G300CDI CAB-CHASSIS

MERCEDES-BENZ released the cabchassis Professional to Australia last year, and we are the only market on the planet to get it. While we praised the truck for its ease of use and heavy 2.4-tonne payload, we were critical of its stiff-riding chassis and rough ride quality. This was noted both unladen and with a tonne on the tray.

Since it was launched, Benz has looked at these criticisms and is working on a softer suspension package that might be offered as an option in the future. However, something that has already been implemented on the truck is a new pair of rear shock absorbers that are 15mm longer.

15mm mightn’t sound a lot, but the change appears to have transformed the cab-chassis models that were used on this trip. These vehicles also had close to 1.5-tonnes on them – aluminium canopies, tools and supplies – but we spent a day driving one on the WAA line and loved it.

In fact, it has become a favourite of the two-model G-professional range. With its longer wheelbase over the wagon, the cab-chassis rides better and ambled up and over dunes, was comfortable on the rough tracks, and hauled the load needed to support and feed the crew on this trip.

Swap out those toolboxes for a serious camper and the G-pro cab-chassis could be the perfect expedition rig.