(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Before AMG was officially integrated into the Mercedes Group as a sports division, the two companies already collaborated on the development of particularly exclusive and powerful models. These vehicles include the Mercedes 500 GE V8, a special version that was launched in 1993 and produced in a small series of only 446 units.
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Until then, the 300 GE with a 170 hp M 103 six-cylinder engine marked the upper end of the performance spectrum for the Mercedes G, which had by then earned an excellent reputation as a reliable companion in rough terrain during its 14-year production period.
The initiative for the new top model came from Mercedes’ off-road vehicle product division, whereupon the first prototypes were built directly at AMG in Affalterbach. The 500 GE finally celebrated its official premiere in March 1993 at the Geneva Motor Show.
Special G for Saudi Arabia
A very special example of this already rare series was recently auctioned by RM Sotheby’s for around 126,000 Euros. The vehicle has an extraordinary history, as it was ordered as a new car by Saudi Arabian Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and customized directly from the factory according to his specific wishes. The auctioned model bears chassis number 1669, was completed on July 28, 1993, and first registered in Saudi Arabia in February 1994.
Photo gallery: Mercedes 500 GE V8 AMG
Under the hood of the 500 GE V8 was a proven eight-cylinder engine from the brand’s passenger car program. The M 117 type with two-valve technology developed an output of 241 hp and a torque of 375 Newton meters from just under five liters of displacement. This allowed the off-road vehicle, available exclusively as a long-wheelbase station wagon, to accelerate from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in 10.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 kilometers per hour.
The chassis was tuned for emphasized comfort. While the permanent all-wheel drive remained unchanged, the V8 model dispensed with the front differential lock and accepted a slightly reduced wading depth, which, however, hardly limited its off-road capability in practice.
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The interior of the special series was completely redesigned and extremely luxurious. In addition to black leather upholstery with contrasting elements in medium gray, noble walnut veneers were used on the center console, gear selector levers, doors, and parts of the handbrake lever.
Extensive standard equipment included an automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, an electric sliding/tilting sunroof, and heated seats from the factory.
Special color and wider track
While the regular production model was delivered in a special amethyst blue metallic paint finish, with the bumpers and fender flares also shining in body color, the Saudi Arabian prince’s vehicle stood out even more. He ordered an exclusive configuration in the special color Avantgarde Green.
In addition, his car left the factory with a wider track and flared fenders to accommodate larger AMG light-alloy wheels. In 2025, this princely car underwent extensive mechanical overhaul in a specialized workshop in Jeddah, including the renewal of brake fluid, axle seals, fuel pump, and differential, among other things. At the time of the auction, the odometer showed only 24,254 kilometers.
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