The meeting of two mighty machines!

Powerful and agile.

A truly exhilarating and nerve-wracking experience, the machines powered through the tightest of spots and over uneven surfaces to prove their worth.  The G-Class Experience Center is located on the former Nittner Air Base in Feldkirchen, just south of Graz, Austria, where prospective customers can try the impressive machines for themselves.

Climbing over rocks, up steep slopes and through trees and fords – the vehicles did it all with ease.

The Unimog – still got it.

Unimog for many, is the original mean machine. Dubbed the ‘universal power tool’, it was first developed in 1946 and celebrated its 70^th anniversary this year with no signs of slowing down. The initial prototype was twice as fast as the agricultural vehicles of that era and boasted AWD with front and rear locking differentials – three years later it was named Unimog – short for ‘Universal-Motorgerät’ or ‘Universal Motor Machine’, with the first model christened ‘U 25’.

The ‘Unimog S’ followed in 1955, offering 80 hp from a six-cylinder 2.2 litre engine.  Production had to be moved from Maschinenfabrik Boeringer in Göppingen to the Daimler-Benz truck plant in Gaggenau, Baden in 1951, to cope with increasing demand.

Ideal off-roader.

Since 2002, the vehicles have been built at the world’s largest truck plant in Wörth, with more than 260 model variants and 350,000 units having been built since it was first launched. The ‘Unimog S’ is still the most popular version.

The modern-day ‘Mog has plenty to offer any keen off-roading adventurer. A flexible chassis with 3-pont cab mounting, engine and transmission plus all-wheel drive, single tyres, Tirecontrol Plus central tyre inflation system and differential locks ensure maximum traction.

Powerful, efficient and full of surprises.

Additionally, the Euro VI 4-cylinder engine with an output of 170 kW (231 hp) is powerful, economical, efficient and centrally positioned under the cab, producing a balanced axle load distribution.

When you want to go, the vehicle utilises the fully synchronised electro-pneumatic transmission (EPS) with eight forward and six reverse gears to propel you forward.

When you want to stop, the pneumatic braking system with off-road ABS, automatic load-dependent brake force control (ALB) and disc brakes on all four wheels ensure you do so, promptly.

The vehicle is also adaptable, with a variety of interfaces and attachments.

G-Class – a strong contender.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has being going strong for 40 years. The classic is a respected and beloved member of the automotive industry and is now regarded as a luxurious, lifestyle vehicle.

With a low-range, slope climbing ability of up to 100% and strong locking differentials, the G-Class can go virtually anywhere off the beaten track.

Originally developed in 1972 in Graz, Austria, it wasn’t until 1979 that the ‘G-Class’ entered production – the 300,000^th unit was built in 2017. Over the years the model has experienced some structural changes, including the switch from a solid live axle to a fully independent setup and an upgrade to a four-wheel-drive system.

Unstoppable.

The trial of these two power houses was thrilling, climatic and downright impressive. The drivers were able to keep their cool and enjoy themselves, whilst the unstoppable machines did all the work.

Did you enjoy seeing these machines in action?

Or do you own one of these vehicles or had the chance to try one for yourself? Tell us all about it below or send a private message.