Auto Flex: The G-Class continues to impress in the urban market

By Kimatni Rawlins

Its performance is legendary, its on- and off-road capabilities are mesmerizing, and fans from all walks of life adore its reputation. It is the world-famous Mercedes-Benz (MB) G-Class, an urban legend defined by Geländewagen, which translates to all-terrain vehicle. But to the global masses, the SUV is better known as the G-Wag or G-Wagon.

Since 1979, the G-Class has embodied nostalgia for the influential urban market. It can be seen and heard in hip-hop videos and is prominent on the streets of every major metropolis, from Los Angeles to Atlanta, Dallas, New York or Miami. LA even became the epicenter for the launch of the electric G-Class for the Hollywood elite. The beautiful evening, held in the enchanting Franklin Canyon Park, featured a performance by Travis Scott, who performed on a custom, elaborate dock atop the park’s 8-acre lake.

His set featured a pristine South Sea Blue Magno G 580 with EQ technology, an exciting lighting exhibition and sound presentation that mesmerized hundreds of guests. MB invited close friends of the brand from the film, music, sports and fashion industries, including Trevor Noah, Tracee Ellis Ross, Damson Idris, Saweetie, Ciara and Kendall Jenner, who lent her 2014 G 500 Cabriolet for the event. MB created a wonderland for G-Class activities with classic vehicles, a larger lounge with water views, celebrity DJs Chase B and Zack Bia, curated kitchens, a massive speaker system and libations.

The G-Wagen’s trendy status in the community is highly respected. It is seen as a lifestyle vehicle for anyone who is ready to flex. Yet few are aware of its actual capabilities. To understand the DNA and superpowers of the muscular yet luxurious G-Class, you must visit Graz, Austria, where the utility is precision-built by hand. Most importantly, Graz is home to the G-Class Experience Center, where proud owners and brand enthusiasts can spend a day playing with various G-Class models, from the fully electric G 580 with EQ technology to the cool G 63 AMG.

EQ represents Mercedes-Benz’s advanced electric vehicle platform. At the same time, Mercedes-AMG has “One man, one engineThe construction philosophy gives a new meaning to life as the powerful and pompous performance SUV blesses you with unabated bliss after every drive.

Last year alone, around 3,000 customers visited the G-Class adventure playground. The course consists of several stages and challenges, such as attacking rocks and traveling through the forest, a snack for the G-Class in its natural habitat. The one-day training covers 100,000 square meters and consists of:

• A welcome presentation and technical demo

• Three active on- and off-road stations

• Tour of the Magna factory where the G-Class is built

• Lunch and coffee breaks

• Off-road hot laps

Participants will be introduced to the 45-year history of the G-Class and the classic icons of a G-Class that have remained the same since day one, such as the original square body, traditional door handles and turn signals on the fenders, round headlights, the tailgate-mounted spare wheel and the authentic sound of slamming doors.

Marquis Thomas, a Mercedes-Benz fanatic, shared how the G-Wagen compares to other performance or luxury SUVs like the Range Rover HSE:

“It honestly doesn’t compare,” Thomas said. “The G-Class is literally in a class of its own.”

Thomas continued: “Whether it’s a Land Rover, Escalade or HUMMER, I’ve owned and driven some of the most prestigious SUVs money can buy. They all have their strengths, but the G-Class stands out. The legendary SUV is more than just an SUV; it’s an icon that combines uncompromising off-road performance, everyday practicality and unparalleled character. That combination is why the G continues to represent the cornerstone of my fleet, and why I always have one in the collection will hold.”

Accordingly, his reverence for the G-Class brand is echoed by millions of people around the world. For more information and bookings please visit G-Class Experience Center. It’s where urban legends live.

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