The Fennek is a light armoured four wheel drive reconnaissance vehicle, operated by a three man crew and deployed in units of two vehicles. A scout party equipped with this vehicle is able to operate independently for a period of up to five days.

The Tactical Command and Control System (TCCS) enables the reconnaissance vehicles to be integrated into the reconnaissance data information, command and control system. This is accomplished by means of digitised maps showing the position of the host vehicle, the target and the current battlefield environment. These data are updated through HF and VHF radio data transmissions between the vehicle and the command post.

The electrically controlled gun mount is designed to carry a 40 mm automatic cannon, a .50 calibre machine gun or a 7.62 calibre machine gun. The sighting system consists of a periscope derived from the PERI Z l7, which is currently in service. As an option the periscope can be upgraded with an image intensifier or other plug-in modules.

The vehicle's observation system is the STN Atlas Elektronik BAA which comprises a thermal imager, a CCD day vision camera and a laser rangefinder and is installed in a sensor head mounted on an extendable mast. The sensor head can be controlled in azimuth and elevation and raised to a height of 3.29 m above ground i.e. 1.5m above the vehicle roof. For observation from a concealed position, the sensor head can be tripod-mounted at an exposed location for remote operation up to 40 m from the vehicle.

The sensor head is operated by means of the control unit in the vehicle or via the removed control unit from the concealed position. A hybrid navigation system consisting of an inertial unit and global positioning system (GPS) permits accurate determination of the vehicle position and the north direction. Determination of target coordinates is achieved using the system's laser rangefinder and azimuth and elevation measuring equipment, together with the navigation system.

The forward position of the driver's seat gives the driver a field of view greater than 180 degrees through the windscreen and side windows. The rearview camera mounted at the back of the vehicle and a monitor integrated in the driver's instrument panel allow rapid evasive manoeuvres to be carried out. The driver can use the cable winch to recover his own or another vehicle.

The vehicle has add-on all-round protection against 7.62 mm AP rounds. Add-on armour protection can be selected to suit mission requirements. The crew compartment is protected against anti-personnel mines. Nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) warfare protection is integrated in the crew compartment air-conditioning system. The infra-red signature is minimised through special exhaust ducting. The powerpack compartment is fitted with a fire extinguishing and warning system which can be automatically or manually triggered.

The 179 kW Deutz diesel engine provides a range of 860 km and maximum speed of 115 km/hour. The automatic transmission and transfer unit provides selectable four-wheel drive and limited slip differential. The H-layout of the driveline allows a very low height, with the power being transmitted to the wheels via angular and wheel gears. The vehicle is able to negotiate 60% forward and 35% side slopes. The turning radius is 6.3 m and the fording depth is 1 m. A central tyre inflation system enables the driver to adjust tire pressure on the move to suit terrain conditions.