Although the Sahara 4x4 which was exhibited for the first time on the marque's stand had already been placed on the market, the Military 230 M was in fact a world premiere at the 1979 Show and opened the way for the future Hummer and other all-terrain Mercedes. The Military was powered by a 4-cylinder diesel in-line 3.2-litre engine which provided 86 bhp and guaranteed excellent obstacle crossing ability thanks to the vehicle's 4-wheel drive mechanism.