Mercedes showed this mean-looking mutha at the recent Eurosatory event. The G-Wagon Light Armoured Patrol Vehicle 6.X Concept is the successor to the LAPV 5.4 and offers improved agility, greater protection and heavier payload capacity.
At 150kph it isn’t exactly a fast car but it can carry 1.3 tonnes of cargo thanks to a diesel lump. The monocoque full steel body is armoured for ballistic protection. And even if the armour plating is damaged the modular system allows individual plates to be replaced quickly or extra plates added. There’s even a mine deflector plate on the floor.
The variable lift front and rear coil-over air shock absorbers are adjustable while driving and can raise the vehicle up to provide nearly half a metre, 450mm, of ground clearance. There’s an individual tyre inflation system.
It is of course based on the proven G-Class but features substantial military hardware, including a data recorder system that documents ‘mission data’; integrated communication systems; mobile command, control and information system; and even a jamming system for greater security.
