Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website Exclusive special model 30 years ago: the Mercedes-Benz 500 GE V8
marzo 02, 2023 - Mercedes-Benz

Exclusive special model 30 years ago: the Mercedes-Benz 500 GE V8

Comunicato Stampa disponibile solo in lingua originale. 

  • Premiere for the eight-cylinder engine in the G-Class
  • Prototype of all later high-performance G-Classes
  • Only 446 vehicles of the 500 GE V8 are built, in 1993 and 1994

30 years ago, #MercedesBenz equips the G model for the first time with an eight-cylinder engine. With this, the extremely robust and reliable off-road vehicle, which was launched in 1979, breaks fresh ground in terms of driving performance, equipment and price. A small series of no more than 500 units of the premiere vehicle, based on the W 463 model series launched in 1989, is planned. In the end, 446 vehicles are built.

Powerful engines, right up to the AMG versions, are now a firmly established feature of the G-Class. These variants have established the G worldwide as a luxury off-road vehicle. The rare 500 GE V8 was something of a trendsetter back in 1993, and the harbinger of high-end off-roaders in the #automotive luxury class. From 2023, well-maintained 500 GE V8s can be classified as historic cultural assets and, subject to a successful classic car appraisal, receive the coveted H registration plate. This underlines the classic status of the exclusive special model.

Strong, luxurious and fast: the #MercedesBenz 500 GE V8

At the Geneva Motor Show from 4 to 14 March 1993, #MercedesBenz presents the 500 GE V8 as the new top-of-the-range engine for the G model. This has been around for 14 years at this point and has earned an excellent reputation as a reliable companion for rough terrain. The initiative to build the 500 GE V8 comes from the #MercedesBenz Off-road Vehicle Product Unit. The first test vehicles are built at AMG in Affalterbach.

The 500 GE V8 is given a proven eight-cylinder engine from the brand's passenger car range. The M 117 with two-valve technology develops 177 kW (240 hp) and 375 newton metres of torque from a displacement of 4973 cubic centimetres. The top speed was 180 km/h,while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was achieved in 11.4 seconds. A mere increase in performance is not all: the vehicle is fitted with Bridgestone tyres of the new dimension 265/70 R 16 H on aluminium wheels. These are the only off-road tyres approved for speeds up to 210 km/h. The brake system is configured for this level of driving performance with ABS and internally ventilated disc brakes at the front. The developers have designed the suspension with the emphasis on comfort. The drivetrain, with its permanent four-wheel drive, remains unchanged except for the front differential lock, which is not offered here. In addition, there is a slightly shallower fording depth. These subtleties hardly diminish the off-road capability. The special model is available exclusively as a Station Wagon with a long wheelbase (2850 millimetres).

The standard equipment of the 500 GE V8, the interior of which has been redesigned, is extensive. A black leather interior with contrasting elements is included: the seat and backrest cushions, the seat surrounds and the door panels are trimmed in medium grey. Walnut veneer is used for the wood trim of the centre console, parts of the handbrake lever, the two transmission selector levers and trim elements on the doors. A special amethyst blue metallic paint finish extends to the bumpers, wing flares and mirror housings. Automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, a sliding sunroof, leather steering wheel and heated seats are always on board. The exclusivity and equipment has its price: DM 178,250. Two comparative figures: a G 320 with six-cylinder engine costs 88,500 Deutschmarks at the time, while a 500 SE in the 140-series S-Class, with the M 119 engine, is available for 129,030 Deutschmarks.

One reason for the limited edition of 446 vehicles is the number of M-117 engines available. In other vehicles, the power unit has already been replaced by the four-valve M 119. However, due to its dimensions, this does not fit into the engine compartment of the G-Class.

Further information in the press release to download