Arcade Cars, a new London-based company dedicated to reviving and redefining classic automobiles, today publicly debuted its first model at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week. The Sojourn reinterprets the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class with a fusion of cutting-edge technology and luxury features.
The restored, updated, custom luxury 4×4 is based on the GE 230 model produced from 1979 to 2001. Emerging from the collaborative efforts of Mercedes-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch, Arcade believes the GE 230 epitomized robustness, durability, and versatility.
Founded in 2023 by CEO Rishav Kanoria and COO Felix Timmer, and supported by Technical Advisor Alexander D. Fritz, Arcade selects its donor vehicles exclusively from a pool of former Swiss Army stock. It breathes new life into the vehicles with restoration partners in Austria, the vehicle’s birthplace, and in Mercedes-Benz’s home city, Stuttgart, Germany, specializing in mechanical and cosmetic processes.
Offered in six- or eight-seat configurations with a choice of gasoline or electric powertrains, the two-door soft-top Sojourn is customizable to each owner’s specifications.
At Pebble Beach, the Sojourn is appearing on the stand of recently announced development partner, electrification experts Everrati, who have developed an advanced electric powertrain for the 4×4. The electric Sojourn features an “OEM-grade” Everrati electric drivetrain combining an electric motor offering 112 kW and 300 N·m (221 lb·ft) with a 55-kW·h battery for a 150-mi (240-km) range.
“Arcade Cars was born out of a realization that there exists a deep longing for the elegance, charm, and unique character of products of a different era—and the response we’ve received certainly underscores that,” said Kanoria. “The electric version of the Sojourn, co-developed with Everrati, blends the charm of a classic with all the benefits of e-mobility, offering our customers the ability to preserve the original driving experience while embracing a more contemporary, fully electric transformation.”
Gasoline options are two powerplants derived from the original GE 230 engine: a 2.3-L four-cylinder unit with 128 PS (94 kW) and 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) or an upgraded 2.8-L engine with 151 PS (111 kW) and 237 N·m (175 lb·ft). For customers in the U.S. and the Middle East, Arcade can install more powerful engines using a range of new units that are compatible with the vehicle.
Each Sojourn can be fitted with a range of interior trim, luxury features, exterior paint finishes, and accessories. Customers can choose from the brand’s signature colors of While Racing Green, Pacific Blue, Shadow Grey, and Matte Black—or any other color they desire.
For interior configurations, customers can select from the original G-Class eight-seat “long-bench” traditional configuration for large family and adventure group outings or a more contemporary theme with two buckets and two jump seats in the rear to accommodate up to six occupants. Options range from the soft, highest-quality leathers similar to OEM luxury and supercars for more durable finishes. Arcade’s artisans hand-cut and stitch leather and fabrics with unique patterns, deploying modern fabric weaving technology and techniques.
The user experience can be upgraded with an array of connected infotainment technologies including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-enabled touch-control-based systems, with Bluetooth systems camouflaged within the vehicle’s dashboard.
An array of accessories significantly extends the Sojourn’s operating capabilities. Xenon or more powerful LED headlamps can be supplemented with roof- or grille-mounted rally-style spotlights to illuminate forest trails and mountain tracks. A front bush guard and light-protecting grilles enable dense jungle travel. An array of wheels and tires are available, from sophisticated alloys to more rugged steel off-roaders.
Sojourn is priced from $130,000, with limited pre-order slots available during Monterey Car Week and first customer deliveries expected in late 2024.