The vehicle that this conversion is based on, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen (or G-Class, as it’s now known) was never going to win any beauty contests, but at least its utilitarian looks have a certain rugged elegance. And in standard form it can boast excellent off-road ability, something that is largely lost when you fit 22” alloy wheels, low-profile road tyres and a daft body kit.
A.R.T. has used the G 400 CDI as a starting point for the Sterling, which is odd because that particular model seems to have disappeared from the Mercedes-Benz price list, replaced in most markets by the G 350 BlueTEC.
Anyway, power output of the G 400’s V8 diesel has been lifted from 246 bhp (184 kW / 250 PS) to 288 bhp (214 kW / 292 PS). That increase is thanks to a reprogrammed engine ECU and the fitment of a comedy exhaust system which features six (yes, six) side-exiting stainless steel tail pipes. Very Max Power.
The interior doesn’t escape unscathed, either. Just about every surface is covered in either green or grey nappa leather or carbon fibre trim, all of which is supposed to ‘bewitch the senses’. An altered rear seat arrangement means the Sterling is strictly a four-seater, but at least those sitting in the back get their own DVD player and a centre console that holds a couple of glasses. No fridge to chill the drinks, though.
