What if there was an SUV that could take you around the world and back a few times? What if there was an SUV that had a 6X6 option from the factory? Or an SUV that is so prestigious that it is driven by some of the highest-paid celebrities and producers in the world? Well, guess what? There is an SUV just like this, and it is called the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. You've probably seen one on the road towering over Corollas and Civics. You might have even asked yourself what would be so appealing about these cars. Well, sit tight and buckle up as we take you through some of the best features of the G-Wagon, and what makes them loved so much by purists around the world.
10 The Mercedes G-Wagen Has Been Around For Over Four Decades
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon has been around since the early 1970s. The idea for it came from the Shah of Iran who was a large shareholder of Mercedes at the time. Although originally intended for military purposes, it was offered as a vehicle for civilians in 1979. Over the past 40+ years, it has seen changes to its interior and mechanics, but the original design remained mostly unchanged until 2018. With such a rich history behind the vehicle, it's no wonder that it comes with the clout and respect that it does.
9 The G-Wagen's Static Design Made It Perfect For Customization
Since the design was largely unchanged for almost four decades, owners and purists had to make changes to the G-Wagon themselves. Many of these cars have been modded in one shape or another. You can get bulletproof glass put in one (not by Mercedes), you can get custom headlights, custom interior design, and someone even turned one into a hot rod car. Not to mention the number of changes that can be made to the engine and mechanics of one. Heck, even Pope John Paul II had one as his Pope Mobile. If you have the money, the customization options of the Mercedes G-Wagon are endless.
8 The Mercedes G-Wagen Crushes Off-Road Obstacles In Its Sleep
While the G-Wagon is now known for luxury, that wasn't always the case. Since it was designed for military use, it needed to be able to handle off-road situations with ease. And it does just that. The G-Wagon has a 7G-tronic gearbox, an impressive ground clearance of 9.25 inches, and permanent all-wheel drive allowing it to handle even some of the most difficult off-road situations. A man named Gunther Holtorf drove his G-Wagon through 215 countries, 559,234 miles, and it didn't break down once. That's reason enough to love the G-Wagon.
7 There's A Mercedes-Benz G-Class 6X6 Also!
Just when you thought the G-Wagon couldn't get any more badass, it does. The mad scientists at Mercedes-Benz went and added two extra wheels to the G-Wagon. It comes with a six-wheel drive, a twin-turbo V-8, and about a foot and a half of ground clearance. This baby can also wade through about three feet of water, and do so with ease. And even though they look pretty rough and rugged on the outside, the interior of these cars is actually quite luxurious. Mercedes hasn't made too many of these bad boys (about 200), but the ones they have made are already sold. If you find one, you better snag it.
6 The Mercedes G-Wagon Is Incredibly Reliable
While they may be expensive (some are being sold at almost $500,000) you are definitely getting quality when you buy a G-Wagon. If you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a car, you would hope it wouldn't break down. Most sites out there state that you can easily get up to 500,000 miles on your G-Wagon if cared for properly. And while these are luxury cars, you can rest easy knowing that the G-Wagon is one of the longest-lasting luxury cars out there. The ruggedness and capability for off-roading means that the G-Wagon will be a tank for years to come.
5 The G-Wagon Is Hand-built
When it comes to luxury, Mercedes-Benz doesn't mess around. And look no further for evidence of this than the G-Wagon. The G-Wagon has been hand built in Austria since 1979. The leather inside these cars is hand-tooled, and even some of the V-8 engines in AMG models are assembled by hand. It's this kind of love and attention to detail that Mercedes put into the G-Wagon that makes it loved by purists and enthusiasts around the world.
4 The Mercedes G-Wagon Has Exceptional Build Quality
If you've made it this far, then there is no doubt that the quality of G-Wagons is top-notch. And they should be. You wouldn't expect just any quality of SUV to be able to destroy off-road situations. Everything from the strong frame, the luxurious interior, and the hi-tech electronics that are inside a G-Wagon scream high quality. And that comes as no surprise. Mercedes' reputation has always been one of high class and quality, and it truly shows with the design and features of the G-Wagon.
3 The G-Wagen Is Used By The Militaries Of Over 40 Countries
Not only is the G-Wagon badass as a street vehicle, but there are special, non-civilian versions of this SUV that are used by militaries around the world. It can come in hard or open tops, as a pickup (though in limited numbers), or even with armor plating. Some other military versions of this car have turret rings or come equipped with machine guns or automatic grenade launchers. Now we're sure you would feel good driving a G-Wagon if you knew that they were used in military operations to keep soldiers safe. Talk about security features.
2 If Regular G-Wagons Don't Cut It For You, There Is An AMG With A V-8!
And just when you thought that the G-Wagon couldn't get any more powerful, it does. Over the years, Mercedes has upgraded the engines in these cars to make them stronger than ever. Just take a look at the 2022 AMG G 63. It comes equipped with a handcrafted AMG 4.0 liter V-8 biturbo engine that comes with a crazy 577 horsepower. There are even multiple style and performance packages that can be bought to make your G-Wagon AMG faster and more luxurious than ever. What a time to be alive for someone who can buy one of these SUVs.
1 The G-Wagen Is A Favorite Among Hollywood Celebrities
What would make a purist love a car more than they already do? How about the fact that many celebrities and producers own and drive G-Wagons? The G-Wagon at this point is a status symbol. A symbol of all your hard work and dedication to your craft. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Megan Fox drive G-Wagons. Arnold Schwarzenegger even turned his into the world's first fully functioning electric G-Wagon. It only cost him a cool one million to do, but we're sure it was worth it.