Mercedes-Benz expands G-Class horizons with two new styling options for adventurous off roaders and fashionistas

Some overlanders say the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the most rugged four-wheel drive on the planet. Hong Kong’s many Land Rover fans might disagree, but a few might enjoy splashing some Lantau puddles in the boxy Geländewagen “cross-country vehicle”.

Since 1979, the G-Class has been a popemobile (in 1980); a Paris Dakar Rally winner (in 1983), and a military must-have. The Australian, Canadian and Swiss armies endorse its off-road resilience and reliability in the world’s toughest conditions.

“Even with 100 per cent gradients, 54 per cent tilt and up to 60cm of water, nothing stops [the G-Class],” Mercedes-Benz says. Explorers, potentates and oligarchs worldwide agree. No vehicle exudes more mystery and strength in Sai Kung than a black, and preferably bullet-proofed G-Class. Indeed, Hong Kong celebrities such as actor Shawn Yue Man-lok and singers Julian Cheung Chi-lam and Pakho Chau have all been photographed in G-Classes.

The marque describes its G-Class as the “the forefather of the sport utility vehicle”, however, and says its sales have “grown continually since 2009”, achieving “a new record every year since 2012”. Last year it sold “almost 20,000 units” that were built at the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria. And maybe Mercedes-Benz was right to offer G-Class fans more styling options, because the luxury SUV scene could be even more competitive, next year.

Three new posh models could soon tempt the Pearl River Delta’s ultra-rich. First, look out for the exclusive Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet that rewrote off-road chic, this March, in Geneva. Then there’s the long-awaited Lamborghini Urus that might challenge bigger Porsche Cayennes on speed, and test the Maserati Levante on comfort. Then there is the boxy, “foxtrot-you”-looking Rolls-Royce “Cullinan” SUV that Autocar says this month may be due in “early 2018”.