Ultra-Rare Mercedes G-Class With AMG V8 Power Fetches $143,000 at Auction
Long before AMG became fully integrated into Mercedes-Benz, the two brands were already working together on special high-performance vehicles. One of the most unusual results of that partnership was the 1993 Mercedes G-Class 500 GE V8 AMG, a limited-run model with just 446 units built.
A particularly notable example has now changed hands at an RM Sotheby’s auction for a little over $143,000. Its appeal goes beyond rarity: the SUV was originally commissioned by Saudi Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and specified with unique factory details.
A Landmark G-Class With V8 Muscle
The G-Class first appeared in the late 1970s as a tough off-road machine, but by the 1990s it was starting to take on a more premium and performance-oriented identity. AMG, then still an independent tuner, helped push that evolution forward.
The 500 GE V8 AMG arrived in 1993 as the first G-Class to receive a V8 engine. Its 5.0-liter motor delivered 237 horsepower, a significant upgrade for a vehicle originally intended for demanding terrain. Mercedes had planned to build about 500 examples, but the final total stopped at 446, which makes it one of the most elusive G-Class variants ever produced.
The auctioned truck carries chassis number 1669 and was completed on July 28, 1993. It was first registered in Saudi Arabia in February 1994 and delivered to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud soon after.
Ordered With Distinctive Details
This G-Class became even more special thanks to the original buyer’s custom requests. One of the most visible changes was its Avantgarde Green exterior finish, a bespoke color noted in Mercedes’ records.
It also received wider bodywork and extended fender flares to fit AMG wheels. The cabin combines black and gray leather with walnut trim, while equipment such as automatic climate control, cruise control, heated front seats, and a power sunroof made it well appointed for its era.
In 2025, the SUV received mechanical attention at Obsessive Car Workshop in Jeddah. The restoration work included servicing the brakes and addressing issues such as a front axle oil leak, heater and climate-control faults, plus fuel system and differential repairs.
When cataloged for sale, the odometer showed only 15,072 miles. Between its low mileage, limited production, royal first ownership, and factory customization, this 500 GE V8 AMG offered collectors a rare slice of Mercedes and G-Class history.
