Mercedes-AMG’s V-12–Powered G-wagen Says Goodbye (For Now) with G65 Final Edition

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As it approaches its 40th anniversary, the Mercedes-Benz G-wagen is preparing for its first major overhaul since it was first introduced in 1979. That means the parade of special editions celebrating the end of the original G-class’s long and prosperous life are just beginning, and they’re starting from the top. The absurd, V-12–powered Mercedes-AMG G65 is the basis for the first official sendoff: this ultra-exclusive Final Edition model, of which only 65 units will be produced globally.

Although no G65 is exactly understated, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG G65 Final Edition makes even more of a visual statement with several bronze trim pieces for the mirrors, the bumpers, the spare-tire cover, and the grille surround. The 21-inch, 10-spoke wheels also are finished in matte bronze, while the brake calipers are silver. Carbon-fiber trim is everywhere inside, and the black nappa leather upholstery contrasts nicely with light brown stitching. The thing that makes an AMG G65 so absurd, the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 engine with 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, is of course standard equipment.

If you’d like to be one of the lucky owners of this exclusive G-wagen, be prepared to pay up. Of the 65 units in total, 30 of those will come to the United States for a cool $252,690, or nearly $29,000 more than a standard 2018 G65. Orders aren’t yet open, but the 30 Final Edition G65s that make it to the U.S. will be carefully apportioned to dealers in markets where G-class sales are strong, so get on the horn with your local salesman soon if you’d like to be first in line.

Of course, while Mercedes-AMG is bidding adieu to the current G65 with this special model, we don’t think this means goodbye forever. A completely redesigned G-class is just around the corner, and, given the success of—and profits generated by—the SUV’s AMG variants, Mercedes would be crazy not to revive the G65 model for another generation. Long live the V-12, and long live the Mercedes G-wagen.

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