According to Which Car, Mercedes-Benz is developing a special edition of its G-Class for government authorities, armed forces and special services. The allegedly leaked photos depict what looks like a particularly capable off-road vehicle.
No technical specifications are provided, but the images suggest that the army-oriented G-Class is an SUV or truck with a simplified exterior, unpainted plastic radiator grille, and fenders made out of the same material. It also sports stainless-steel bumpers, new side mirrors, engine bay protection, and a snorkel pipe.
We wouldn’t be surprised to see this version powered by the same engine as the latest G 350d, specifically a 3.0-liter diesel six-banger capable of 286 PS (282 hp / 210 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. This would make it 35% more powerful than the old-generation military G-Class with a 50% increase in torque. While the road-going SUV has nine gears (watch the video for an overview), the special edition may get an eight-speed A/T.
Interestingly enough, prototype vehicles have already been spotted on public roads, suggesting that a civilian variant of this G-Class might also be released to the market. If this ever becomes the case, we expect it to get a more comfortable cabin, but simplified suspension. G-Professional might start offering these cars in the LCV body style.