Mercedes G-Class Wolf 2 German Armed Forces Bundeswehr

Originally conceived as a military vehicle, the Mercedes G-Class is in service with the armed forces of 48 countries worldwide. In the summer of 2024, Mercedes signed a framework contract with the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) for the purchase of 5,800 G-Class vehicles. Endurance tests with five units, which began in November 2024, have now been completed.
 

In the early 1970s, prompted by the Shah of Iran, Mercedes began developing the G-Class as a military vehicle with Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Austria. The G-Class became available later as a civilian model in 1979.
 
However, the commercial success of the G-Class was primarily due to Mercedes managing to secure contracts with the armed forces of 48 countries across all continents. Over the years, Mercedes has delivered military G-Class vehicles to Russia, Ukraine, the USA (in a modified version), the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia, Singapore, Slovenia, Poland, Mexico, Mongolia, Iraq, Lebanon, Hungary, Greece, Germany, France, Egypt, and many others.
 
In the summer of 2024, Mercedes signed a framework contract with the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) for the acquisition of 5,800 G-Class vehicles by 2032, valued at 1.3 billion euros. Endurance tests with five vehicles began in November 2024 and have now concluded, with the German Army providing details about the testing.
 
The new Mercedes G-Class Wolf 2 (W464) succeeds the previous G 250 d Wolf (W461) generation, in service since 1990. Compared to the civilian model W463, the military version W464 is based on the older W461 platform but incorporates the modern 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine from the civilian G 450 d W464. This engine delivers 249 hp and 600 Nm—representing a 58% increase in horsepower and a 27% increase in torque over the 157 hp and 472 Nm of the former G 250 d Wolf. Unlike the civilian G 450 d, which produces 367 hp and 750 Nm, the Wolf 2’s engine is detuned for greater reliability, meeting only Euro III standards. It can also operate with kerosene or lower-quality diesel fuels.
 
The military G 350 d Wolf 2 is offered in two body styles: a closed five-door station wagon (BA06) and a chassis with a closed single cab (BA09).
 
The endurance tests were carried out at the Military Technical Center (WTD) 41 in Trier, and the five test vehicles covered 16,000 km in various conditions divided into four sections. As expected, the tests were crowned with success.
 
The first 1,500 units will be delivered by mid-2026, with the remainder by 2032. According to information provided by the German Army, the new G-Class Wolf 2 will have a service life of 20 years.