Few vehicles carry a legacy as rich as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. At the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, that legacy comes alive through a dedicated exhibition showcasing the G’s journey from military workhorse to modern luxury icon. Visitors get up close with rare prototypes, Dakar rally legends, and even the outrageous G 63 AMG 6×6. It’s more than a walk through automotive history—it’s a celebration of engineering, resilience, and cultural impact. Whether you’re a longtime G-Wagen lover or just curious about what makes this SUV so iconic, the G-Class special exhibition offers something memorable at every turn.
Overview Of The G-Class Legacy
Step into the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, and you’ll be greeted by more than just steel and engines. Here, the G-Class special exhibition isn’t just a display—it’s a tribute to a vehicle that has conquered mountains, deserts, and hearts for over four decades. Whether you’re a fan of off-road capabilities or just love classic cars, this exhibit is an absolute top attraction.
Since its debut in the 460 model series, the G-Class has become a symbol of rugged luxury. It began life as a practical cross-country vehicle and slowly evolved into a style icon. From the modest 240 GD to the ferocious G 63 AMG 6×6, the G-Class has always worn its boxy charm proudly.
Historical Milestones
The journey from Carl Benz’s visionary thinking to the all-conquering G-Wagen is full of stories. On display, you’ll find models that tackled the Paris-Dakar rally with racing legends like Jacky Ickx and Claude Brasseur. There’s even recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records for some of the G-Class’s wildest feats.
You’ll also find nods to the Mercedes-Benz 800 SEL, 190D Fintail, and even rare beauties like the 300SL Roadster, reminding us of the brand’s rich legacy. Whether it’s luxury vehicles, race cars, or light commercial vehicles, the museum reflects the full spectrum of Mercedes-Benz Classic engineering.
Iconic Design Features
One walk past the short wheelbase models, and you feel the personality of the G-Class. That classic, squared-off profile hasn’t changed much, and that’s the point. From the iconic exposed spare tire to the bold designo mauritius blue metallic paint on some models, each one is a rolling work of art.
The front seat privilege of the G-Class is more than just sitting behind the wheel—it’s the command center for a driving experience unlike any other. Whether it’s the V8 engine of the G 500 or the thunderous V12 engine in the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the design reflects raw power fused with understated sophistication.
Exhibition Highlights
So, what can you expect from this special exhibition? For starters, curated exhibition stations that walk you through the evolution of the G-Class, each themed around terrain, technology, and timelessness. There’s a celebration of 40 years of G-Class, a timeline filled with favourite models and dream cars.
The “ON THE MOVE” Exhibition, in particular, explores how mobility and identity have shifted over the years. It features collaborative works with visionary partners like the German Aerospace Center, Robert Bosch GmbH, and design students from Kunstschule Unteres Remstal.
Showcasing The All-New G-Class
In one of the spotlight areas, the all-new G-Class stands gleaming under museum lights. It bridges past and future—still boxy, still tough, but now loaded with tech. Think autonomous vehicles meets classic SUV charm. Visitors can examine cutting-edge innovations such as digital car factories, eco-friendly residential quarters, and advanced automotive engineering that hint at the future of transportation.
The modern Gs come with upgraded off-road properties, smart tech for terrain mapping, and even virtual terrain conquests for visitors to experience firsthand.
Thematic And Visual Displays
This isn’t your average exhibit. It’s layered with sensory experiences. Massive wall projections and multimedia presentations bring legendary G-Class journeys to life. There’s even a showcase dedicated to extreme builds like the G 63 AMG, Mercedes GLB, and Mercedes GLC, tracing the impact of G-Class DNA across the SUV spectrum.
One of the most visually striking parts? The Stuttgart Wall. A symbolic display linking Stuttgart’s history with Mercedes-Benz innovation, it’s a collage of art, maps, archival footage, and memories.
