The 1907 Dernburg-Wagen represents a significant milestone in automotive history as the first commercially available four-wheel drive car. Built by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (Daimler Motors Corporation), this vehicle paved the way for the development of modern-day SUVs and off-road vehicles.
Equipped with all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, the Dernburg-Wagen was designed to tackle the challenges of early 20th-century roads, many of which were unpaved and muddy. Its impressive ground clearance of 32cm surpassed that of modern off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, highlighting its capability in rough terrain.
Powered by a 6.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 35 horsepower at 800rpm, the Dernburg-Wagen was capable of carrying five passengers over the Alps. Despite its massive size and power, the vehicle featured pneumatic tires on solid steel wheels to provide relative comfort over rough terrain.
The legacy of the Dernburg-Wagen lives on in today's Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, including models like the GLK, GL, G-Class, and ML. These vehicles owe much to their pioneering ancestor, whose innovative design and capabilities laid the foundation for generations of off-road vehicles to come.
Source & Images: Daimler
