Mercedes-Benz Reveals Mil-Spec G-Wagon With Ultra-Rugged Upgrades
With glove-friendly controls and two solid axles, the no-frills 4×4 is intended for “use by states and authorities.”
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Before Mercedes-Benz entirely electrifies the G-Wagon as early as 2022, the German marque is quietly giving the luxe off-roader a mil-spec makeover dubbed the W464 series.
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Like the outgoing, decade-plus old W461, these codes are indications of intended “use by states and authorities,” according to The Drive.
The 2.9-liter turbodiesel straight-six gets heavy duty cooling and the ability to run on high-sulfur diesel at altitudes as high as 13,120 feet. Instead of a five-speed, a more precise nine-speed automatic channels 245 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. In crawl range, the G-Wagon can inch up a 45-degree slope, or go for 373 miles with a full tank on flat terrain.
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Whilethe LED lighting and engine are more or less identical to the civilian G-Wagon’s, the W464 loses its flashy cockpit in favor of a stripped-down interior with glove-friendly controls while adding a solid front axle to improve off-road performance.
Max payload clocks in at 2,200 pounds in an enclosed four-seat configuration or 5,512 pounds with an extended cab cutaway chassis—the roof bars alone can carry 441 of those pounds. Meanwhile, max towing capacity pushes past 7,700 pounds.
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More details on the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon W464 will be revealed at an upcoming world premiere—click here if you’re interested.