Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its innovation and luxury, but the idea of a Mercedes-Benz 6 wheeler might conjure up images of modern, imposing G-Class 6×6 models. However, the history of six-wheeled vehicles from Mercedes-Benz stretches back much further, with intriguing origins linked to a complex past.
One of the earliest examples is the Mercedes-Benz W31 type G4. This three-axle off-road vehicle was initially produced in 1934 as a staff car for the German Wehrmacht. Designed as a seven-seat touring car or closed saloon, the Mercedes-Benz G4 was not intended for widespread military use. Instead, its high cost and imposing presence made it a vehicle favored by the upper ranks of the Nazi regime for parades and inspections. Only 57 of these vehicles were ever produced, further cementing their exclusivity and historical significance. Today, a mere handful, at least three, are believed to exist in their original form, serving as tangible links to a controversial period in history.
It’s perhaps this association with the Nazi Party that explains why Mercedes-Benz might not actively promote this chapter of their six-wheeled vehicle history in modern marketing efforts. The legacy is undeniably complex, intertwined with a regime responsible for immense suffering and atrocities.
Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz wasn’t the only manufacturer exploring the concept of six-wheeled vehicles during this era and beyond. The British marque Range Rover also ventured into the realm of six wheels, creating utility vehicles that served very different purposes. While the Mercedes-Benz G4 was conceived for personnel transport and display, the Range Rover 6 wheel configurations were often designed for more practical applications.
Wikipedia highlights the Range Rover’s adaptation into specialist utility vehicles, notably the Carmichaels International six-wheel Fire Tender. These were based on the first-generation Range Rover, featuring an extended chassis and a “lazy” third axle. Crucially, unlike some 6×6 configurations, the initial Range Rover six-wheelers were often 6×4, meaning only two of the six wheels were driven – typically the rear axles in fire tender applications, although the description of the Mercedes W31 mentions a three axle off-road vehicle, suggesting drive to at least two axles if not more. Designed for use in smaller airfields, the Carmichaels Fire Tender even featured a front-mounted water pump driven directly by the V8 engine’s crankshaft, showcasing innovative engineering for its time. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) also procured these vehicles for the Royal Air Force (RAF), designating their version the TACR2. These military versions, while still fire tenders, often utilized four-door configurations and internally mounted water pumps powered by a gearbox PTO (Power Take-Off). Intriguingly, some Range Rover fire tenders have even been converted into full 6×6 vehicles, demonstrating the adaptability of the platform and a clear distinction in intended use compared to the Mercedes-Benz G4.
Business Insider also pointed out this historical precedence, noting in a 2014 article that Mercedes-Benz wasn’t the first to produce a six-wheeled car. Their article showcased a 1973 six-wheeled Range Rover, further emphasizing that the concept of a six-wheeled passenger vehicle was explored by other manufacturers well before the modern resurgence of the Mercedes-Benz 6×6 G-Class.
In conclusion, while the modern Mercedes-Benz 6 wheeler, particularly the G-Class 6×6, has captured significant attention in recent years, the history of Mercedes-Benz and other manufacturers with six-wheeled vehicles reveals a longer and more nuanced story. From the politically charged Mercedes-Benz W31 G4 to the utilitarian Range Rover fire tenders, the six-wheel configuration has served diverse purposes throughout automotive history. Mercedes-Benz’s early foray into six-wheelers, though historically significant, remains a less publicized aspect of their heritage, likely due to its sensitive connections. In contrast, Range Rover’s six-wheeled vehicles carved a niche in utility and specialized applications, highlighting the versatility of the six-wheel concept in automotive design.
