A German off-road vehicle developed in the 1970s to replace the DKW Munga. Unfortunately for Mercedes-Benz, the contract for a 0.5-tonne payload, 4×4 all-terrain vehicle for the Bundeswehr was awarded to a competitor—Volkswagen—for its Iltis model. Consequently, it was decided that the new Mercedes vehicle would be offered on the civilian market. Other customers were soon found as well; several NATO armies—including those of France, Denmark, Greece, and the Netherlands—showed interest in what would become known as the “Wolf.” Ultimately, the Bundeswehr—the very entity for which the vehicle was originally developed—also adopted the Mercedes-Benz “G-Class” (derived from Geländewagen, meaning “all-terrain vehicle”), doing so in 1989. Today, it serves as the standard military light all-terrain vehicle in over a dozen countries. The Polish Armed Forces also operate these vehicles; approximately 150 are in service with two armored cavalry brigades equipped with Leopard 2A4 and A5 tanks—specifically, the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade in Świętoszów and the 34th Armored Cavalry Brigade in Żagań.
Technical specifications:
Length / width / height: 4.32 / 1.69 / 1.91 m
Curb weight: 2700 kg
Payload capacity: 515 kg
Propulsion: MB OM 602 diesel engine, 2.5 L capacity, 90 hp
Maximum speed: 123 km/h
Maximum range: 600 km
