M-Class

Segment
SUV

Back in 1907, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft produced their first commercially-available four-wheel drive vehicle. Better known as DMG, their premier model with the all-wheel drive configuration we have come to know and love was then simply known as the Dernburg-Wagen, a model with a ground clearance of 32cm and a 6.8-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 35 horsepower. It's amazing to think of the progress the Germans have made in terms of off-roaders over the past 105 years.

The original Dernburg Wagon has given way to the modern Mercedes-Benz M-Class and now the latest generation of the iconic G-Class. The top-of-the-line 2013 G-Wagen is the epitome of ruggedness combined with luxury, with a 5.5-liter V8 capable of producing as much as 536hp. Daimler's four-wheel drive vehicles aren't just limited to rough off-roading models, as they also offer an array of cars and vans with the system. Looking ahead, Mercedes will even offer smaller cars such as the upcoming A45 AMG with all-wheel-drive, although don't expect for it to be to handle any serious off-roading.

But for more than a century, the German automaker has worked to refine their engineering abilities to produce wonderful off-road vehicles. Now they've released a terrific gallery showing off both their commercial and industrial models from years' past to the present day. Check them out below.