Retrospective: The G-Class looks fresh despite being 30 years old

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class of today offers its buyers a superb combo of reliability, luxury and performance. The utility vehicle began its evolution three decades ago with the launch of the 500 GE V8 (see video), the first eight-cylinder version on record. Today, Mercedes offers us a look back at that memorable G-Wagon with a whole gallery of nostalgia-inducing pics.

The 500 GE V8 debuted at the 1993 Geneva International Motor show as a four-wheel-drive flagship of the G family. It commanded a five-liter M 117 block rated at 241 PS (238 hp / 177 kW) and 375 Nm (277 lb-ft) of torque. Sprinting from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) succeeded in 11.4 seconds, and the top speed never exceeded 180 km/h (112 mph).

The body was finished in a deep shade of blue, while the cabin combined black and grey leather with hazelnut wood inserts.

Back in 1993, pricing for the 500 GE V8 started from 178,250 DM. Only 446 units was made.