The original Jeep was the first military vehicle that found widespread popularity in civilian dress. Then came the Hum-Vee, which also spawned GM鈥檚 hummer brand of over-the-top 4x4s. Still, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, stands apart. Now in production for almost 40-years, the 鈥淕elandewagon鈥?has long since left its military side behind, and become the pinnacle of Mercedes exclusivity. Whether it鈥檚 our own Jeep and Hummer, Japan鈥檚 Land Cruiser, or Britain鈥檚 Land Rover, every developed country seems to have a battle-ready vehicle built to conquer both enemy territory as well as suburbia. For almost 40 years in Germany that role has been played by the Mercedes-Benz G-wagen, or as it鈥檚 now known, the G-Class. As has always been the case with all of these military-inspired utes, the G-Class has become more-and-more popular, continuing to grow more user-friendly, with ever increasing levels of comfort and luxury. But then every once in a while, engineers seem intent on proving that these leather-lined rigs are built for a lot more than just trolling country clubs or making a statement in the carpool lane. Thus, we get special versions like this 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4X4 squared.

It鈥檚 large, in charge, and towers over just about everything on the road. Yet despite the massive rolling stock, jacked-up suspension, and high center of gravity; steering remains responsive, and there鈥檚 very minimal wandering, even at highway speeds. Of course there鈥檚 not much sidewall flexing with these 22-inch wheels wearing 325/55 Pirelli Scorpion A/Ts either. Overall, it feels more tame and confident, than macho or overbearing. Moving this behemoth around is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that delivers 416-horsepower and 450 lb-ft. It feels fantastically powerful, just adding to the assertive nature that this truck gives you. We let it loose at our test track and hit 60 in just 6.5-seconds. For reference that鈥檚 over 3 seconds faster than the last Hummer H2 we tested. There鈥檚 enough low end grunt at launch to spin these 22s up a bit, but not enough to make it too difficult to get away cleanly.

Plenty of mid-range beef keeps it moving, while the 7G-Tronic automatic clicks through gears quickly and firmly. It鈥檚 easy to forget you鈥檙e riding so high off the ground, as the 录-mile flies by in 15.1-seconds and 91 miles-per-hour. But, on to what this thing is really all about, off road supremacy. Mercedes has taken the already capable G-wagen to the ultimate extreme, and it all starts with new portal axles. All three differentials can be locked, and while there is some electrical assistance, it鈥檚 nothing like a nearly automated Land Rover. Here, you pretty much take control of everything. After two weeks of blasting around hill and dale in this beast, we found it hard not to be nervous about tearing up the terrain in this thing. But, it seemed to laugh off the worst we could muster around here. Our biggest test complaints come down to defaulting to eco power and comfort suspension every time you power it up, and the awkwardly low hanging rear bumper obviously done for compliance sake. Once you manage the extremely high up entry, you鈥檒l find nothing lacking in creature comforts.

This brute is every bit a Mercedes-Benz; whether you鈥檙e talking about the quilted leather upholstery, climate-controlled seats, or features like navigation and onboard WiFi. The boxy Bronco-ish body gets a lift of its own; while fender flares get serious extensions to cover all of that rubber. And yes, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are as abysmal as you expect, 11-City, 11-Highway, and 11-Combined. Hey, at least they鈥檙e consistent. Somehow, we managed to eke out 13.3 miles-per-gallon on Premium. The Energy Impact Score is about as bad as it gets too, burning through 30.0-barrels of oil every year, and emitting 13.7-tons of CO2. By far, the worse numbers are the OMG prices. 225,925 to get squared. Of course, you could build an equally capable Wrangler for half of that, but that鈥檚 not exactly the point of this rig now is it? So, what is the point of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4X4 squared? Well, it鈥檚 a way for Mercedes-Benz engineers to showcase what the brand is capable of. And at the same time, if you can afford it, you get to enjoy their labor of love, on or off road, in one of the most insane vehicles we鈥檝e ever driven.

However, those with the means to welcome a little irrationality into their lives are sure to love Mercedes-AMG鈥檚 high-performance SUV. Like a SEMA concept come to life, the G63 is stupid-fun in the best ways possible. 23,000 more than a G550. Is the AMG-badged box really worth the extra money over its lesser Benz branded sibling? 178,500 Land Rover Range Rover SV Autobiography Dynamic. Despite its familiar looks, the 2019 G63 shares only the aforementioned exterior door handles, headlight-washer sprayers, and spare tire cover with its forebear. Mercedes鈥檚 flagship SUV stands out for its simple, purpose-built design, and the latest iteration of the G63 benefits from 6.0-inch wider front and rear tracks. 3,950 22-inch wheel and tire package. It鈥檚 no less charming inside the G63, which combines modern Mercedes amenities with classic G cues such as an upright windshield, shallow dashboard with prominent buttons for the locking differentials, and a large grab handle fore of the passenger seat. That said, the G63鈥檚 cabin marks a far greater departure from tradition than its exterior.