Mercedes-Benz has just achieved a production milestone for one of its most popular vehicles. After first rolling off the factory in 1979 in Graz, Austria, the automaker has officially built the 600,000th G-Class.

Serving as the production milestone vehicle is a G 580 with EQ Technology finished in Obsidian Black Metallic. It serves as the all-electric version of the G-Class, and is now available in the Philippines after Inchcape quietly launched it in the country.

Alongside the E-Class and S-Class, the G-Class is one of the longest-running passenger car models still being produced by Mercedes-Benz. The very first G-Class (AKA G Wagen) combined superior off-road capability with on-road driving comfort, combined with high safety standards. During its launch way back in 1979, customers could choose from four engine variants, covering a power range from 72 PS to 150 PS. In addition, both convertibles with a short wheelbase and station wagons with a short or long wheelbase were available.

In the past four decades, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has evolved from a commercial vehicle into a high-end luxury lifestyle SUV. Despite the transformation, it has retained its unmistakable character and typical appearance to this day. With AWD capability, differential locks, and a robust ladder-frame chassis, it has withstood the elements and the test of time. Moreover, iconic design elements such as the round headlights, the exposed spare wheel on the side-hinged rear door, and the clear silhouette ensure that the off-road icon is still recognizable today as a direct heir to the first G-Model.

Just two years ago, the 500,000^th Mercedes-Benz G-Class rolled off the factory floor, and the automaker released a special edition model to commemorate the feat. The throwback-inspired G-Class celebrated the vehicle's 44^th anniversary and borrows styling elements from a 1986 280 GE and features a retro-inspired exterior.

With Mercedes-Benz achieving the 600,000^th production milestone just two years after releasing the 500,000^th G-Class, we won't be surprised if the brand will be able to release the 1-millionth G Wagen in the next few years.