This Grand Edition also led to the rumours of production end for W463 in 2006. A few factors contributed to the rumors: the increasing difficulties in meeting the newer and stricter safety and emission regulations, especially the new EU regulations on pedestrian protection; Mercedes-Benz had introduced new GL-Class as an intended successor; and military contracts fulfilled. An outcry among enthusiasts who admired the G-Class for its tremendous off-road potential along with its reputation and cachet, showed that a market still existed for such a vehicle.