G-Class Gets Limited-Edition "G 550 4x4²" Model | Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz G 550 4x4 Squared | Mercedes-Benz G 550 4x4 Squared

Limited Edition G 550 4x4 Squared Model for G-Class

Mercedes-Benz Japan announced on April 4, 2016, that a special edition "G 550 4x4 Squared" will be added to the flagship cross-country model, the "G-Class." While there is no set limit on the number of units, orders will be accepted for a limited period from April 4 to May 31, 2016.

Text by OHTO Yasuhiro

A Special G 550 Leveraging Technology from the G 63 AMG 6x6

The "G-Class" has been produced for 37 years since its launch in 1979, undergoing continuous updates without a full model change. This is the strongest off-roader, born from the extensive application of special vehicle technology cultivated over its history. This is the special edition "G 550 4x4 Squared."G 550 4x4 Squared"G 550 4x4 Squared."

Last year, a limited edition of the "G 63 AMG 6x6," which similarly applied special vehicle technology, was released in Japan. However, that was a six-wheeled pickup truck variant. This time, the base is strictly the production body, with its off-road capability thoroughly refined. This has resulted in the ultimate G-Class, capable of adapting to any terrain while retaining the original G-Class's practicality.G 63 AMG 6x6This time, the base is strictly the production body, with its off-road capability thoroughly refined. This has resulted in the ultimate G-Class, capable of adapting to any terrain while retaining the original G-Class's practicality.

Mercedes-Benz G 550 4x42 | Mercedes-Benz G 550 4x42

Its exterior eloquently speaks to its performance, with an increased tread and ground clearance, plus the addition of fender flares. The tires fitted within are also quite wide, at 325/55R22. Furthermore, the dedicated front roof spoiler and underguard not only enhance functionality but also serve as design accents, further emphasizing the G-Class's rugged image and exuding an immense presence.

The most distinctive feature lies in its suspension, which incorporates newly developed, rally-reinforced twin shock absorbers. Twin suspension means each wheel is equipped with two parallel springs and strut dampers. In this specification, one of the two dampers has fixed damping force, while the other is an electronically controlled variable damper, allowing for a wide range of driving experiences from off-road to sporty performance.

Mercedes-Benz G 550 4x4 Squared | Mercedes-Benz G 550 4x4 Squared

Limited Edition G 550 4x4 Squared Model for G-Class (2)

Sold Only in Japan in the Asian Region

Driving modes can be switched between "Comfort Mode," which handles even rough terrain, and "Sport Mode" for dynamic driving. Additionally, thanks to the adoption of "portal axles" based on technology from armored vehicles, the ground clearance has been increased to 460mm and the fording depth to 1,000mm, compared to the base model "G 550" which has a ground clearance of 235mm and a fording depth of 600mm.

The powertrain is the same as the base G 550, featuring a newly developed engine based on the 4.0-liter V8 direct-injection twin-turbo designed by Mercedes-AMG. It delivers a maximum output of 421 hp and a maximum torque of 610 Nm. The transmission is an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic, as with other G-Class models.

The interior features the "designo leather package," with luxurious combination seats made of leather and microfiber with diamond stitching. The Japanese specification also includes a "360-degree camera system" and a "COMAND system with Japanese language support," ensuring that despite being a limited-order model, it is fully equipped for the Japanese market, just like other models.

It is available only in left-hand drive, with four body colors including the dedicated "Electric Beam." The price is 35.1 million yen. Although it is a limited-order production, sales in the Asian region are exclusive to Japan. While not quite reaching the level of the six-wheeled "G 63 AMG 6x6," it is poised to be a highly regarded presence among G-Class enthusiasts.