The best 4x4 by far…?

In 1998, Mercedes launched their first luxury SUV, the M-Class (W163), which was supposed to replace the old G-wagon. However, their customers did not support this move and today they still build and sell both of these vehicles. Although this was the German brand's first attempt at a luxury SUV, it was still a proper 4x4 with low range and a special off-road traction control system.

Fast forward four years, and onto the scene burst the first VW Touareg. As far as luxury SUVs go, this was even better. It had a decent transfer case with low range, and you were even able to get it with a rear locking differential. These vehicles were built to compete against established luxury 4x4 names like the Toyota Land Cruiser 100, the Nissan Patrol, Range Rover and the Land Rover Discovery.

At the turn of the century, things started to change for overlanders world-wide when we started seeing a shift from automotive manufacturers towards what some people would describe as "softer" 4x4’s (not due to performance, but because of the luxury finishes and bold designs found in these expedition vehicles). The race to develop more stylish and safer vehicles with improved fuel