2018 Mercedes-Benz G-300

Australian armed forces have about 2,000 of them in service that replaced their aging fleet of Land Rovers and they’re backed by arguably the ultimate endorsement for ruggedness - the numerous defence contracts earned around the world.

Relatively unchanged since 1975, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-300 Professional is a stripped out civilian version of the G-Wagens supplied to the ADF, a back-to-basics vehicle in the best possible way and a last hurrah before its replacement arrived.

Settle back and take your time - the G300 Professional rewards with an upright driving position that’s comfortable over long distances and a great vista courtesy of the low waistline and expansive glasshouse. Touring is all about seeing things, and you see more out of the G-Wagen than modern 4x4s.

As standard, the G Professional includes a bull bar, snorkel, fog lights and black-painted 16-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres. And, befitting its workhorse job description, the vehicles comes a water drain plug in the floor (there are rubber mats in lieu of carpeting) so you can hose out the cabin after a cross-Simpson dash.

The interior is barebones too, unlike the mainstream versions of the G, the Professional wagon has a four-seat layout with walk-through access to the luggage compartment.

Also, in keeping with the Professional’s intended purpose is a 96-litre fuel tank, two 12-volt batteries, tyre-pressure warning system, dirty air-filter warning, brake pad wear indicator for the front axle brake, headlight and indicator stone guards, and radiator and oil sump shields.

The car offered is a simply stunning 2018 G300 CDi Professional travelled just under 10.000 kilometres and ordered in stealthy Iridium silver over Plaid trim.

Featuring a complete Mercedes-Benz factory service history, this car is also accompanied by its original keys, service receipts and all original manuals including the service booklet kept within the leather wallet.

A Moroting.com.au review in 2017 said “The G Professional is a capable workhorse that would – in all likelihood – not miss a beat over years of hard use in harsh environs. But more than that, it’s a slice of history, and you’d have a bona-fide collector’s item on your hands as a significantly overhauled G-Wagen (rumoured to gain independent front suspension) is due to debut next year.”