Mercedes-Benz is popular for its luxurious and reliable sedans, but it also makes exceptional off-road vehicles.
This Mercedes is a great off-road car
The Mercedes G-Class is the best Mercedes off-road vehicle. This car started as a military vehicle, meaning it was designed to go anywhere without any challenge. The SUV can withstand anything in its way and cruise through all kinds of terrains smoothly.
However, like all Mercedes vehicles, this SUV is quite expensive. It’s not just built for off-road activities, but also has the power and sophistication of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It’s perfect for individuals looking for a perfect SUV that performs exceptionally well on and off-road without compromising on comfort.
The Mercedes G-Class is also great for winter driving.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes G-Class has been in existence for over 40 years. Even though it was originally built for military use, this SUV is now a favorite among off-roaders due to its sophisticated features and outstanding performance. The Mercedes “G-Wagon,” as many people refer to it has most features that you’ll want in an off-road vehicle.
This G-Class SUV boasts of an impressive design that commands attention wherever it passes. More specifically, the G550 model has excellent ground clearance, which is required for smooth off-road driving. You will also love the 738 lb-ft torque and the large wheels that can get over rugged terrain easily.
What makes the Mercedes-Benz G-Class the best for off-road?
The G-Wagon is legendary with its iconic box-style design. It’s also long and wide, but still light. Therefore, users will have more cargo space as they drive off-road into the wild. The vehicle is also spacious with lots of headroom, although rear-seat passengers might find legroom somewhat small.
Some of the features that make it to be ideal for off-road driving include:
- 3 lockable diffs
- 9.5-inches of ground clearance
- Two-speed transfer case
- 30.9-degree approach angle
- 29.9-degree departure angle
- 23.5-degree break-over angle
- 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission
- 4.0l V8 bi-turbo engine
- 19-inch 8-spoke tires.
The G-Wagon SUV is also safe to drive. Thanks to the safety features such as Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Pre-safe, Blind Spot Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive braking technology, night security illumination, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Trailer Stability Assist, and much more. The car goes for around $131,600.
Other Mercedes vehicles that are good for off-roading
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
If you don’t have money to spend on the Mercedes G-Class G550, you can opt for the Mercedes GLE-Class. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was introduced in 1997. It was formerly known as the Mercedes M-Class, which was later changed to GLE-Class in April 2015.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is slightly more affordable than the G-wagon. This mid-sized SUV comes with all the luxuries you can desire in a high-end Benz. The SUV boasts of a front-engine, 4WD, or 4matic all-wheel-drive options. Besides, it consists of a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and a top speed of 210 km/h.
This luxurious mid-size SUV from Mercedes is also safe to drive with features such as the Attention Assist system, Collision Prevention Assist system, Intelligent light system, pedestrian protection, and much more. All of these features make sure you’re safe during your road trip.
Like other Mercedes vehicles, the GLE-Class comes with fully power-adjustable seats, a spacious interior, and a roomy load compartment. Thus, you will remain comfortable and enjoy your ride. If you have many things to carry, there are the optional Easy-Pack load-securing kit, Easy-Pack tailgate, and much more.
Sprinter 4×4
If you intend to carry cargo off-road, then you will love the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 van. This van can cruise smoothly on ice, snow, sand, and even gravel, thanks to the exceptional traction that this van offers. What’s more, this van is fuel-efficient, making it the perfect option for cargo transportation in remote areas.
Note that the Sprinter 4X4 has lots of variations that will suit your particular climatic conditions and work.
Unimog
Another less talked about, but powerful vehicle made by Mercedes is the Unimog. This is another perfect vehicle for off-road activities. The Unimog can traverse through water, mud, and even over rocks. The Unimog can also be modified to fit the nature of your work.
Vito 4X4
Last but not least, we’ve got the Vito 4X4. This van has great traction, thanks to its all-wheel-drive system. Apart from that, the van is popular for its nimble and precise handling. Even when the conditions are unfavorable, this vehicle will take you through swiftly and smoothly.
BMW versus Mercedes-Benz – read about pros and cons here.
More about off-roading
Can I use any Mercedes vehicle for off-road driving?
No, you can’t. Some Mercedes-Benz vehicles are definitely not built for off-roading and will be a nightmare to drive on rough terrains. A perfect car for off-road must have good ground clearance, which many Mercedes cars don’t have. However, all Mercedes SUVs can be used for off-road driving.
Which car is better for off-roading – Mercedes G550 or BMW X5?
Both of these cars are made by some of the most sought-after luxury car companies. Even though these two SUVs are great for off-road driving, the Mercedes G-550 is way better than the BMW X5 series. It has the great ground clearance and more advanced features than the X5 series.
Which one is better for off-road – AWD or 4WD?
Mercedes vehicles have both All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems. Both of these drive systems are created to send torque to all four of the car’s wheels to increase traction when required. Nonetheless, the 4WD system is stronger than the AWD system, making it better for off-road driving.
What to consider when picking the best Mercedes for driving off-road?
Before you pick any Mercedes for off-road activities, ensure you understand some basic things. For instance, a Mercedes-Benz that is good for snowy areas may not be ideal for dry locations. Therefore, the climate is one of the things to consider. Other things include suspension, shock absorbers, transmission controls, tires, off-road package kits.
Final thoughts
Mercedes-Benz offers high-end and high-performing vehicles, but not all of them are meant for off-road driving. Most Mercedes SUVs can be used off-road, but you may have to get additional packages for ease of driving. The Mercedes G-Class also referred to as the G-Wagon is the best Mercedes for off-road driving.
The G-Wagon is a sophisticated, powerful, and luxurious vehicle that can be used both on and off-road without any issue. If you have the money to spend, you will be glad to have this SUV, rather than a Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, or Toyota Land Cruiser.
