What Makes the Arksen U1700 the Ultimate Luxury Off-Roader? | Full Review

📅 Jun 30, 2025

For the discerning explorer, the boundary between raw capability and refined comfort has long been a compromise. With the Arksen U1700, that compromise is effectively dissolved, replaced by a vehicle that bridges the gap between high-altitude ambition and Mayfair sophistication.

The Art of the Ultimate Expedition

A man in casual outdoor apparel standing next to a massive white Arksen U1700 expedition vehicle in an industrial setting.
The Arksen U1700 isn't just a vehicle; it's a mobile sanctuary designed for those who refuse to compromise on luxury in the wild.

At the heart of the Arksen philosophy lies a profound commitment to the 'sanctuary'—a belief that your environment should nourish you, regardless of the topography outside. Standing beside the Arksen U1700, its immense proportions are immediately clear, yet there is an undeniable grace to its silhouette. Arksen has masterfully translated its marine-grade luxury DNA from the high seas to the world’s most demanding land routes. This is more than a custom expedition vehicle; it is a mobile atelier designed for those who view the horizon not as a limit, but as a personal invitation.

Military Durability Meets Mojave Silver

The foundation of this masterpiece is a meticulously restored Mercedes-Benz Unimog U1700 chassis, a platform legendary for its near-mythical durability. However, Arksen elevates this military icon with a bespoke Mojave Silver finish, lending it an air of understated elegance that feels at home in a remote forest trail or parked outside a mountain lodge. The engineering is peerless: featuring a torsion-free subframe and massive 46-inch tires, it offers an analogue driving experience that is as tactile as it is unstoppable. It is a rare marriage of brute force and artisanal refinement, ensuring that the journey is as visually stunning as the destination.

The Sanctuary: Marine-Inspired Interiors

Step inside, and the rugged exterior gives way to what Arksen calls the 'Sanctuary.' The transition is startling—gone is the military austerity, replaced by sybaritic comfort. The interior palette draws heavily from Arksen’s nautical heritage, utilizing clean, minimalist lines and premium materials like vegan leather seating for six. Every detail is considered: from the high-spec soundproofing that hushes the roar of the diesel engine to the loft beds that offer a peaceful respite under the stars. The modern bathroom, accented with deep blue walls, serves as a reminder that true luxury is the ability to maintain one’s lifestyle in the most remote corners of the Earth.

Command and Control

The U1700’s technical suite is a masterclass in integration. Utilizing marine-spec CZONE control systems and Polaris Maxx infotainment, the vehicle offers a seamless interface that feels more like a modern yacht’s bridge than a truck’s dashboard. This digital sophistication is contrasted by the tactical durability of the exterior accessories. Every black-coated ladder and roof rack has been engineered to withstand extreme stress while maintaining a sleek, cohesive aesthetic. For the modern explorer, these controls represent total autonomy—the power to manage power, water, and navigation with the flick of a screen, even when you are a thousand miles from the nearest grid.

The Explorer’s Uniform: Go-Anywhere Apparel

The Arksen lifestyle extends beyond the vehicle and into the wardrobe. Arksen Apparel is designed for the high-performance nomad, focusing on technical fabrics and ergonomic cuts that never sacrifice style. The Nox hoodie and Limosa zip-through are quintessential pieces—crafted in neutral, earth-toned palettes that mirror the U1700’s interior. These garments are designed to transition effortlessly from the physical demands of the trail to the social atmosphere of a post-expedition cocktail party. It is a 'go-anywhere' uniform that prioritizes movement and breathability, ensuring you remain as composed as your vehicle, whether you're navigating a mountain pass or a city street.

The Final Frontier of Luxury

The Arksen U1700 parked in a grassy landscape with its pop-up roof extended.
Whether parked at the highest point of Earth or in a lush valley, the U1700 remains the ultimate investment in comfort and exploration.

Ultimately, the Arksen U1700 is more than the sum of its 46-inch tires and vegan leather hides; it is a vessel for the ultimate investment—experience. By combining the heritage of the Unimog with the forward-thinking design of Project Everest, Arksen has created a modern analogue experience for the most discerning collectors. It invites you to reach the highest points of the Earth in total comfort, proving that true luxury isn't about where you are, but the grace with which you arrived.

Victoria Chen

Victoria Chen

Luxury fashion expert & brand historian. Decoding the stories behind iconic designs and helping you invest in pieces that last.

Tags
ArksenArksen U1700Luxury Off-RoaderMercedes UnimogExpedition VehicleOutdoor LifestyleMen's Technical WearSustainable Fashion