Mercedes & Moncler unveil a NIGO-designed, limited-edition G-Class

When automotive meets excessive style, it could actually yield charming outcomes — and the most recent creation from Mercedes-Benz and Moncler is a placing instance. The newest collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Moncler, overseen by Japanese streetwear icon Tomoaki Nagao (generally known as NIGO), takes this fusion to a brand new stage. Designed as a tribute to the long-lasting G-Class, this 1-of-20 limited-edition SUV collection attracts inspiration from a bespoke ‘90s 250 GD cabriolet, designed by NIGO himself.

In latest years, collaborations like Virgil Abloh’s Project MAYBACH and Ronnie Fieg’s KITH Edition BMW M4 have set the stage for luxurious crossovers between style and automotive. Now, with Mercedes, NIGO, the founding father of HUMAN MADE and Bathing Ape, has introduced his distinctive type to the G-Class. Through his work, the G-Class Past II Future melds Moncler’s high-end contact with Mercedes’ rugged magnificence, making a luxurious SUV that doubles as an artwork piece.

It all began with NIGO’s customized tackle a W461-generation 250 GD cabriolet. For this distinctive one-off, NIGO chosen a Nineties-era G-Class, utterly rebuilding it with distinctive touches that replicate his signature aesthetic. Cloaked in a gray end with black trim and an olive inexperienced hood, grille, and entrance quarter panels, this cabriolet exudes a traditional really feel with rugged aptitude. Further detailing features a distinctive rear-mounted jerry can and a bespoke spare tire cowl that mixes Moncler’s brand with Mercedes’ three-pointed star.

One of the collaboration’s most notable design components is the cabriolet’s rear cowl, created within the type of Moncler’s puffer jackets. The minimalist body serves as a placing visible contact and in addition hosts a set of retro speaker packing containers lined in the identical checkered sample used within the cabin. With this stage of element, the one-off cabriolet is a real homage to each the period and Moncler’s distinctive craftsmanship.

Inside, the G-Class cabriolet options black leather-based seats with checkered inserts, orange seatbelts, and embroidered headrests showcasing Mercedes and Moncler logos. The rear is lined in black wooden, with inward-facing seats to match the entrance’s checkered upholstery. This cohesive inside completes the distinctive aesthetic whereas including consolation and elegance. Each automobile showcases a gray paint job with an olive inexperienced entrance finish and black trim, echoing the cabriolet’s design. Other signature touches embrace a Moncler and Mercedes-branded spare tire cowl and “Past II Future” lettering throughout the bumper.

Unlike most limited-edition G-Class fashions that concentrate on efficiency, Mercedes opted for practicality by providing the Past II Future G-Class in each the G 550 and G 450D variants. The G 550 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid engine, delivering 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, whereas the G 450D includes a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, with 362 horsepower and a powerful 553 lb-ft of torque. These choices be certain that patrons can select between a gasoline or diesel mannequin primarily based on their private choice.

In addition to the SUV line-up, Mercedes, Moncler, and NIGO launched a complementary capsule assortment of attire. Inspired by ‘90s streetwear, this gender-neutral assortment contains parkas, down jackets, Bermuda shorts, and checkered shirts in a palette of black, white, blue, and inexperienced, with daring orange accents. Select items are additionally printed with archival photos from Mercedes and Moncler, mixing previous and current in the identical approach the SUVs do.

Reflecting on the mission, NIGO shared his inventive imaginative and prescient: “For me, the ‘90s have been among the many most influential a long time from a cultural and artistic standpoint. Electronic music and the hip-hop scene arose as a brand new expression of city character. I needed to combine that vibe and power into the design of the Project G-Class Past II Future by decoding that legacy for a brand new up to date period.”

With solely 20 models produced, every G-Class Past II Future is a collector’s merchandise, destined to be cherished by automotive and style aficionados alike. NIGO’s inventive imaginative and prescient shines by way of in each element, from the olive and gray color scheme to the checkered inside and Moncler puffer-inspired cowl.