Mercedes-Benz G-Class is mountain royalty
Take a look at the G500 in its natural element: the dirt.
Mercedes-Benz treated me to a trip to Schöckl Mountain, the proving grounds for the G-Class SUV outside of Graz, Austria.
The body style hasn't changed much since its introduction in 1979. It's still a big, boxy SUV.
Under the hood is a 4-liter twin-turbo V8, knocking out 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque.
The G500 has solid front and rear axles, making a path like this a piece of cake.
The 8 inches of wheel travel is not quite enough to keep all four tires on the ground here, but the G500 didn't seem to mind.
My crazy Austrian driver, Gunter, showed me just how fast the G500 can go on the dirt...and it's faster than you think.
The inside is filled with plenty of luxe touches. It is, after all, a Mercedes-Benz.
The handcrafted interior features a multifunctional steering wheel, the Comand infotainment system and heated 10-way power front seats.
Part of the G500 prowess off road lies here in the three lockable differentials.
Well, not everything can be a winner. May I present to you the cupholder on the $119,000 (starting price) Mercedes-Benz G500.
Click through for some more photos of the G-Class on Schöckl Mountain.