Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon goes green, keeps its form

NAME any vehicle that was built almost 50 years ago, is still in production and is instantly recognisable by virtually the entire world.

- WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE [e-mail]

There aren’t many, are there? Unless one counts the MercedesBenz G-Wagon or, more correctly, the Geländewagen.

First introduced in 1979 as a military vehicle and later that year as a civilian option, the G-Wagon has stayed true to its box-like shape and incredible offroad ability, whether it’s a modern diesel G450d or the fire-breathing AMG G63 that’s much loved by rappers, gangsters, soccer players and the rich and famous social types.

Who knew, though, that an electric G580 would be as good, possibly better, than anything that has preceded it?

I suppose it was inevitable given the way mobility is moving, but as an offroad enthusiast, initially I was first annoyed. I had a good study.

But after experiencing it first hand at the AMG Driving Experience Centre at Zwartkops, I must tilt my cap to what the engineers have managed to come up with.

Same exterior but a different powertrain

I don’t have to go into the exterior details simply because it’s a G-Wagon, and not much has changed over the years. Internally, it has changed in ladder chassis and bodyon-frame design, either to manufacture or to bring something up to date with the fundamental of what the G-Class is about.