Arcade Cars is a new British-based global automotive design & technology company dedicated to reviving and redefining classic automobiles. The company has revealed its first model, called the Sojourn, which reinterprets the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class for the modern era with a fusion of cutting-edge technology and luxury features.
Setting a new standard for remastering the legacy G Class, one of the world’s most renowned off-roaders, the Arcade Sojourn is a completely restored, updated, bespoke luxury 4×4 based on the GE 230 model.
Offered in six- or eight-seat configurations with a choice of petrol or electric powertrains, the two-door soft-top Arcade Sojourn is entirely customisable to each owner’s specifications. From state-of-the-art infotainment to advanced vehicle control and safety features, the Sojourn bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, delivering a driving experience that is not only timeless but also effortlessly contemporary.
Headquartered in London, with operations in the vehicle’s birthplace, Austria, and facilities in Mercedes-Benz’s home city, Stuttgart, Germany, Arcade Cars (Arcade) has forged expert relationships with industry leaders to offer customers impeccable quality at every single touchpoint.
Founded by Rishav Kanoria, who serves as the company’s CEO, alongside COO Felix Timmer and Technical Advisor Alexander D. Fritz, Arcade selected the Mercedes-Benz GE 230 for its iconic status. Produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1979 to 2001, the vehicle is famed for its ability to master any conditions. With its defiantly straight lines and unmistakable silhouette, the GE 230 retains a rugged, enduring appeal that burns even brighter in an era of ever-softer and curvaceous auto design.
Emerging from the collaborative efforts of Mercedes-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch, the GE 230 epitomised robustness, durability, and versatility. Serving in military, civilian, and expeditionary roles, it became synonymous with adventure, dependability, and luxury.
As the G-Class evolved over the years, incorporating modern technologies and features while preserving its seminal design and off-road prowess, the legacy of the GE 230 endured, leaving an indelible mark on the automotive landscape as an enduring symbol of capability and endurance.
Rishav commented, “Arcade Cars was born out of a realisation that there exists a deep longing for the elegance, charm and unique character of products of a different era. By scouring the market for the best vendors to source legacy vehicles and vetting expert restorers in Germany and Austria, both countries with deep ties to Mercedes Benz and specifically the G Class, we allow our customers to own one of these legendary vehicles without the challenges associated with owning classic cars.
We take the onus to thoroughly inspect, plan, supervise, and check the mechanical restoration and upgrade everything else the owners will touch – from door handles and turn indicators to leather stitching and floor mats. We also blend technology in simple ways so that the driver and passengers have what they need while maintaining the authentic experiences of owning a classic car.”
Authenticity and Quality Control from Start to Finish
While every finished Sojourn is as individual and charismatic as its owner wishes, thanks to an all-encompassing range of bespoke interior trim, luxury features, striking exterior paint finishes, and character-enhancing accessories, the rigorous starting point is always the same. Arcade selects its donor vehicles exclusively – and in the most authentic way possible – from a pool of former Swiss Army stock before subjecting each model to forensic examination.
“Like exploring the well-worn pages of a cherished book, we evaluate each model’s condition, components, bodywork and interior,” explains Kanoria. “Our skilled engineers painstakingly disassemble the vehicle, documenting every detail to ensure authenticity during reassembly. The vehicle’s chassis undergoes hundreds of hours of extensive repairs addressing rust, dents, and any battle-hardened imperfections the G Class may have accumulated during its years of service.”
From bold and vibrant hues to subtle and sophisticated shades, Arcade’s colour palette is as diverse as its clients’ imagination and encompasses beguiling finishes. While Desert Tan, Dark Olive, Matte Black or Pacific Blue may be the brand’s signature colours, they merely represent the tip of the iceberg, as essentially the customer can have any colour they desire
Internal Combustion or Electric Powertrain
Renowned for its exceptional off-road capabilities, the GE features a rugged body-on-frame construction, fully automated differentials, and a robust suspension system, allowing it to tackle challenging terrain easily. Arcade further extends the G-Class’s performance envelope by offering the Sojourn with an electric powertrain designed and developed by British-based Everrati, more details of which will be unveiled soon, and an uprated petrol engine.
“The ‘230’ in the vehicle’s name signifies the displacement of the four-cylinder engine, which in standard guise musters 128PS and 190Nm, providing ample power and torque for both on- and off-road driving,” explains Arcade Technical Advisor Alexander D. Fritz. “For those wishing to access a greater level of performance, we also offer a 2.8-litre engine upgrade where we replace the crankshaft, rods, and pistons to increase output to 151PS and torque to 237Nm.”
A Hand-crafted Luxury Interior with Contemporary Connectivity
Arcade offers the Sojourn with an exceptionally high level of personalisation. The rich abundance of options ranges from the softest, highest-quality leather customarily reserved for OEM luxury and supercars for an even more durable finish.
Arcade’s highly skilled artisans hand-cut and stitch leather and fabrics to perfectly hug surfaces, collaborating with world-leading manufacturers to 3D stitch unique patterns, deploying modern fabric weaving technology and techniques.
An equally expansive range of steering wheels and seats is offered. From the donor vehicle’s original angular wheel to sophisticated new designs crafted from wood or metal and finished in the same leather as the cabin, the choice is as broad and diverse as each customer’s tastes.
Owners can choose to remain with the original G-Class 8-seat ‘long-bench’ traditional configuration, ideal for large family and adventure group outings, or opt for a more contemporary theme with two bucket and two jump seats in the rear to effortlessly accommodate up to six occupants.
Arcade updates the user experience of the GE 230 with an array of connected infotainment technology that could barely have been dreamed of when the first model rolled off the production line in 1979.
These include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-enabled touch control-based systems and retro-inspired Bluetooth systems empathetically camouflaged within the vehicle’s dashboard. In addition, every Sojourn comes with a choice of premium speakers and a concealed subwoofer.
Ready for Challenging Missions and Epic Adventures
In 1979, the Mercedes-Benz GE230 was born one of the toughest vehicles on the planet. Now, in 2024, re-born Arcade Sojourn guise, the vehicle is even more robust, thanks to an array of accessories that significantly extend its operating capabilities.
Xenon or even more powerful LED headlamps can be supplemented with roof- or grille-mounted rally-style spotlights to pierce the darkest night and illuminate forest trails and mountain tracks. A front bush guard and light-protecting grilles enable the Sojourn to penetrate the densest jungle.
A comprehensive array of wheels and tyres, from sophisticated alloys to more rugged steel off-road items, is yet another example of how Arcade has thoroughly restored and reimagined the GE 230 to ensure that in Sojourn form, it is now eminently suited to contemporary lifestyles and whatever adventures and missions its owners choose to undertake.
Order books are open now, and the first customer deliveries are expected in late 2024. Arcade and the Sojourn will debut at the Pebble Beach Concours later this month.
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