Mercedes-Benz is sending another variant of its iconic G-Class SUV to the great junkyard in the sky. After pulling the plug on the Cabriolet earlier this year, the automaker is now ending production of the bare-bones “Professional” Gelandewagon.
Formally known as the 461-series, the Europe-only Professional was nearly identical to the original G-Class that debuted back in 1979. It was replaced on the civilian market by the cushier, more luxury-oriented 463-series in 1990 – after which it was available only to buyers such as armed forces and rescue services – but Mercedes decided to restart sales to private customers beginning in 2010.
Looming emissions regulations are responsible for the utility’s second death, according to a Car and Driver report.
With its simple, robust design and proven off-roading chops, the Professional had been the G-Class of choice for those interested in venturing beyond the pavement. Power came from a 3.0-liter turbodiesel straight-six mill that paired with a five-speed automatic and produced 184 horsepower along with 295 lb-ft. of torque.
While the Professional and the Cabriolet have reached the end of the line, the standard G-Class is still going strong, with 2013 expected to be the more than three-decade-old model’s best-ever sales year. It isn’t likely to leave Mercedes’ lineup anytime soon.
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