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As Mercedes steps up its electric-only strategy, this petrol G-Class is the final swan-song for the luxury off-roader.

Mercedes-Benz have announced a new version of their premium off-road vehicle, the G-Class. The news broke this week via their members only website - ‘The G-Class Private Lounge’. The new Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4 Squared will be a limited edition. Mercedes are hinting that this version is likely to be the 'End of the line' for the petrol-powered model. Ending an era that has lasted over forty years, for the military-inspired SUV. And replacing it with an all-new, fully-electric EQG model in 2024.

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This new Mercedes-AMG G 63 4x4 Squared is based on the latest generation model. However, it will get the same engine as its predecessor, a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 unit from AMG. But instead of 416 hp, it gets a whopping 585. Mercedes has not released any performance figures for the new G63 as yet, but with 627 pounds of torque, we have high expectations.

The SUV's looks have improved too. The new 4x4 Squared treatment to the G63 has wider fenders, 22-inch wheels with heavy-duty off-road tires, a roof-mounted spoiler with driving lights, and 40 different paint colors to choose from. Carbon fiber is highly visible, covering the protective door strips, spare wheel-carrier cover, the wheel arches, and the roof-mounted spoiler. Inside, there's fiber on the doors, the center console and around the dashboard

Mercedes have introduced more luxury, with a digital rear-view mirror, ambient lighting on the air vents, a revised digital cockpit, and Nappa leather with diamond-stitching on the seats. The interior is as you would expect, highly customizable. You can get lots of different combinations, and embellish it with some really high-end finishes.

They’ve improved the G’s off-road abilities too. This one gets permanent all-wheel drive, portal axles, and independent suspension. It now sits 13.8 inches off the floor, and when it comes to wading in water, it can negotiate depths of up to 35.8 inches. Which makes it one of the most capable 4x4s in Mercedes’ SUV lineup.

The carmaker has not yet released any pricing information for the new Mercedes-AMG G 63 4x4 Squared. But due to its limited numbers, and its 'End of Line' appeal, collectors and 'G' enthusiasts will likely have to pay around $250,000 for one, when it rolls off the production line next year.

Back in the early 70s, the Shah of Iran was a shareholder in Mercedes. He prompted them to build a serious off-road vehicle, and to target it at the global military market. Daimler-Benz agreed, and did the design and engineering work, on what they affectionately called the ‘G-Wagon’. They partnered with an Austrian company called Steyr-Daimler-Puch, which took care of production and testing.

In 1973, the first prototype was rigorously tested in the extreme conditions of the Sahara Desert. They also put the new 4x4 through its paces in the harsh German coalfields, and used the Arctic circle as a proving ground.

The first production models were hand-assembled in Graz, Austria, in 1975. Five years later, the Vatican bought one with a special thermoplastic top, for none other than the pope himself. Yes, the pope owned a G-wagon.

And in 1981, the model 461 went into active military service for the first time. The Argentine army used them during the Falklands conflict. In its distinguished military career, the G-class has seen service with 63 armies. And NATO still has an order-book for it, that runs into 2025.

It wasn't long before Mercedes started to see interest from the wider, adventure-seeking, public. Serious off-roaders like the 'G' were becoming fashionable. The stripped down army truck suddenly starting getting lots of new refinery, like; air-conditioning, an auxiliary fuel tank, comfortable seats, a decent audio system, and by the mid-80s, central-locking doors.

In 1983, a G-Class took first prize at the Paris-Dakar rally. This boosted production numbers. And by 1986, Mercedes had rolled-out 50,000 of the boxy SUVs. After a bunch of facelifts, the introduction of an all-wheel drive system and ABS, the G-Class was making serious moves into mainstream motoring.

In the mid-90s, Mercedes caught sight of Land Rover's success with their flagship SUV, the Range Rover, and the growing new audience of ultra-luxury SUV buyers. So, in response, the ‘G’ got even more refinery. Cruise-control, disk-brakes, air-bags, top-notch leather seats, and some cool paint jobs.

In 2004, Mercedes were struggling to complete with the British marque. So, they handed the G-Class over to their in-house tuning organization, AMG. And that’s when things got really interesting. AMG installed 5.4, 5.5 and 6.1 liter V8s, with twin-turbos and superchargers. And worked their magic, adding lots of chrome, body-colored bumpers, big alloy wheels and some high-tech control systems. That’s when the competition, and the rest of the motoring world, sat up and took notice.

Today, the Mercedes G-Class is still in production, and its one of the company’s longest running models. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kim Kardashian are big fans of this car.

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Here’s a statement from Dr Emmerich Schiller, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Head of the Off-Road Vehicle Product Division at Mercedes-Benz AG: "We are proud of the more than 400,000 'G's we have produced to date. In its more than 40-year model history, the G-Class has always used the most modern and suitable drive technology at the time – from the pre-chamber naturally aspirated diesel of the early days to the AMG 4.0-litre V8 in the current top model, the G63. Against the background of our 'Electric only' strategy, the electrification of this off-road legend is simply the logical next step – and an absolutely fascinating project. Our icon is and remains 'stronger than time' in every respect.”

Mercedes describes the new 4x4 Squared model as being the 'Last of its kind'. And there are rumors that they may have an interim plug-in hybrid model with 800 horsepower on the way, before the fully electric EQG hits the streets in 2024.

Rob Charles is a Freelance Writer with a passion for Cars.