Development of the vehicle started in 2002, and 21 were procured by the German Army for the KSK special forces in 2004.

The name "Rheinmetall LandSysteme (RLS) Light Infantry Vehicle for Special Operations" is abbreviated as LIV (SO).

The German name for the LIV (SO) is Aufklärungs- und Gefechtsfahrzeug, meaning "reconnaissance and combat vehicle".

The LIV (SO) is four-wheel driven, and is powered by a 2,685 cc (163.8 cu in) 5-cylinder diesel engine capable of producing 156 horsepower (116 kW).

Partial ballistic and hand grenade splinter protection body panels can be added, and the engine compartment can be armoured as well.

[4] Swing arm mounts at the rear deck and the front passenger's seat allow the vehicle to be equipped with two 7.62 mm general purpose machine guns.