When the new Mercedes-Benz G-class broke cover at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, loyalists thought that it was an end of an era. The original Mercedes-Benz G-class has been in production since 1979 and is one of the most iconic cars sold, globally. To the satisfaction of G-Wagen aficionados, Mercedes-Benz announced that it will continue the production of the basic version known popularly by the code 461.

However, the automaker will cease production of the luxurious 463 version which was adored by wealthy businessmen and rappers. The German carmaker claimed that both the 461 and the new G-class will be built side-by-side at its manufacturing plant in Graz, Austria. The G-class 461 still enjoys popularity in markets like Germany, the Middle-East and Australia.

Speaking about Mercedes-Benz's announcement, Ian Hadley James, marketing executive for the G-class range, said, “We’ve been fascinated in the last few years. We’ve seen a growth in the 461 sales as well. It’s becoming more unique, there’s no other vehicle like that out there. And yet there’s still very much a need for that sort of vehicle.”

The Mercedes-Benz G-class is also popular among government officials and the armed forces. The 461 will be sold in markets that accept Euro-V emission norms and it will be interesting whether the G-class will be upgraded to the upcoming Euro-VI emission norms. As for us, we are happy that the legendary Geländewagen will continue to fight on.