But as demilitarized luxury transportation bopping around West Los Angeles, the G-wagen is deeply compromised, even stupid.

WSJ: Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Review: Civilians Shouldn't Salute It | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

At present, more than 60 countries' armed forces use the G-wagen, including the U.S. Marine Corps, which deploys a version as a fast-attack vehicle.

WSJ: Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Review: Civilians Shouldn't Salute It | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

Actually, the G-wagen is an interesting case study in industrial design.

WSJ: Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Review: Civilians Shouldn't Salute It | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

To be clear, there were very good reasons the G-wagen cabin was shaped like it is something about hard points and serviceability in the field, I'm sure.

WSJ: Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Review: Civilians Shouldn't Salute It | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

The G-wagen also gets into step with the latest generation of Mercedes's infotainment and Internet systems, as well as safety tech such as (optional) adaptive cruise control, parking assist and blind-spot assist.

WSJ: Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Review: Civilians Shouldn't Salute It | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil