A hardcore workhorse version of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been announced. Meet the Mercedes-Benz G350d Professional.

When most people think of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the image of a vibrantly coloured G63 AMG comes to mind. Music videos are to blame for this shift in focus as the real purpose of this vehicle is not for entertainment and showing off, but rather as the ultimate go-anywhere machine. It has military and workhorse origins and during our visit to the G-Class plant in Graz, Austria in 2015, we saw military spec derivatives being assembled alongside their flamboyant counterparts.

This new Mercedes-Benz G350d Professional is designed for the hardcore off-road enthusiast and for commercial use. While the outgoing model was deemed a little too bare for some tastes, this new model promises an all-new interior along with a less agricultural ride. The Professional has always been the purist's choice and this new one certainly looks the part with black 16-inch wheels and a matte black grille.

Underneath the tough-looking exterior is the same proven setup. There's a meaty new diesel V6 which has been tweaked to provide 180 kW and 600 Nm, a sturdy ladder-frame body, permanent all-wheel drive, low-range and three electronically selectable 100% differential locks. The engine is claimed to consume 9.9 L / 100 km and will emit 261 g /km of CO2. Power reaches all four wheels through a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.

This vehicle also benefits from tweaked suspension which raises the ground clearance by 10 mm. Itnow stands 245 mm high which means its even more capable off-road. Thanks to the raised ground clearance, the approach angle has increased to 36 degrees, while the departure angle has been increased to 39 degrees. It can also tow things up to 3 200 kg.

Sadly, at this point there has been no confirmation of South African availability.

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