Mercedes-Benz Unveils the G 500 4x4² in Geneva | Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4² | Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4²
The Second Edition of the Monster G-Class
Mercedes-Benz Unveils the G 500 4x4² in Geneva
Mercedes-Benz has announced its latest G-Class model, the "G 500 4×4²," at the Geneva Motor Show. Its massive wheels and lifted ride height are inherited from the "G 63 AMG 6×6," which was released in Japan in a limited run of five units last year. However, while the G 63 AMG 6×6 was a unique six-wheeled model with two rear wheels and one front wheel, this is a standard four-wheeled model. Nevertheless, its 450mm ground clearance and 52-degree approach angle easily surpass those of the standard model, earning it the title of King of Off-Roaders.
Text by SAKURAI Kenichi
The Little Brother of the Six-Wheeled G-Class
The "G 500 4×4²" announced at this year's Geneva Motor Show is a model with a truly unique origin. Its appearance is sure to evoke the image of a series variation of the six-wheeled off-roader "G 63 AMG", which debuted in 2014 and was released in Japan last year. In fact, Mercedes introduces this vehicle as the little brother of the G 63 AMG 6×6.
As the name suggests, it is not an AMG lineup model, but the more you learn about the G 500 4×4², the more you realize its deep connection with AMG.
The adoption of a front bumper and over-fender design identical to that of the "G 63 AMG" and "G 65 AMG" makes it truly a four-wheeled version of the G 63 AMG 6×6. This is naturally achieved by fitting oversized 22-inch wheels and 325/55R22 tires to the G-Class body. It's a distinctive appearance, reminiscent of a toy car, that could even be called a genuine Mercedes "bigfoot."
Compared to the G 63 AMG 6×6, the ground clearance is slightly lower at 450mm (10mm less), but thanks to the shorter wheelbase (compared to the 6×6), the approach angle is 52 degrees and the departure angle is 54 degrees, both superior to its elder sibling.
This wheelbase also effectively ensures the ramp breakover angle (the angle at which the underside of the body does not touch the ground when cresting a slope), which is rated at 47 degrees. Considering that the "G 500 Long Wheelbase," with the same 2,850mm wheelbase, had a ramp breakover angle of 21 degrees, one can appreciate how impressive this figure is.
When measuring off-road capabilities, the wading depth is 1,000mm compared to the G 500's 600mm, and the tipping angle (the angle at which it will tip over) is 30 degrees, compared to the G 500's 28 degrees. You might think it's only 2 degrees, but anyone who has skied or snowboarded and stood on a slope will immediately understand how much more significant this difference feels visually. It's like the difference between a gentle slope and a steep one.
Furthermore, in off-road situations, this small 2-degree difference can be a matter of life and death for the occupants. For comparison, the base G 500 has a ground clearance of 210mm, an approach angle of 36 degrees, a departure angle of 27 degrees, and a ramp breakover angle of 21 degrees – the difference is stark.
Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4² | Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4²
The Second Edition of the Monster G-Class
Mercedes-Benz Unveils the G 500 4x4² in Geneva (2)
Strong AMG DNA Reflected
The suspension and 4WD system are inherited from the G 63 AMG 6×6. It features portal axles with hub reduction systems to increase ground clearance, combined with three mechanical differential locks at the front, center, and rear.
Additionally, it is equipped with dual strut springs and adjustable damper units that allow selection between "Comfort" and "Sport" driving modes via buttons on the center console. This mode switching occurs in just 15 milliseconds, and the "Comfort" mode reportedly offers a ride quality comparable to a luxury sedan.
A rearview camera is also included to compensate for the blind spots created by the significantly raised ride height. This means that despite a driving position that feels like looking down from above, visibility is not an issue once you get used to it. Surrounded by a robust, vault-like body and utilizing the long-travel suspension for off-road driving, it promises a unique experience unlike any other SUV.
There is another noteworthy point: it is the first time a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 310 kW (422 hp), has been installed in a "Mercedes-Benz" model.
Those with a keen eye will likely have guessed it from the keywords "displacement" and "twin-turbo." Yes, this engine is the new unit inherited from the "AMG GT". Unusually, it has been installed in the G 500 4×4², making it the first non-AMG model to feature this engine.
While the maximum output has been detuned to 310 kW (422 hp) for the G 500 4×4², falling short of the "AMG GT S" at 375 kW (510 hp) and the "AMG GT" at 340 kW (462 hp), the configuration with two turbochargers nestled between the V-banks, along with features like piezo direct gasoline injection and spray-guided combustion, are identical.
Although the "AMG" designation is absent from its name, the G 500 4×4², equipped with a chassis and 4WD system from the G 63 AMG 6×6 and a power unit from the AMG GT, can truly be called the King of Off-Roaders, a vehicle where Mercedes has pooled its full capabilities.
While currently presented as a show model, there is a high probability that it will be put into production, possibly with a limited production run similar to the G 63 AMG 6×6. Although the exact production numbers are unknown, the order list is sure to fill up quickly with the names of wealthy customers.
Even amidst this show, where many sports cars made their world premieres, its presence was exceptional. In terms of exclusivity, it not only held its own against other supercars but even seemed to surpass them, suggesting that this impression is not entirely mistaken.