Private ownership is likely after Mercedes-Benz successfully won the Australian Defence Force contract for a fleet of khaki G-wagons. The necessary homologation for the ADF has opened the door to importing vehicles for the public.
Mercedes-Benz Cars spokesman David McCarthy says it could be on the cards.
"There is certainly the possibility that we will bring in the diesel V6 and the G55 AMG," he says.
"We are currently investigating the volumes and pricing to make a business case."
"This window has been made possible after the G-wagon received certification for Australia because of the military orders."
The military G-wagons will be six-wheel drive versions with most of the chassis work contracted out to a firm in Newcastle, NSW.
New private-sale G-wagons will arrive in 2009 guise, with a new three-bar grille and a chrome grille surround.
The 2009 Mercedes G-Class wagons come in three body variants — short-wheelbase wagon, long wheelbase wagon and ragtop — powered by a 165kW/540Nm 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel; 285kW/530Nm 5.5-litre V8 petrol; or for the AMG version, a supercharged 373kW/700Nm V8 petrol.
There is also a 5-litre V8 petrol for some commercial applications.
The wagon is no slug, either, with the G55 AMG capable of a 0-100km/h time of only 5.9 seconds and on to a top of 210km/h.
Only one transmission — Mercedes' ubiqitous seven-speed sequential automatic — is offered and is mated to a two-speed transfer case with constant all-wheel drive.
The brick shape — a legacy of the commercial application of the vehicle and its 30-year age — hints at the G-Class' off-road ability.
All models have three electromechanical locking differentials that can be engaged on the move.
Other standard equipment is a full ladder chassis, solid-axle front and rear suspension, recirculating-ball steering and high ground clearance. All can climb slopes up to 80 per cent gradient and can tow up to 3200kg.
The G55 AMG will have 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery, burl walnut or maple wood trim, Harman/Kardon premium 10-speaker audio and a sunroof.
The vehicle has seating for five adults — there is no third-row option — and while it borrows luxury components from other Mercedes models, it still regarded as being noisy, has some bodyroll and is awkward to enter because of its tall stance and narrow door openings.
But it is likely that if it makes it to Australia, the tiny quote will make it a rarity on our roads.
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