Mercedes Benz G-Klasse Multi-Role Vehicle is built for speed and the element of surprise
A few weeks ago, we received a taste of the LAPV military vehicle based upon the Mercedes Benz G-Klasse. It was heavily armored and built to take on the abuses of battle.
Today, we get our first taste of another Mercedes Benz G-Klasse for military use. However, this military grade G-Klasse is designed with the needs of special forces in mind. It is the Mercedes Benz G-Klasse Multi-Role Vehicle.
Military special forces are about speed and the element of surprise. With that in mind, the latest G-Klasse does not have much in the way of body armor and protection. The G-Klasse Multi-Role Vehicle is largely open exposing the driver and passengers open and exposed to the elements.
For special forces operators, armor and windows are largely obstructions. Special forces operators have the skills and tools to protect themselves and do what they need to do as quickly as possible. With the vehicle largely open from all angles, operators can respond to threats from all angles.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse Multi-Role Vehicle is built for speed over a wide variety of terrain. The vehicle wears size 285/75R18 tires and has large portal axles. The Multi-Role Vehicle is also longer than the conventional LAPV G-Klasse.
Stripped of body armor, ammunitions, weapons and canisters, the Mercedes Benz G-Klasse Multi-Role Vehicle can weigh just two to three tons. At this weight, the Multi-Role Vehicle is optimized for speed. With speed in mind, traditional seating is switched out and replaced with bucket seats with camouflage padding and four point harness seatbelts designed to keep the driver and passenger firmly in place.
The cargo area in the back of the vehicle is covered with wooden planks and can carry recovery gear or rescue wear. Recesses in the frame on the passenger side of the vehicle and the circular recess in the upper back area enable weapons to be quickly loaded and unloaded.
For protection, the Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse Multi-Role Vehicle has body armor under the vehicle to protect against land mines. However, armor can be upgraded to provide protection up to the waist or beyond with additional armor plates.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse Multi-Role Vehicle can carry three to six soldiers and can accommodate equipment having a total weight of 2.5 tons. The vehicle is five meters long and can weigh up to 10,000 pounds with a full payload. The G-Klasse Multi-Role Vehicle is powered by a 3.0-liter Iveco diesel engine producing 204 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.
