Mercedes-Benz unveiled a new version of its legendary G-Class SUV. The W464 is specifically designed for military use and security forces. Customers and the press were given a preview of the SUV’s capabilities at the G-Class Experience Center in Graz, Austria which is where Magna Steyr builds the famed off-roader. The off-roader is part of the new 464 series that was introduced two years ago.

Overview

Unlike the G Wagen’s that you get to see cruising down the streets of Dubai or Hollywood Boulevard, the mighty G originally started life in 1979, as a hard-wearing Military vehicle. It was renowned for its tough build and off-road capability. Mercedes took a gamble and introduced a civilian version, which proved to be fairly popular. The form factor of the G-Class had pretty much remained the same for nearly four decades until the SUV received an overhaul from the ground up in 2018. But the W464 retains the body, chassis, live axles from its predecessor, i.e the W461.

Now, the G-Class is going back to its roots with this Military Spec version. There’s just one tiny problem though. You can't buy it, at least for the time being, as the W464 is designed solely as a defense vehicle or a special-purpose rescue vehicle. These types of vehicles obviously require as little luxury as possible. What they really need to be is reliable and they must continue to function in the toughest conditions.

What’s different on the Military Spec G Class

The new G-Classes will be built in three major variations, each tailored to the needs of the customer. The main variant of the new G-Class will be the military Station Wagon BA06. The chassis with a two-seater cab is predicted to have the next lowest production volume BA09. The armored versions meanwhile come in third place, with the lowest number of units.

The front has been polished up a bit with the G receiving LED headlights with DRL's to give it a more modern appearance. Everything else though is old school with no excess. These new vehicles will be equipped straight out of the factory with military spec hardware. Basically, the vehicles will be equipped with the kind of facets, that helps boost mobility and reliability for Military personnel who are out there in the elements.

The chassis-cab version, BA09 can be utilized as a mission equipment carrier vehicle. The two-seater cab is designed for a payload of 5,376 pounds at a gross vehicle weight of 10,752 pounds. The third armored variant of the G-Class BA06 meanwhile, will feature armor plating in the interior and four Plasan mine protection seats. You’ll also find strengthened axles that can carry a total weight of more than 13,277 pounds. The armored vehicle's design and equipment satisfy established military criteria.

Performance & The Off-Road Hardware

The Mercedes G-Class W464 will only be available in G350d form. It boasts a 2.9-liter in-line-six diesel engine that produces 245 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The engine offers 35% more power and 50% more torque as opposed to its predecessor. It also features a 24-volt electrical system.

This new G variant is the most extreme version and is designed to effectively tackle the toughest environmental conditions out there and thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission, longitudinal and transverse locking differentials, and other electronic assistants. Other upgrades include raised springs and a snorkel are all you'll need when you encounter a river crossing.

Conclusion

This new version of the Military spec G-Class provides significant improvements in every area over the standard civilian model. With a vehicle like this, the limits in terms of performance capabilities are frequently reached. The new vehicles are yet to receive production orders, although a number of prototypes have already been manufactured.

Armed forces in northern and southern Europe, as well as North America, have expressed a strong interest. Expect series production to begin in 2022. Don’t rule out the possibility of a civilian version of the W464 which could be a competitor to Ineos Grenadier. So, unless you are the Head of Procurement of Defence Equipment, you can't really acquire the Mercedes G-Class W464.