While the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 is an iconic and imposing vehicle in recent times, the concept of a six-wheeled Mercedes is not entirely new. Delving into automotive history reveals earlier examples, showcasing that Mercedes-Benz has a longer, albeit less publicized, relationship with six-wheel designs.
One notable instance is the Mercedes-Benz W31, also known as the G4. Produced in the 1930s, this three-axle off-road vehicle was initially developed as a staff car for the German Wehrmacht. These imposing machines were designed as seven-seater tourers and closed saloons, primarily intended for high-ranking Nazi officials for parades and inspections, rather than general military use due to their high cost. Approximately 57 of these vehicles were manufactured, and surprisingly, at least three are still preserved in their original condition today. Despite their historical significance, Mercedes-Benz understandably doesn’t heavily promote this particular six-wheeled model in modern marketing efforts due to its association with the Nazi regime.
Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz wasn’t even the first automaker to explore six-wheel configurations. The British marque Range Rover also ventured into this territory, creating six-wheeled versions of their vehicles well before the modern G63 AMG 6×6. Unlike the early Mercedes-Benz W31, where the front axle was unpowered, some Range Rover six-wheel configurations featured an unpowered rear axle in a 6×4 setup.
Range Rover’s six-wheel utility vehicles were developed for specialized applications. A prominent example is the Carmichaels International six-wheel Fire Tender, based on the first-generation Range Rover. This two-door model featured an extended chassis and a “lazy” third axle. Designed for use at smaller airfields, it incorporated a water pump mounted on the front bumper, directly driven by the V8 engine’s crankshaft. The Royal Air Force (RAF) adopted a version of this vehicle, designated the TACR2. Carmichaels supplied the modified chassis, while Gloster-Saro provided and mounted the fire-fighting equipment on these four-door variants, which utilized an internally mounted water pump powered by a gearbox PTO. Intriguingly, at least one of these Range Rover Fire Tenders has been further modified into a full 6×6 configuration, demonstrating the versatility of the original design.
These historical examples illustrate that while the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 has brought the concept of six-wheeled Mercedes vehicles into contemporary prominence, the lineage extends back decades, and even other manufacturers like Range Rover explored similar configurations for different purposes. The world of “Mercedes Six Wheels” is richer and more diverse than initially meets the eye.
