Across the world's most affluent areas, there's one common thread - the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. From Beverly Hills to The Hamptons, the boxy Benz is the preferred choice of propulsion for the world's elite. Sadly, supply chain issues forced Mercedes Benz to retire the V8-powered Mercedes (and several of its siblings) for the entirety of 2022 before reopening orders for certain models like the GLS 580 later on.

But it seems the Gelandewagen is officially back. Aside from the announcement of new models for 2023, MBUSA also published revised pricing and trim updates. Already a pricey proposition, the G-Class now has a starting price of $139,950, representing an increase of $8,150. According to the automaker's American website, the 2021 model sports a price tag of $131,750.

For the average G-Class customer, this increase is nothing worth getting upset about. Pricing for the highly desirable G63 AMG model is yet to be disclosed, but the 2021 model has an MSRP of $156,450. If we apply the same 6.18% increase to the high-performance derivative, we can expect the 2023 model to weigh in at around $166,000.

So, what can buyers expect in return for the additional outlay? We're not sure, but Mercedes plans to announce G-Class and AMG G 63 updates for the 2023 model at a later date. Hopefully, buyers will be compensated with more comprehensive standard features or enhanced driver assist systems.

The biggest news here, however, is that the G-Class will officially be made available in the States again. Early reports indicated the body-on-frame SUV would make a return for 2022, but, as mentioned, the manufacturer's website still lists the 2021 model.

This lack of G-Class inventory saw certain dealerships place ridiculous markups on existing units, with some retailers charging double the recommended retail price. Hopefully, the expected influx of 2023 models will put an end to this. Rumors suggested the company placed a stop order on the G-Class, but that has since been dispelled.

While customers can place orders for the rugged Benz, that doesn't mean they aren't in for a long wait. An unnamed Mercedes insider claimed some buyers may have to wait until 2025 to receive their model.

By then, Mercedes-Benz will have already given the G-Class a mid-cycle refresh and will have introduced the electric EQG. According to the company's Ola Kallenius, chairman of the board for the Mercedes group, the all-electric EQG is expected to hit the scene in 2024. A battery-powered G-Wagen will go down a treat with the brunch and Balenciaga set; there's nothing trendier than a luxury electric SUV at the moment.

We wonder, though, whether Benz's new pricing strategy will see the G-Wagen dwindle in popularity. After all, the more advanced and more cosseting Range Rover is available at a more palatable $104,500. You can even purchase a P530 SE derivative for $122,800, and that comes with the BMW-sourced 4.4-liter V8. What's more, that gives you a considerable chunk of change to use for optional extras.

Then again, the G-Wagon's desirability is unwavering so, even with high prices, it will continue to remain a success for the Three-pointed star.