[AutoGuide.com]

​

Contrary to popular belief, dinosaurs do still exist — and they’ve only grown mightier and more fierce as time goes on. At least that’s the case when examining the unusual Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a vehicle paleontologists might describe as the coelacanth of the SUV market.

Based on a prehistoric military design that was never actually intended to make it into civilian hands, the G-Class (or G-Wagen as it was known for much of its existence) has defied conventional wisdom to remain a popular touchstone for the German brand despite being remarkably out of step not just with the rest of the Mercedes-Benz showroom, but the entire automotive market.

Let’s look at how the Mercedes-Benz G-Class climbed out of the primordial ooze and hung around for 40 nearly years, making friends and building a reputation as being both an unstoppable off-road warrior and nouveau-riche fashion accessory.

Read more about The Road Travelled: History of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen at AutoGuide.com.

 

[HDGFND]

Military is what always drawn me into the G-Class along with other vehicles such as the H1 and Wrangler. Too bad the H1 was out during a time the market wasn't primed for it and changes weren't made to give it the b best fighting chance possible. Thankfully the G-Class has stood the test of time.