Over its 40-year run, the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen evolved from a rugged, military-specification, four-wheel-drive vehicle to a tony high-performance beast. Reportedly developed in response to a request by the Shah of Iran for use in his armed forces, the G-Wagen was later reworked for civilian configuration. With the introduction of the code 463 series in 1989, the off-roader received its most comprehensive refresh, which catered directly to the burgeoning luxury SUV market. As such, it featured various refinements to increase comfort and usability. Top-of-the-range models like the V-8-powered G 500 featured an extensive list of standard equipment, such as air conditioning, power seats, leather upholstery, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Mercedes-Benz kept the boxy off-roader from the U.S. market but allowed an independent importer in New Mexico to market the vehicle until 2002. At that time, Mercedes-Benz took over distribution and it was officially integrated into the lineup as the G-Class. Receiving various updates in the intervening years and beyond, the G-Wagen would grow evermore luxurious and powerful, gaining exclusive AMG variants and evolving into a status symbol for the rich and famous, replete with supercharged V-8 and V-12 power.

This 2002 Mercedes-Benz G 500 is an early example from the model's first year of US-market availability. Finished in black over black leather, this G-Wagen was preserved for 20 years within a classic car museum and today displays a scant 1,217 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing. As such, it presents in showroom condition making for a highly collectible example of the legendary off-roader.

Lavishly equipped, the car features a nine-speaker stereo system, power seats with memory function, navigation system, and a 292-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine. It was subsequently acquired and added to a prominent private collection in 2022. In preparation for the sale, the owner has had the vehicle inspected to resolve any apparent issues and improve functionality. The car received an interior and exterior detailing in addition to a mechanical inspection, including a fluid service. An invoice on file details this work.

This example could very well be among the lowest-mileage and best-preserved 2002 Mercedes-Benz G 500s to come to market of late. Rare is the opportunity to purchase such a well-preserved example from its first year of US-market availability.