Last week, a photo of what appeared to be an updated Mercedes-Benz G-Class went viral and caused quite a stir in the car community—but it turned out to just be an elaborate April Fool’s Day joke. Despite being fake, the commotion it generated was undeniable.
The rendering, crafted by digital automotive artist Kelsonik (whose real name is Nikita Chuicko), went viral on various social media channels. Renowned for producing highly realistic images of cars not yet released, frequently inspired by espionage photos and computer-generated imagery, Kelsonik’s most recent work was so authentic that numerous people believed it to be an authorized sneak peek at the upcoming G-Class model.
Switching Circles with Stars? Audiences Respond, "No Thanks"
The redesign of the headlights caused significant disappointment among long-time fans of the G-Wagen. The distinctive circular lamps that had become emblematic of the G-Class were replaced with sharp, triangular LED lights resembling the Mercedes-Benz logo’s three points, featured at both the front and back. While these changes have appeared in more recent vehicles such as the E-Class and CLA, they seemed particularly jarring when applied to the tough, militarily-inspired aesthetic of the classic G-Class, leading many devotees to feel betrayed by the transformation.
The taillights also received the star treatment, intensifying the criticism. Social media responses flooded in: “Toy cars don’t even look this way,” “If true, Mercedes will be done for,” and “There’s no point in buying a G-Wagon now.” It was evident—the tampering with the iconic G-Class design is not something its loyal followers take lightly.
Adding to the mix was the fact that the timing wasn’t ideal. Mercedes had only recently unveiled the latest G-Class (W465) for 2024, featuring an entirely new electric version called the G 580 EQ. Given this fresh release, another significant redesign so soon after would have been quite out of place, which made the hoax even more convincing.
Beyond a Simple Punchline: Is This a Reality Check for Mercedes-Benz’s Design?
This event occurred on April Fool’s Day, yet it underscores the growing discontent among consumers regarding Mercedes-Benz's design approach. Over the past few years, Mercedes-Benz has focused intensively on reinforcing its brand image by prominently featuring three-pointed stars throughout their cars. This strategy has led to accusations of lacking creativity and instead fostering a monotonous aesthetic across their models.
The G-Class stands out as the most iconic and enduring model within the Mercedes range. Its classic rectangular shape, round headlights, and straightforward styling have earned consistent admiration. Nevertheless, altering even the lighting fixtures could dramatically reshape people’s perception of this vehicle, which is a consideration the company cannot overlook.
Several experts propose that numerous individuals were swayed by the false rendering due to Mercedes' recently erratic approach in their design choices. Given indications that customer loyalty may be weakening, this situation could serve as a reminder for the company to reassess just how much they want to experiment—particularly when it comes to a model as iconic as the G-Class.
If the day arrives when the G-Wagen ends up with triangular star-shaped lights, the internet may not be forgiving about it.