other highlights include black steel wheels and retro-style fabric seats.

The special edition is inspired by this concept, retaining the green and gray exterior with black accents. They are connected by black wheels, “Past II Future” badging and a unique spare tire cover. Interior changes are minimal, but appear to include retro upholstery and a notation that the model is “one of 20.”

As you might have guessed, production will be limited to 20 vehicles, with deliveries expected to begin in April 2025. They will be based on the G 450 d and G 500, meaning customers can get a development 3.0-liter diesel engine with 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. It enables the SUV to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).

If diesel power isn’t your thing, the G 500 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 443 hp (330 kW / 449 PS) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque. This reduces the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time to 5.4 seconds, but the top speed remains unchanged at 130 mph (210 km/h).