MotorMouths

The 2013 G-Class is solid, capable, opulent, and handcrafted to its owners’ exact taste. But it’s also an icon; an authentic vehicle whose ability has been proven time and again.

When it comes to luxury off-road vehicles, few can match the Mercedes-Benz G Class for capabilities or swagger. That kind of comfort and capability comes at a price.

The G63 takes off with a bullish snort from the side pipes. It’ll run with a Mustang GT—and possibly just run it over. It is big and gaudy and absurdly overbuilt for the majority of its owners, which is exactly why they want it.

The G550 still crosses any terrain, in any environment. At the same time, continual updates ensure that in most respects it’s equally modern. It remains one of very few vehicles uniquely qualified for both crossing the Serengeti and standing out on Hollywood Blvd.

Given its utilitarian origins and mission, models like the 2013 Mercedes G63 AMG we just hustled around continue to make very little sense, but remain a heck of a lot of fun.

Those who want a modern SUV will not enjoy it, but those that want a G-Wagen because it is a G-Wagen will fall in love with their hand-built piece of German hardware. There’s nothing else like it out there — and probably never will be.

Buying a 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class takes quite a bit of money, but its massive power, luxurious cabin and tanklike presence make it strangely desirable.

The 2011 Mercedes G55 seems like every car nut’s dream vehicle, at least on paper. But, like the mega city we once built out of Legos, its compromises are endless.