The no-compromise core.
Not a watered-down base model — the AWOL Platform is the engineered foundation every Adventure Utility Vehicle needs.
AWOL exists for more adventure, more often — and that only happens when the core is genuinely capable. The Platform is built to carry real gear, tackle real terrain, and handle real payload from day one.
Outside, it starts with a serious 4x4 foundation and an overland-ready exterior built for carrying, mounting, and hard use. Inside, it begins with structure — bracing, mounting points, and a load-ready floor — plus a bed system that adapts fast. And it’s powered from the outset with a strong off-grid electrical foundation — so your lights, fridge, devices and comms just work, wherever the mission takes you.
In other words: you’re not “building up to” capability. You start with it — then choose only the Systems that match how you adventure.
AWOL Platform — $240,000 incl GST & ORC
Start with a no-compromise core. Add Systems now, later, or not at all — your setup evolves with you.
Change the setup, not the vehicle.
The AWOL Platform is the hard-working core — and the rest is designed to re-role. Build it for weeknight work, weekend trailheads, multi-day missions, or all three.
Seats can come in and out. Storage can shift from tools to expedition gear. Water and shower capability can be added for off-grid travel and removed when you want maximum space. Even essentials like a toilet are modular — in when it matters, out when it doesn’t.
Start simple, go big at the outset, or anywhere in between. The setup evolves with you — not the other way around.
Start with your mission.
Every AWOL begins with the same engineered Platform — but how people use them varies wildly. Some owners want a clean gear hauler that sleeps two. Others want a family basecamp. Some go all the way to a full off-grid expedition rig.
The fastest way to get oriented is to tell us a bit about how you actually plan to use it.
What happens next?
We review your responses and come back with clear starting directions — usually by email.
Depending on where you are in the process, that might include:
• a suggested starting configuration
• a few important trade-offs to consider
• examples of similar builds
• or simply the next step to explore
Some people then want to talk things through. Others just want a clearer sense of what’s possible. Both are completely fine.
'Find your AWOL' takes ~5 minutes.
Example Customer Builds
Every AWOL starts with the same engineered Platform. Below is what’s standard — then explore four real-world builds to see how customers add optional Systems on top.
The AWOL Platform — Standard
Weekday Workhorse. Weekend Weapon.
Customer Build:
Tools on Friday, trailhead by Saturday.
A setup for people who actually use their AWOL every day — early morning rides, site visits, hauling gear — then flip it fast for an weeknight, overnighter or a weekend mission. Clean, simple, ready.
Platform + Systems = $246,500 incl GST & ORC
Bike Mission. Anytime.
Customer Build:
MTB missions across NZ (with a dog).
Bike stays locked inside, dry, and ready — so “next ride” is always on. Roll in, ride hard, rinse off, reset, go again.
Platform + Systems = $270,000 incl GST & ORC
Four Seats. One Mission.
Customer Build:
A family basecamp that’s ready on Friday with a fast reset when you roll in on Sunday night.
Seats for the crew. All the gear locked inside and organised. Quick kitchen for the in-between moments. Freedom camping ready. Rinse off, reset, sleep — then do it again tomorrow.
Platform + Systems = $290,000 incl GST & ORC
Full Send. Off-Grid.
Customer Build:
An expedition-ready rig for disappearing properly — long range, full systems, and completely self-sufficient.
Big power, full conveniences, and the storage to carry everything you need (and nothing you don’t). Built with additional performance to push deeper, stay longer, and keep moving.
Platform + Systems = $315,000 incl GST & ORC
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
A few common questions answered.
How do I know which build style is right for me?
Most owners begin with a capable, well-rounded setup designed around how they genuinely expect to use the vehicle — not a minimal starting point.
Our role is to help you invest in the things that matter early, while avoiding unnecessary complexity or cost.
Because the AWOL Platform remains adaptable, your vehicle can evolve later if your lifestyle changes — but the goal is to start in the right place from day one.
Do I need to know exactly what I want before getting started?
Not at all.
Most people begin with a direction rather than a finished plan. Part of our role is helping you clarify what actually matters once you understand how the Platform works in real life.
You don’t need perfect clarity — just a sense of how you’d like to use the vehicle. We’ll help shape the rest together.
Can I add capability later?
Yes — but most owners choose a strong starting configuration.
The advantage of the AWOL Platform isn’t that you need to upgrade later; it’s that you don’t have to predict the next ten years perfectly before getting started.
We aim to build something genuinely capable from day one, with the reassurance that future changes remain possible if life, travel style, or priorities evolve.
What does “Typical system add-ons” mean on the cards?
They’re orientation ranges — not packages.
They help you understand what owners typically invest on top of the Platform for different kinds of use, so you can quickly gauge where your own setup may sit.
Your final configuration always reflects what matters most to you: simplicity, comfort, independence, or gear-carrying capability.
Is everything fully custom, or do I choose from packages?
You can absolutely personalise your AWOL — but we keep it intentional.
Rather than offering hundreds of disconnected options, we guide you toward combinations that remain cohesive, serviceable, and upgradeable over time.
You end up with something genuinely yours, without the downsides of a fragile one-off build.
Can the vehicle carry family seating as well as adventure gear?
Yes. Many owners want their AWOL to work across everyday life as well as travel.
Seating layouts can be configured to balance passengers, sleeping space, and gear storage while maintaining safety, comfort, and usability. These setups are designed intentionally from the outset so the vehicle still feels cohesive rather than compromised.
What happens after I complete “Find My AWOL”?
We review your responses and suggest a clear starting direction:
- what we’d recommend building first,
- what can wait,
- and what often isn’t worth paying for yet.
From there, we’ll usually have a short conversation to refine the approach together — no pressure, just clarity about the best path forward.
What if my needs change over time?
That’s exactly what the Platform is designed for.
Life changes — travel styles evolve, families grow, interests shift. AWOL is engineered so your vehicle can adapt without needing to start again.
You’re not locked into one version of life — or one version of your vehicle — for the next decade.
How much of an AWOL AUV do you manufacture in New Zealand?
80% (excluding the chassis). We manufacture our proprietary modular system, modular components, and our exterior racking systems all in NZ with performance engineering, exceptional quality and safety standards with fully certified modifications. We import floors and seats from Germany, and suspension upgrades from the USA, plus several accessory upgrades from Australia. We are not only proud to use performance engineering, but we know that no one can build true quality without being on the tools, in the workshop, and fully transparent to our customers. Straight from Wanaka, NZ to the world (that drive on the correct side of the road of course).
Can I drive my AWOL in both Australia and New Zealand?
Yes. Whether you are a Kiwi buying an AWOL to drive in NZ, an Aussie buying an AWOL to drive in AU, or you are looking to travel across both countries, we can arrange the transportation, certification, and warranty transfer to Mercedes. All you have to do is let us know during production that you need the vehicle to be certified for both countries.
Do you build on other chassis?
No. AWOL only builds on brand new medium wheelbase Sprinters (144’s) that we spec and source directly from Mercedes-Benz.
Can I talk to someone before making any decisions?
Absolutely.
Most AWOL journeys begin with a conversation. If you’re curious, unsure, or simply want to sanity-check ideas, we’re happy to talk things through — no expectations attached.