Even with the apparent aesthetics and aerodynamics of the garden shed, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class includes a small, If devout, number of followers.

A slab-sided go-anywhere 4×4, possibly the nearest thing Land Rover needs to a rival because of its Defender, the number has recently been expanded through the addition of the G55 variant.

This really is powered with a supercharged 5.5 litre V8, and pumps out more than 700Nm of torque, with 476PS. This gives outrageous acceleration 0-100kph in five seconds – and enough pulling capacity to outperform most tractors.

The definitive respect vehicle for 4×4 users. An indication of its capabilities would be that the emergency services of rural Germany and Austria consider it the very best and durable machine in the class. Nothing can match it once the going gets tough – expect perhaps a Hummer.