The G-Wagen's shape has barely moved in forty years, which is most of why people buy one. The AMG version keeps the military-derived geometry and puts a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 behind it.

That engine makes 577 horsepower and 849 Nm, driving all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic and AMG Performance 4MATIC. 0 to 96 km/h takes 4.5 seconds and the limiter arrives at 239 km/h.

AMG's changes are visible but restrained: the model-specific grille, larger cooling intakes, flared arches, and red calipers over cross-drilled discs.

The cabin is where the age of the design disappears. Two 12.3-inch screens sit side by side under one glass panel for the instruments and infotainment, surrounded by leather.