Interactive Experiences
You don’t just walk through this exhibition—you live it. Thanks to interactive displays, guests can take a virtual seat in different G-Class models and simulate terrain challenges. There’s even a Classics & Coffee corner where collectors and enthusiasts meet to chat about everything from diesel fuel engines to rare color codes.
These guided tours are informative and full of charm, offering context for everything from the Benz Patent-Motorwagen to newer projects like smart e-bikes and even delivery services designed with Mercedes tech.
Rugged Capabilities Of The G-Class
Of course, you can’t talk about the G-Class without getting a little muddy. The exhibit showcases the mechanical heart of this SUV legend. Visitors can get up close with cutaway engines, feel the torque specs, and understand how the G-Class climbs where others fear to tread.
The G 500 and G 63 AMG show off raw power, while special sections reveal the secrets of the Magna Steyr-Werk in Austria—where every G-Wagen is hand-built. It’s a love letter to craftsmanship, durability, and mechanical overkill in the best way possible.
Virtual Terrain Conquests
In the immersive terrain simulator, you can pilot a G-Class through digitally recreated jungles, snowy Alps, and desert trails. This isn’t just a game; it’s a masterclass in off-road capabilities. Whether you’re crossing a riverbed or scaling a rocky ridge, it’s designed to give you a taste of the real G-Wagen thrill.
Paired with interactive panels explaining internal combustion engine mechanics and G-Class-specific drivetrain technology, it’s both fun and educational.
Durable Engineering And Design
You don’t make it 40+ years in production without bulletproof engineering. The G-Class is a case study in design consistency. The museum highlights how features like the ladder frame chassis, triple-locking differentials, and modular construction have stood the test of time.
Next to modern hybrids and EVs, the G-Wagen feels almost analog—and yet more relevant than ever. That balance of rawness and reliability is what makes it iconic.
Future Perspectives At The Museum
Looking ahead, the museum offers insights into how the Mercedes-Benz Group is tackling sustainability. Visitors explore the brand’s vision for mobility, sustainability, and inclusivity—including support for vulnerable customers, eco-innovation, and digital retail through Mercedes on Lease or via credit broker systems like ACL Automotive Contracts Limited.
You’ll also spot connections to initiatives with the Science Center Universum Bremen and public exhibitions during Easter holidays and other Stuttgart tourism highlights.
Insights On Automotive Innovation
Through tech demos and interviews, the exhibit introduces you to the brand’s future direction. From the earliest concepts to tomorrow’s autonomous vehicles, Mercedes isn’t slowing down. It explores innovations in AI, driver assist systems, sustainability, and material science.
You even get sneak peeks at green fuels, biodegradable parts, and how diesel fuel technology evolved into more eco-conscious formats.
The “On The Move” Exhibition
Part of the museum-wide initiative, “ON THE MOVE” shows how mobility has evolved alongside culture and identity. This interactive space includes past visions of transport, today’s most pressing challenges, and future goals for eco-mobility.
It includes the evolution of classic cars, luxury vehicles, and even links between the W116 S-Class, W113 Pagoda, and G-Class development.
The “Stuttgart Wall”
Located at the heart of the museum, this installation fuses Stuttgart’s architectural legacy with Mercedes’ vehicle heritage. It brings local pride to life, linking the brand’s history with global reach. Visitors can leave messages, scan QR codes, and trace stories across decades of engineering.
It celebrates not just vehicles but the visionary designers, engineers, and communities that built the G-Class from the ground up.
Contributions From Visionary Designers
Design isn’t just aesthetics—it’s problem solving. And the minds behind the G-Class knew exactly what they were building. Interviews, sketches, and concept boards highlight how early creators envisioned a vehicle that could drive up walls if needed.
Their influence spans across Mercedes history, touching everything from the Mercedes-Benz 220S Fintail to modern digital dashboards.
Design Philosophy
Timelessness. That’s the word. The G-Class isn’t flashy, but it is unforgettable. Its proportions remain mostly unchanged for a reason. The museum delves into how this consistency reflects the G-Class’s core design philosophy—durable, functional, and confidently square.
