G-Pro has grunty off-road go

traditional panel air filter under the bonnet.

The G-Pro’s ground clearance is 245mm, it can wade through 650mm and approach/departure angles are outstanding at 38/35 degrees, with a breakover point of 22deg. specific needs, using the eight mounting points at the back.

We drove the G-Pro at a 4WD training facility at Werribee, just outside Melbourne.

Now, what I know about serious off-roading would fit on the transfer case of a GLA 200, but we took the Professional through deep water, up 45-degree inclines and three-wheeling over rocks. It was a doddle.

The biggest stress was keeping flies the size of dogs away from my new sunglasses.

You can forget about fancy biturbo V8 engines and 7G-Tronic transmissions with this machine. The G-Pro is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 producing 135kW at 3800rpm and 400Nm from 1600-2000rpm, with a five-speed automatic transmission (a similar powertrain combo to the Sprinter van).

The low-range transfer and three different differential locks (front, centre, rear) are all operated by simple pushbuttons and the only time you have to actually stop is to switch between high and low. Otherwise, it’s all on-the-fly.

You can also forget about blingy M-B interior fitout with the G-Pro. It has vinyl seat covers, two water-drain plugs and rubber floor mats. However, you do get air conditioning, storage boxes under both seats and a lockable glovebox. Luxury.

We didn’t hit the tarmac in the G-Pro, but I don’t imagine it’ll be plush. Or nimble. It does have coil springs all-round and ride comfort is excellent off-road – but also much better with a load on the (optional) tray. Unladen, the rear end gets pretty busy on rutted gravel roads when you’re in between adventures.

It’s true that this is a vehicle with minuscule market potential in New Zealand. Only a handful will be sold, but like any exotic it’s a thing of extreme abilities and a machine to be truly proud of. To many, it might even be the coolest G-class you can buy.

But then, in 2017 M-B is set to announce a G-Professional wagon. That’s right, all the hard-core features of the Pro-cab-chassis in a five-door bodyshell. That’s a niche within a niche within a niche. But still: move over G 63.

You never know where you might see one: G-Pro can wade through 650mm of water.

Three differential locks and strengthened chassis make the G-Pro virtually unstoppable.

Just checking the tray’s attached properly. Yep, seems to be fine.

The cabin has drain plugs so you can hose it out.