The recently updated Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers as broad a spectrum of powertrains as the legendary 4×4 has ever had – there’s a diesel for the traditionalists, a fire-breathing V8 AMG version for the extroverts, and a silky, silent EV for the future-facing buyer.
The thing is, while still a very capable off-roader, the G is now more of a leather-laden luxobarge than ever – what if you want that breadth of choice in something that still has the pared-back charm of the early, utilitarian Geländewagen?
Arcade Sojourn – side
Once again, the restomod industry has you covered. This is the Sojourn, the first product from UK-based company Arcade, which is setting out to give the original G a sympathetic update.
Arcade – which also has facilities in Merc’s home city of Stuttgart and in Austria, where the G-Class has always been built – is sourcing all its base cars from ex-Swiss Army stock. The car starts life as a GE230, a version of the long-running original G-Class powered by a robust 2.3-litre petrol four-cylinder. That’s the standard engine choice here, offering up 126bhp and 140lb ft of torque, likely resulting in progress that could charitably be called ‘relaxed’.
Arcade Sojourn – interior
Those after a bit more grunt can opt for a bigger 2.8-litre engine, which takes power up to 149bhp and torque to 175lb ft. Finally, there’s the option of a fully electric drivetrain, supplied by British firm Everrati, which has EV-swapped everything from classic Range Rovers to Ford GT40 replicas.
Naturally, because it’s a restomod, well-heeled customers can have the exterior painted in pretty much any colour they like, and the same goes for the interior trim. The leather upholstery is cut and stitched by hand, and Arcade says it can fit a huge variety of seat and steering wheel designs.
Arcade Sojourn – rear
Elsewhere in the interior, there’s the choice between this eight-seater setup with side-mounted benches in the back, or a more conventional four-seat layout. Arcade can also fit a central infotainment screen with CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and a retro-inspired Bluetooth head unit.
Presumably, all this comes at some ludicrous six-figure sum? Well, sort of. The Sojourn starts at $130,000 (approx. £101,000) – a lot for a very utilitarian 4×4, but quite a lot less than the starting point for a brand new G-Class. Available exclusively as a two-door soft-top, it’s making its public debut at the Pebble Beach Concours in August, where we imagine Arcade will pick up a fair few buyers.