With thoughtful lighting and curated visuals, you really feel the balance between utility and status.
Impact On The Exhibition
Everything in this exhibition is woven together with one goal: to showcase the G-Class as more than a vehicle. It’s a cultural icon, an engineering marvel, and a storytelling machine. From moving in stereo audio displays to historical documentation, every piece adds depth.
The result? A space where nostalgia meets inspiration, and where guests leave with a deeper respect for both the machine and the minds behind it.
Visitor Experience
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the G-Class story, this exhibition has something for you. With interactive experiences, educational zones, and even sneak previews of Mercedes tech, the visitor experience is immersive and insightful.
Need help? The staff offers excellent customer service, and the museum ensures easy access to its privacy policy, cancellation policy, and information regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
There’s even a Sign Up portal for early access to upcoming events, limited-time exhibits, and Mercedes updates.
Immersive Tour Highlights
The guided tour flows through everything from the Benz Patent-Motorwagen to futuristic prototypes. You learn how each vehicle shaped the world’s automotive journey.
Highlights include:
- A Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6×6 climb replica
- Drive simulation in a G 500
- Interactive map of Stuttgart tourism spots
- Timeline wall of Mercedes-Benz brand evolution
Educational And Entertainment Value
This isn’t just a car exhibit. It’s a walk through automobile history, science, art, and emotion. Whether you’re learning about the internal combustion engine, comparing the G-Class to models like the Mercedes GLB, or just enjoying a family day out during the Easter holidays, there’s something to keep everyone engaged.
The Porsche Museum may be nearby, but if you love storytelling, tech, and raw, off-road magic, the Mercedes-Benz Museum is where you need to be—especially this year.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a story. A story told through battlefields, movie sets, desert rallies, and luxury showrooms. The museum exhibition doesn’t just reflect on its past; it honors its ongoing transformation. As Mercedes moves toward electrification with the EQG and refines tech without compromising character, the G-Class proves it’s not stuck in the past—it’s driving boldly into the future. This display isn’t just nostalgia—it’s inspiration. Whether you’re a gearhead, a design lover, or just a curious traveler, Stuttgart’s tribute to the G is a reminder that true icons evolve but never fade.
FAQs
What Can I See At The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Exhibition?
You’ll see everything from the original 1979 G-Wagen to wild concept cars like the G 63 AMG 6×6 and G500 4×4². The exhibit includes military variants, rally-winning models, and rare design studies that showcase how the G-Class evolved over four decades.
What Makes The G-Class So Legendary?
It’s one of the few vehicles that mixes extreme off-road ability with premium luxury. From its boxy design to its portal axles, the G-Wagen is beloved by adventurers, celebrities, and military forces alike.
Can You Sit Inside The Vehicles At The Mercedes Museum?
Most vehicles, including the G-Class, are on static display. However, interactive screens, VR zones, and detailed interior visuals let you explore them virtually and up-close.
Is The G-Class Still Being Made Today?
Yes! Mercedes continues to produce modern versions of the G-Class, including the G 550 and high-performance AMG models. An all-electric version, the EQG, is also on the horizon.
How Does The G500 4×4² Compare To Other G-Class Models?
The G500 4×4² is the most extreme off-roader in the G family, featuring portal axles, huge ground clearance, and a more aggressive stance than the standard G 550 or AMG G 63.
How Does The G500 4×4² Stack Up Against Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet?
Totally different machines—one is a high-riding off-roader with tank-like ability, the other a sleek, turbocharged convertible made for cruising. The G500 wins in presence and terrain, the CLE53 wins on asphalt and style.
Is The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Better Than The G-Class?
It depends. The GLC 43 is quicker on-road, more efficient, and tech-packed. But for rugged terrain, presence, and timeless appeal, the G-Class—especially the G500 4×4²—remains unmatched.