Mercedes 4x4s Traverse The UK Without Using Public Roads At All

A dozen four-wheel driven Mercedes-Benz models were successful in completing what is believed to be the first ever off-road UK crossing in modern times.

Mercedes went with a mixture of G-Class, GLE and GLS models for this 65 mile (104 km) journey across the Scottish Highlands, which was completed over the course of two days.

Furthermore, all vehicles were standard UK-spec cars, fitted with road-legal mud tires and nothing else in terms of modifications, other than the removal of the side steps on certain models.

The leader of the pack was of course the iconic G-Class, using its permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, low-range gearbox and three fully lockable differentials in order to cope with even the roughest of terrains such as gravel, rock, wet grass, rivers and even the gelatinous mud of the Highlands.

In order to make sure models such as the GLE and GLS made it across unscathed, Mercedes fitted them with the Off-Road package that includes a center differential lock, protective underbody paneling, a low-range gearbox, fully manual mode for the automatic transmission, special off-road programming, plus an extra three selectable ride heights for the AIRMATIC suspension. The package also features an “Off-road Plus” mode for the standard Driver Select system.

Mercedes needed permission from 11 different people in order to make it across their selected route, which they’ve chosen not to reveal in order to respect the privacy of the landowners.