There is no doubt that Mercedes-Benz can engineer some of the best cars on the market. This company’s main focus has always been on luxury, and the brand showcases this with vehicles such as the S-Class, which is one of the most luxurious and comfortable sedans on the planet. 

But there is another side to this as well. Besides luxury, Mercedes-Benz also knows a lot about off-roading. Mercedes has been offering the famous G-Wagon since the late ‘70s, which is just one of many Mercedes SUV models that are excellent for off-roading. In this article, we look at the best three of them.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 (2002 onwards)

The G-Wagon is the most famous of the Mercedes SUV models. It started its life in 1979 already, when it was produced under the Daimler Puch G name. Developed strictly for military purposes, it didn’t take long for the Geländewagen to become one of the most popular civilian SUVs in production. 

Not much has changed in decades of its production. The exterior design has remained virtually the same. Most of the innovation happened on the inside with new interiors, drivetrain options, and modern tech. A number of parts from the original Puch G are still compatible with the W463 generation, which came to the US market in 2002. Only recently, in 2018, has the G-Wagon received a truly thorough update, which has made this tough off-roader a perfect luxury car as well.

Since the model’s entry into the US market, the G500 is one of the favorite variants, and rightfully so. While many look up to the G63 models as the ultimate Mercedes SUV models, the regular models are actually better for off-roading.

The G500 variant was one of the first US-offered G-Wagons and featured a 5.0L V8 delivering 292 horsepower (available at 5,500 rpm) and 336 lb.-ft of torque (2,800-4,000 rpm). With these numbers, this huge, almost 6,000-pound vehicle, gets from a standstill to sixty miles per hour in just about 10 seconds and achieves a top speed of 118 mph. 

For a vehicle that was initially intended just for off-road use in the military, this is quite impressive! In addition, it gives this vehicle enough power to get out of even the toughest off-road situations. Of course, the drivetrain is paired to a capable four-wheel drive system and an automatic transmission with five speeds. 

Probably the most important aspect of the G-Class is its differentials. The car is equipped with three of them in total, each with a locking mechanism. As such, the axles can be manually locked to get all available torque to the wheel that has the most traction. This significantly improves the G-Wagon’s off-road abilities. And if you ignore the not-so-good fuel economy, then the G-Wagon is also a capable tower, as it can haul a load of up to 7,000 lbs.

With the W463 generation, Mercedes has also started to develop the idea of making the G-Class a luxury vehicle. This means that even the 2002 models are equipped with features such as dual-zone automatic air conditioning, electrically operated heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, or an advanced infotainment system with in-built navigation derived from the S-Class. There were also heaps of leather and wood trim.

Besides making the G-Class easily recognizable, the utilitarian design of the exterior has also resulted in perfect practicality. Although it is a big vehicle, the typical shape of the G-Class allows the driver to estimate where G’s corners are rather easy, and the interior benefits from this as well. The boot has a capacity of 45.2 cubic feet, which can be maximized to 79.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The G-Class is simply impressive, as it combines practicality, off-road capability, and comfort into one incredible vehicle. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE

The newest GLE is one of those Mercedes SUV models that deliver innovative and never before seen solutions, which improve its off-the-road abilities. But this is not all that the Mercedes-Benz GLE has to offer. The new generation features tons of comfort, practicality, and style.

On the exterior, the GLE prides itself on the now iconic C-pillar design and the curved-like rear glass. The styling makes the GLE one of the best-looking Mercedes SUV models and mid-size luxury SUVs overall and showcases the new Mercedes design language. It is truly masculine, and especially the models equipped with the off-road package show miles away that this Mercedes can get through even the toughest terrain. The wheels start at 19 inches, which are perfect for off-roading but go up to 21”.

The interior of the GLE features large dual infotainment screens derived from the E-Class and S-Class models for the first time. Even the base model does not disappoint in terms of luxury and material quality. The GLE can feature real-wood inserts, and seats covered in soft Nappa leather.

