STANDING WAY OUT

Kirby Gonzales backcountry Benz is strictly for pleasure

- Jered Korfhage

Visiting the world's natural wonders can sometimes mean dealing with seething masses of tourists. To avoid the crowds and still soak in the amazing sights, Kirby Gonzales decided to approach things from a different angle-from the dirt. He replaced paved roads, improved campsites, and his mild-mannered Range Rover Sport with backcountry routes, secluded camping, and a unique exploration vehicle platform.

Having an escape from the bustling city and the rigors of a demanding career motivates Kirby to explore the mountains, deserts, and forests of the West as often as he can. Flowing through mountain bike trails, wandering dirt roads, and basking in peaceful sunsets help him unwind and relax as far away from crowds as he can get. As outdoor recreation areas became increasingly popular, Kirby found himself wanting to get even farther down the unpaved roads to seek solitude, and he needed a vehicle that suited him as well as his needs.

"I don't want to blend in," Kirby told us. Having previously driven a Range Rover Sport and a Land Rover Discovery, he also knew that V-8 power was a must-have in his next vehicle, along with having ample aftermarket support. His search for a vehicle that was rugged, mechanically simple, and with his powertrain requirements led him to the '03 Mercedes-Benz G 500. The 19-year-old SUV had a solid off-road pedigree and it boasted commendable reliability and a generous selection of aftermarket parts. Kirby was all in.