ALPINE STAR
DESCENT CONTROL There’s no low-speed crawl mode, but low-range gearing keeps things steady in tricky terrain.
When Mercedes set out to redesign its G-Class sport-utility for the first time since its 1979 introduction, one of its biggest goals was to improve the brick-shaped SUV’s on-road behavior. And boy did the G-wagen need it. The primitive recirculating ball steering is notoriously loose and requires constant correction to maintain a straight line. And let’s not even talk about the body roll.
Just remember, officers who had terrible terrain to traverse. That it became a favorite of the Cartier and Cristal set was a happy accident.
