It’s hard to talk about the Mercedes-Benz G-Class without someone spouting off about how expensive or flashy they are. Those things may be true today, but the G-Wagen, as it’s affectionately known, has its roots in rugged military work. The SUV can trace its start to the early 1970s, when development began in earnest. The Shah of Iran was the catalyst for the project, and he was offered one of the vehicles of his own in the late 1970s.

Mercedes didn’t import the G-Class to the United States at that time, because the automaker didn’t believe it would sell to luxury-minded Americans. Just a few years after its introduction, however, a thriving gray market emerged for the vehicles in the States. As we know now, the government tightened its stance on vehicle imports in the late 1980s, closing the legal routes to import. Today, we can import first-generation G-Wagens, as long as they are more than 25 years old.

Generations: Two

• Mercedes-Benz G-Class 1st Generation
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2nd Generation

Pros: Incredible off-road ability, boxy-but-handsome good looks, capable powertrain options
Cons: Insanely expensive, hard to find, forget about fuel economy

Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2nd generation (2018-Present)

Once Mercedes shifted to civilian production of the G-Class for 1990, it didn’t get another major overhaul until 2018. The current G-Wagen, technically in just its second generation, is offered in two main forms: The G 550 and the AMG G 63. Updates for the new generation include revised exterior dimensions and greater ground clearance. Mercedes swapped the SUV’s steering system for a new electric power steering system, and left almost no component untouched in the ground-up redesign.

The G550, though not technically the “performance” variant in the G-Class line, still gets a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that makes 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes says the big SUV can run from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and it does that while retaining incredible four-wheel drive capabilities. The insane AMG G 63 gets a handcrafted twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, which is good enough for a 4.5-second zero-to-60 time. That’s in an SUV that weighs nearly three tons.

Though all-new, the latest G-Class doesn’t look all that different from its predecessors, but Mercedes did pack more safety and entertainment tech under the skin while also reducing the vehicle’s weight by around 375 pounds. At the same time, the automaker opened up more customization options for the SUV, including G Manufaktur custom finishes, the aforementioned AMG model, and more.

Fuel economy numbers are abysmal for the G-Class. The G550 returns 14 mpg city, 17 highway, and 16 combined, while the G63 hits just 13 city, 16 highway, and 14 combined. Luxury SUV buyers aren’t necessarily concerned with these things, but it’s hard to imagine getting good fuel economy in such a boxy vehicle, especially when running climate controls, infotainment features, and utilizing four-wheel drive.

Part of the allure—or the controversy, depending on where you stand—with the G-Wagen doesn’t start or end with its off-road capability for most people. It’s there, and everyone’s aware of it, but most people look at the G-Wagen as a road-going symbol of wealth, especially in Mercedes-AMG trims. That most model years look the same could be considered a benefit, because a buyer considering an older Mercedes G-Class SUV might only sacrifice a few specs and the newest infotainment features over buying a new car.

The newest G-Class models get extensive luxury SUV features, such as a large sunroof, digital instrument clusters, Nappa leather upholstery, lively V8 engines, Burmester sound systems, and the latest safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Buyers consider other world-topping SUVs when shopping for the Mercedes, including the Land Rover Range Rover, the BMW X7, and even the Toyota Land Cruiser for an off-road ready luxury barge. Of course, most of these vehicles never become the off-roader their designers intended, but buyers relish the fact that their 4matic-powered G-Wagen is ready to tackle almost anything, even on 20-inch wheels. For people seeking even crazier MSRPs, Brabus still tunes the G-Class, and others have released upgrades that improve performance and off-road ability, such as portal axles.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class W461 generation (1992-Present)

You’re reading the dates correctly. Mercedes-Benz still makes the W461 G-Class that it first unveiled in 1992. The vehicle features nearly the same chassis as its G-Wagen predecessor, the W460, but it got powertrains and some features from the early civilian first-generation SUVs. Mercedes upgraded the vehicle’s electrical system and even sold a few limited-edition models to regular buyers. The EDITION30.PUR came with two off-road package options and upgraded interior fixtures for better creature comforts. The Professional model debuted a year later, in 2010, and came in five different body styles.

Origins of the Mercedes G-Wagen (1979-1992)

The Shah of Iran, who was a major shareholder in Mercedes at the time, convinced the automaker to build a military vehicle that could conquer nearly any terrain. The project resulted in the first G-Class vehicles, which entered production in 1979 at the new Mercedes factory in Graz, Austria. The vehicles were essentially hand-built, and they grew into a worldwide sensation. The Pope ordered a G-Class with a special dome for the Popemobile, and Mercedes even gave a handful of the SUVs to Brabus for special tuning.

The earliest SUVs were absolute utility wagons, offering very little in the way of creature comforts. Mercedes updated the vehicle over the years, including more comfortable front seats, an automatic transmission, and a more road-trip-friendly steering wheel. The vehicle retained its boxy looks, upright grille and beefy locking differentials, but eventually became an SUV that people could drive most days without issue.

Mercedes never sold the first-gen G-Wagen in the US, mistakenly believing that it was too rugged and unrefined for the American audience. A thriving grey market for the G-Class emerged in the 1980s, as importers shipped SUVs into the country and altered them to comply with U.S. law. Eventually, the government tightened its import regulations, leading to the regulations we have today, which prevent vehicles under 25 years old from being imported and registered for regular road use.