The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has come a very, very long way. Originally developed with battlefields in mind, somehow, the boxy vehicle now has a reputation that leans just as much towards luxury and class as it does outright versatility.
Despite the drastic change in perception, the G-Wagen never strayed too far from its military roots. Even the all-new generation of the vehicle maintains the nameplate’s rugged demeanor and capability to take on all manner of disagreeable terrain—this despite now flaunting one of the plushest interiors in the business.
Still, as tempting as the cabin of the 2020 models look to lounge in, we’ll always have a soft spot for OGs like this ex-military 1990 W461.4 G-Class dubbed the ‘Wolf.’
The Wolf was used by the German army prior to being turned into an overlanding vehicle by Legacy Overland. It’s powered by a rebuilt 2.5-liter five-cylinder OM602 diesel engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission and has been modified with modern-day usability in mind.
Look inside and you’ll be greeted by niceties such as a Bluetooth-capable sound system paired to Pioneer speakers, air-conditioning, folding bench seats, full-grain leather interior bits, and a sound-insulating carpet. Nice, but it’s the exterior that really drew our attention.
The Wolf comes in an attractive Boxwood Green exterior finish reminiscent of military vehicles. It also sports a black Mercedes-Benz G-Class bull bar, LED lighting units, grille guards, a removable soft top, and a military snorkel. It also runs on Bilstein shocks and rebuilt suspension and comes with a jerry can that matches the exterior’s color.
This thing is definitely going in our dream garage. Would you choose something like this over a current-generation unit, too?
