A strictly utilitarian appearance is softened somewhat by body-color bumpers, rub strips and rocker panels, as well as alloy wheels and a stainless steel spare-tire cover. As for dimensions, the G-Class is 4 inches longer than M-Class SUVs, which measure 180.6 inches overall.

Because this is a serious offroad vehicle, rigid front and rear axles are installed with longitudinal and transverse links to coil springs. The G500 is the only production vehicle with three locking differentials. In extremely low-traction situations, all you need is a little grip on one front wheel and that’s enough to pull you through the trouble spot. The vehicle also is equipped with four-wheel electronic traction control to assist less experienced drivers.