With almost 40 years of history now in the books, it’s time for the Merc G-Wagen to get a substantial update. But before that happens (the new-gen is expected to show at the Detroit Motor Show next year), the German automaker is releasing a new, glossier, limited production run dubbed the G 65 Final Edition. Bearing the same AMG-branded bones as the standard G 65, the Final Edition adds a host of aesthetic enhancements to help it stand out from the crowd. Outside, you’ll find large wheels, specialized trim pieces, and black and bronze coloring, while the interior comes decked out in nappa leather, carbon fiber, and unique badging, all set in the traditional top-shelf G-Wagen luxury.

Merc says over a third of its G-Class vehicle sales are the AMG variants, so it makes total sense to release this spruced-up special edition before we wave goodbye. With only 65 units slated for production, Mercedes is banking on exclusivity to move this thing, because they certainly won’t come cheap. Pricing starts at a whopping 310,233 Euros, which is around $368,000 at current exchange rates (10/19/2017). And in case you’re keeping track, that’s about $150,000 more than the standard AMG G 65. Seriously. So what the hell makes it worth all that extra outlay? Read on for the details.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG G 65 Final Edition.

What Makes The Mercedes-AMG G 65 Final Edition Special?

What’s It Got Under The Hood?

Note: standard Mercedes-AMG G 65 pictured here.

Take a peek behind that three-pointed star on the grille, and you’ll find the same AMG-tuned 6.0-liter V-12 engine that you’d get in the standard model. Once again, the V-12 gets a double-dose of turbocharging to produce 630 horsepower, plus 1,000 Nm (738 pound-feet) of torque between 2,300 and 4,300 rpm. Lighting the fire is a multi-spark ignition system, with 12 individual twin-sparking ignition units. Adding some underhood glitz is a carbon fiber and aluminum engine cover.

That’s a lot of go, and although the AMG G 65 weighs in at a ground-pounding 3 tons (6,050 pounds), it’s got the right stuff to hit 62 mph in 5.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at 230 km/h (143 mph).

Routing the muscle is an AMG-tuned seven-speed automatic transmission, which feeds a standard AWD system. The Final Edition also gets the same off-roading chops as the standard models, rocking high-travel suspension that enables slope climbing up to 80 percent, the ability to wade through water 60 cm (24 inches) deep, stability while driving at 28 degrees, a 27-degree angle of approach and departure, and a 22-degree breakover angle.

Sounds Pretty Standard, So Why Is It So Expensive?

For starters, it comes equipped with new 21-inch wheels, complete with a five twin-spoke design, alloy construction, and bronzed color finish. Under the plus-sized rollers, you’ll find calipers finished in silver, while AMG Sport trim strips were added to the flanks. Additional matte bronze detailing was added to the skid plates, bumper trim, and side view mirrors housings. The radiator grille gets a black mesh insert and matte bronze surround, while high-gloss black was added to the protective strips. In the rear, the spare wheel cover is covered in glossy obsidian black paint, while matte black was added to the running boards and exhaust tips.

What About The Interior?

The Final Edition adds stuff inside as well, tossing in the design Exclusive Package and adding nappa leather to the seats, plus carbon fiber to the seat side bolsters. Light brown stitching is prevalent everywhere. Additional carbon fiber was added for the trim, while further bronze stitching adds a little more color. The grab handles get the Edition lettering milled right into them, while the floor mats get light brown leather edging. There’s also a flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel, which comes covered in black nappa leather, as well as the Seat Comfort package with “climatised” seats.

Conclusion

Granted, only European pricing has been announced at this point, but even then, the price tag on this thing is rather ridiculous. When you break it down, you’re basically paying an extra six-figures for some wheels, black and bronze trim, and the bragging rights to say you own one of 65 limited edition G-Wagens. But to be frank, that’s more than enough for Merc’s customers in this segment. Expect it to sell out fast.

References

Mercedes G-Class

Read our full review on the 2016 Mercedes-AMG G 65.

Read our full speculative review for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Read our full speculative review for the 2018 Mercedes-AMG G63.