Today, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers buyers a potent combination of ruggedness, luxury, and ample power. The evolution from a utilitarian off-roader to the modern, premium machine really kicked off 30 years ago with the introduction of the limited-run 500 GE V8 as the first variant packing eight cylinders. Mercedes has decided to highlight the rare SUV.
The 500 GE V8 debuted at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show as the range-topper in the lineup. It packed the M 117 5.0-liter V8 making 237 horsepower (177 kilowatts) and 277 pound-feet (375 Newton-meters) of torque. The SUV was able to accelerate to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph (180 kph).
