Mercedes-Benz: G-Class as a racing car 🎥

Mercedes-Benz: G-Class as a racing car.

In the design project led by Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener and Virgil Abloh, the G-Class served as the basis for exploring new ways to break down notions of luxury.

The result is a never-before-seen variant of the G-Class. The study is being auctioned off as part of "Sotheby's Contemporary Curated".

Maximizing the Mercedes-AMG feel
As G-Class owners, Gordon Wagener and Virgil Abloh have first-hand experience. They have incorporated their knowledge of how to maximize the Mercedes-AMG feel into the design process.

Painting partially sanded by hand
The exterior is deliberately kept simple to emphasize the silhouette of the G-Class and underscore its character. The paintwork was partially sanded by hand.

Welded seams are used as central design motifs. Turn signal lamps, exterior mirrors and bumper have been removed; the body of the vehicle has been widened and lowered to create a sportier effect.

Security framework a key issue
The interior was stripped back, and the safety frame became a central theme. The dashboard was removed and replaced by a plain version with an analog speedometer and a fuel gauge reminiscent of classic cars.

This contrasts with the steering wheel and seats, which are more reminiscent of a Formula 1 car. Safety features and key elements from racing, such as safety frames and five-point seatbelts, are highlighted in baby blue and bright red tones. You can see more details in the gallery and in the Video.

Different philosophies of design

Gorden Wagener: "We have created a work of art that represents future interpretations of luxury and the desire for beauty and the extraordinary. The result is situated between reality and the future. Project Geländewagen combines different design philosophies, from which a new interpretation of the G-Class has emerged." And it really is something to behold.

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