G 500 (388 PS)

STORY

Few cars have gone as far from their start as the G-Class. It began as a rugged military and utility off-roader, developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and Austria's Steyr-Daimler-Puch and built almost entirely by hand in Graz from 1979. In several markets it was even sold as the Puch G.

For decades the "Geländewagen" was a serious working tool, bought by armies, farmers and explorers for its three locking differentials and the go-anywhere toughness of its ladder frame. Then, unexpectedly, it became a fashion item. Its upright, boxy shape and solid-sounding doors made it one of the most desirable luxury SUVs in the world, topped by the absurd but brilliant AMG G 63.

Mercedes has refused to change the shape all this time. The G-Class has now been in production for well over four decades, one of the longest runs in the company's history, and it is still itself.