In terms of drivetrains, the base offering starts with the GLE 350, which is equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine, which can be equipped with 4Matic optionally. However, when you step up to the mid-range offering, the GLE 450, you get the proper off-road model. The 3.0L inline-6 turbo on this model is equipped with the famous Mercedes all-wheel-drive 4Matic system as standard, which makes off-roading a breeze. 

With a mild hybrid setup, the engine generates 362 hp and 369 lb.-ft of torque, which gets it moving from a standstill to sixty miles per hour in 5.5 seconds. Maximum torque is available from just 1,600 rpm, which is great when you’re stuck off-road, and you’re trying to feather the throttle. All GLEs come with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Of course, the GLE features a drive-mode select system, which adjusts the traction control to exactly suit the current terrain. More impressively, Mercedes has equipped the car with a special “bounce mode” which helps when the car gets stuck in sand or mud. The air suspension can quickly move the chassis up and down, creating a bouncing motion that can help to get the vehicle moving again.

The air suspension thus makes the GLE not only extremely comfortable but also agile in corners, and capable off the road. There is also the Off-Road Engineering Package, which is the go-to feature pack for those who plan on leaving the tarmac often.

It features under-body protection panels for the entire underfloor area, a low-range gearbox, or inter-axle locking through a torque-on-demand feature that can send up to 100% of torque to either axle. These are just a few of the features of the latest GLE. It is a truly innovative Mercedes SUV model both in terms of luxury and comfort and off-road.

Mercedes-Benz GLK

The GLK was a model based on the C-Class platform and aimed at the compact luxury crossover segment. It entered production in 2008 and ended in 2015 when it was replaced by another of the Mercedes SUV models, the GLC.

Its boxy exterior styling makes it look like a modern version of the G-Class and suggests some serious off-road capabilities. Indeed, for its size, it is quite tough. The GLK provides the driver with 8.3 inches of ground clearance and a departure angle of 25 degrees. In addition, with an optional Off-Road Engineering Package, the GLK can remap its throttle and gearbox for improved off-road use via a dedicated off-road setting. In addition, the package equips this Mercedes SUV model with a downhill speed regulation assist, and other handy features.

As far as the drivetrain goes, you certainly do not have to worry about the GLK’s power. It comes with a familiar 3.5L V6 gasoline unit that produces 272 hp. This model is codenamed the GLK350 and gets from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. As every other off-road capable Mercedes SUV model, the GLK350 also comes with a market-leading 4Matic four-wheel drive system and also a fast-shifting automatic transmission with 7 gears.

The technology that allows the driver to get through terrain is very advanced. The GLK uses open differentials and limits wheel spin using virtual locking differentials. The power between the front and rear wheels is distributed as 45:55 in regular conditions, but the intelligent traction system can alter the ratios as needed.

With a luxurious interior, comfortable seats, and a practical cabin, it would be surprising if this model did not handle great on the road as well. Indeed, the GLK is extremely capable as a comfortable cruiser or a family hauler. The standard equipment includes an Agility Control suspension aimed toward the best match between off-road and comfort abilities, a panorama sunroof, and electrically operated seats. 

Asides from this, the GLK can be equipped with systems known from the most luxurious Mercedes SUV models such as the GL. This includes, for example, a Steer Control system, which helps the driver with correct counter steering in dangerous and unstable driving conditions. 360-degree cameras, Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and other advanced features are also optional on the outstanding GLK. With hundreds of thousands of sold units throughout the production run, the GLK was one of the most popular SUVs in its segment and it has set the bar high for the Mercedes-Benz GLC which replaced it.

A Long and Successful Journey of Mercedes SUV Models

Mercedes started its journey to perfect off-roaders all the way back in 1979 with the Daimler Puch G and since then, it has managed to offer what are arguably near-perfect SUVs. While the original G-Wagon did not get much of the Mercedes’ premium treatment, the current models offer the best of both off-roading and luxury. It is hard to believe how perfect all-around vehicles the new Mercedes SUV models are.