Mercedes G500 / G550 4×4²

The Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² (or G550 4×4² in the United States) is a special edition of the W-463 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (1990–2018), built with portal gear axles and much larger wheels and tires, for greatly increased off-road capability. In production since 2015, the model combines the body of a regular long-wheelbase Mercedes G-wagen with the portal axles with hub gearing of the much larger Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6.[1] In addition to the greatly increased ground clearance, the G500 4×4² version also has significantly wider tracks, compared to regular G-Class models.[2]

Fitted with a twin-turbo V8 engine with up to 416 HP, the vehicle stands out by combining Humvee-like off-road specifications with sports car performance, as well as being one of the very few production cars equipped with portal axles / geared hubs.

History

US-market Mercedes-Benz G550 4X4², with some Brabus trim

Mercedes-Benz initially showed the G500 4×4² to the public as a concept car, called "Extreme-G". One reason the concept was developed was due to the high demand for the G-Class — in 2014 the G-Class sold over 14,000 units, which is a lot for such an expensive type of vehicle, and with high profit margins to boot. As a result, a considerable budget for low-volume derivatives was authorized.[2] Positive response to this show car helped endorse the development of a series production version.[3] The car was launched at the Geneva motor show and brought into production in 2015 [4][5][6][7]

Though initially not available, the car was introduced to the U.S. market as a 2017 model – called the G550 4x4² – at an introduction price around $200,000.[8] In spite of the difference in designation, it has the same drivetrain as the global version.

Features and specifications

The Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² has a 4.0 L (244 cu in) twin-turbo V8 petrol engine producing 416 bhp and 450 lb⋅ft (610 N⋅m) of torque, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and three lockable differentials, like any regular G-Wagen.[8] The special portal axles, geared hubs, and wheels are complemented by raised suspension developed by KW with dual spring and shock damper struts with adjustable damping, on each corner.[9][10][11] The car features very aggressive styling, that uses the front fascia copied from the G63 and G65 AMG, and dual side-pipe exhausts that exit ahead of the rear wheels on both flanks.[2] The vehicle's ground clearance of 410 mm (16.1 in) slightly betters that of a Humvee, but it can sprint from naught to 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than six seconds.[8] On the inside, the car offers comfort and materials similar to a luxury saloon.

Compared to the already very robust standard G550, the 4×4² still offers much more of every off-road specification: 7.9 in (20 cm) of extra ground-clearance, 15.8 in (40 cm) of additional wading depth, a 21.6-degree steeper approach-angle, 23.4° greater breakover-, and 13.4° extra departure-angle.[8] The front track is wider by 9 inches (23 centimetres), the rear by 10 inches (25 centimetres). The Mercedes 4×4² beats the Hummer H1 on paper in almost every off-road measurement — except for traversing a slope. The 4×4² is limited to a 28.4° bank-angle, compared with the Humvee's 30°.[8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4 previewed". www.inautonews.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4² Prototype Drive – Review – Car and Driver
  3. ↑ The Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 4x4²: Max. Offroad Performance
  4. ↑ "Mercedes G 500 4x4 Concept details emerges". Business Standard. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  5. ↑ "First drive: Mercedes G500 4x4²". Top Gear. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  6. ↑ "Mercedes G500 4x4² (2015): the ultimate off-roader?". Car Magazine UK. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  7. ↑ "More details on Mercedes G 500 4×4² concept revealed". Arod Mercedes-Benz. Archived from the original on 2018-02-10. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4² Now for U.S. Sale – News – Car and Driver Blog
  9. ↑ Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4 Squared Concept
  10. ↑ Wright, Micah (2018-09-14). "Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared review: Life exaggerated". Autoweek. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  11. ↑ "25 years KW – the history of KW". KW Automotive Blog. 2017-03-15. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
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