Considering that many SUVs are now targeting soccer moms instead of off-roaders, it’s hard to imagine that these vehicles trace their origins back to World War 2. Originally designed to be both technically and visually rugged, military jeeps such as the Willys MB and the Ford GPW truly embodied machismo. Unfortunately, amid today’s focus on mass appeal and practicality, that bold utilitarian design has become a rarity. Manufacturers have traded masculine lines for more feminine curves, and current styling trends suggest that curvature is here to stay.
Despite this apparent shift in preferences, Mercedes Benz has successfully kept military styling intact for the last 33 years with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV. Hand assembled in Austria, this feat of German engineering is probably the sole modern military vehicle available for civilian use in the U.S. today (other than the Jeep Wrangler). The G-Class has changed very little since its introduction in 1979, and this most likely stems from the fact that as a premium military jeep it has virtually no competitors. For buyers of the G-Class it’s not about mpg or futuristic design, it’s about owning something that is truly “bad-ass”.
Mercedes refers to the G-Class as having an “ageless” design with “uncomplicated elegance” and it’s obvious from the moment you look at the car. What you see is a machine dedicated to continuing the legacy of military reconnaissance vehicles. It’s a simple design but one that is more daring and aggressive than perhaps anything else available on the market today. From the distinct box-like shape to the front brush-guard and the encased spare tire mounted on the rear door, the G-Class sticks to the iconic image of army vehicles.
The G-Class includes the G550 and the G63 AMG (which starts at $134,300). The G550 has a 5.5 liter V8 engine which produces 382 hp, 391 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 7500 lbs. The AMG adds an additional 154 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque with a bi-turbo AMG engine. The G550 achieves 0-60mph in just 6 seconds and the AMG trims that time by .7 seconds (according to Mercedes). With all-time AWD as well as three lockable differentials, the G-Class is built to go places. Unfortunately this comes at the cost of a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg.
Although the G-Class is all about functionality, with a starting price at $113,000, what you get is something that is truly luxury. Standard features include bi-xenon headlights, back up camera, heated rear seats, leather interior, and weather sensing wipers. Navigation with real-time traffic information, Bluetooth, HD radio, a digital music drive, and much else is available as add-ons.
The fit and finish of the G-Class tops the standards of Mercedes Benz. What sets the Mercedes G-Class apart from any other luxury SUV available in the U.S. is its sense of rawness. It doesn’t appear to be overly styled and yet it has a depth of character that few others have achieved. The G-Class is part of a group that includes the Land Rover Range Rover and the Toyota Land Cruiser, which were also military inspired and still have a cult following around the world especially in the Middle East. These three were originally marketed as “go-anywhere, do-anything’ vehicles” and they are still upholding that heritage today.
The Mercedes G-Class is not a practical vehicle and it’s not meant to be one. It was built to take anything that the earth could put in its path and in that respect it does what Mercedes says it can. The G-Class doesn’t need to change with the times like every other vehicle you’ve seen. It knows where it’s been and it’s damn sure of where it’s going. So if you’ve recently acquired some wealth or, are looking to splurge on your next toy take a look at the G-Class, its proof that Mercedes Benz knows what it takes to survive.
Jibbin Abraham is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Business and Marketing at Binghamton University. He enjoys following the latest automotive trends and developments in the U.S. as well as abroad and spends his free time reading various auto websites and blogs. His ultimate goal is to pursue a career where he can mesh his passion for business and for cars. Jibbin brings an unique perspective to TFLcar with a passionate eye toward the latest trends and comprehensive, expert and in depth automotive industry analysis.
