- Mercedes-Benz built only 446 examples of the 500 GE V8 G-Class in 1993.
- It was custom-ordered by Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
- It features a distinctive green color, ultra-low miles and was recently sold at auction for approximately $143,000
Before AMG officially became Mercedes-Benz’s in-house performance division, the two companies were already collaborating on more exclusive, high-performance models. One of them was the Mercedes G-Class 500 GE V8 AMG, a special edition of the G-Class introduced in 1993. Only 446 units were built.
One such example recently sold for more than $143,000 at an RM Sotheby’s auction, and it comes with a particularly interesting background: It was ordered new by Saudi Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who customized it at the factory with a series of specific requests.
First G-Class with AMG V8
Photo by: RM Sotheby’s
The G-Class launched in the late 1970s and began to evolve from a rugged, specialist vehicle into a high-performance luxury model in the 1990s. AMG played a key role in that transformation. At the time, the Affalterbach-based company was still independent and specialized in tuning Mercedes models.
This resulted in the introduction of the 500 GE V8 AMG in 1993, the first G-Class equipped with a V8 engine. The 5.0-liter engine produced 237 horsepower, a substantial figure for a vehicle originally designed to tackle difficult terrain. Initial production was expected to be around 500 units, but Mercedes and AMG ultimately completed only 446 units, making it one of the rarest versions in the history of the G-Class today.
The example offered at auction has chassis number 1669 and was completed on 28 July 1993. It was first registered in Saudi Arabia in February 1994, where it was handed over to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Built for a special customer
The story of this AMG G-Class goes beyond the rarity of the model. Its first owner requested a custom specification, starting with painting the body a special Avantgarde Green paint, a color listed as a specific request in Mercedes’ official documentation.
Technical and styling details were also revised compared to standard examples. The SUV left the factory with a wider track and enlarged fender flares necessary to accommodate the larger AMG alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin combines black and brown leather with walnut wood trim and includes advanced features like automatic climate control, cruise control, heated front seats, and a power sunroof.
In 2025, a mechanical restoration of the G-Class was carried out at Obsessive Car Workshop, a specialist shop based in Jeddah. The work involved several items including brake fluid, oil leaks on the front axle, heating system, automatic climate control, fuel pump, fuel filter and differential.
At the time it was listed, the vehicle showed only 15,072 miles. The combination of limited production, an illustrious first owner, custom specification and low mileage made this Mercedes G-Class 500 GE V8 AMG a particularly attractive example for enthusiasts and collectors of the brand.
motor1 tech: A modern G-Class is a neat truck, but older versions stay true to the adventurous and capable spirit embodied in the badge. This specific GE 500 V8 would be an amazing vehicle on its own, but when you add the ownership chain and factory-specific modifications, you have a huge piece of G-Class history on your hands.
The sale price of $143,000 is no surprise here. This G-Class is stunning.
