For years prior to its "offical" appearance in North America, the Mercedes-Benz Gelaendwagen sport utility vehicle was sold around the world, but was  available in the U.S. only through a single dealer in New Mexico, who imported the vehicles and modified them for sale in the U.S. Chances were you could catch a glimpse of one once in awhile, but it was an extremely rare car on this side of the Atlantic.

Fortunately, starting in 2002, the Gelaendwagen, and specifically the model designated the G500, was available through Mercedes dealers in North America, and despite its price tag, it was an instant hit with a very discerning class of drivers.